Car dealers across Ireland have formed a new alliance to promote collaboration between industry, policy makers and motoring advocates towards reaching the EU car carbon emission targets. Called The Irish Car Carbon Reduction Alliance (ICCRA), it includes the majority of car dealers in Ireland, representing almost every brand.

The Alliance wants to end current consumer confusion around car engine choices and Electric Vehicle targets for Ireland, so that EU targets can be achieved. The latest energy emissions report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland shows that total emissions from transport have increased by  almost a quarter (24%) since 2012, with cars accounting for 40% in 2018.

Denis Murphy, Managing Director of Blackwater Motors in Fermoy, spokesperson for ICCRA, said a clear road map is needed that will help consumers make the transition to electric vehicles in a timely and affordable manner. He commented, “We all recognise that urgent action is required across all sectors of the economy so that everyone plays their part in protecting our planet. The Irish motor sector, as well as motorists, are aware of the positive actions we can all take to reduce our carbon footprint.  But there is widespread confusion and misinformation, particularly when it comes to comparing car engine and power types and which currently available car types are better for the environment and the motorist’s pocket.

Denis added, “The Government Climate Action Amendment Bill 2019 proposes a ban on the sale of fossil-fuelled cars and to have one million EVs on Irish roads by 2030, just ten years away. Currently there are about 9,000, less than 1% of the target. Its difficult to see how that gap can be eliminated, particularly given the average cost of an EV is over €45,000 before subsidies whereas the average price of a new car bought in Ireland is €26,675.  As national new car sales figures demonstrate, showing a continuing decline in registrations, the net result is consumer confusion.”

The Alliance also points out practical barriers to achieving the government’s proposed goal, saying that Ireland does not have the infrastructure to support a significant switch to electric in the medium to long term. Denis commented, “At present there are only 800 public electric charge points in Ireland, plus a further 300 in Northern Ireland. The government plans to add 200 more each year until 2025, taking the total on the island of Ireland to just over 2,000. In comparison Norway, the EU leader in EV transition, has 12,000 public charging stations serving 300,000 electric or plug in hybrid vehicles, less than a third of the targeted size for Ireland’s EV fleet.”

ICCRA is seeking a cooperative approach between Government, industry and policy makers to set realistic goals to successfully achieve the EU’s carbon emission targets set for 2040, to which all the major car manufacturers are aligned and committed to achieving.