A new survey in Northern Ireland (NI) has concluded that 88% of people in the country are not ready for electric vehicles (EV), with almost 80% claiming the planned 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars is too soon.
In NI, from January 2025, car manufacturers have sales quotas to meet for zero emissions vehicles – legislation passed by the Stormont assembly as of October 2024.
By 2035 all newly registered cars in the UK & NI will need to be electric or zero emission vehicles as petrol and diesel vehicles will no longer be for sale.
By 2030 80% of new cars and 70% of vans sold will need to be zero emission with that figure reaching 100% by 2035.
These changes fall under the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate which sets out the percentage of new zero emission vehicles manufacturers across the UK will be required to produce each year up to 2030 – with a target for 2024 of 22%, rising to 28% this year.
The survey also reported that 65% believe the government should be providing grants and tax benefits to encourage motorists to make the switch.
“It may be 10 years till the big change has to happen but it’s important to start having these conversations now.
“Worryingly, 88% of those we surveyed in Northern Ireland don’t think the UK is ready for electric vehicles.
Achievements and innovations in EV charging infrastructure will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
