Cork City Council has taken the lead in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Ireland, according to a recent survey by Geotab. The survey revealed that Cork City Council has electrified 28% of its fleet, with 77 EVs out of a total of 280 vehicles. Following closely behind is Fingal County Council, which has electrified 24% of its fleet with 87 EVs out of 357 vehicles.
The survey also highlighted that only five out of the 27 local authorities in Ireland have electrified more than 8% of their fleets. Unfortunately, some councils like Limerick City and County Council, Longford County Council, and Sligo County Council do not have any EVs in their fleets. However, many councils have informed Geotab that they have placed orders for EVs and are planning upgrades.
Despite the fact that transport accounts for a significant portion of local authority energy usage and emissions, only 4% of energy efficiency projects have been related to transport. This is a missed opportunity, as transport plays a crucial role in reducing emissions in Ireland.
While the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate requires certain bodies to adopt zero-emission vehicles, it does not apply to local authorities. This exemption has been identified as a key factor holding back the adoption of EVs. However, some councils have embraced telematics capabilities, allowing them to analyze data and optimize driving routes to reduce emissions.
Phil Barnes, Geotab’s business development manager for the UK and Ireland, emphasized the importance of local authorities leading the way in the adoption of electric vehicles. He praised the efforts of Cork City Council and Fingal County Council as examples for other councils to follow. Barnes also highlighted the potential of telematics in helping councils reduce their carbon footprint.
In addition to the survey findings, recent statistics have shown a 52% increase in the number of new electric cars licensed in Ireland in the first nine months of 2023. Despite challenges such as a lack of charging infrastructure and high battery replacement costs, the demand for EVs is on the rise.
The survey results underscore the need for local authorities across Ireland to prioritize the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future. By following the example set by Cork City Council and Fingal County Council, other councils can play a significant role in driving the transition to electric vehicles in the country.