Irish consumers are confused about the environmental impact of their cars, according to a new study by the Irish Car Carbon Reduction Alliance.
The national study of over 1,000 Irish consumers found that 86% of people don’t know the CO2 emissions output of their current vehicle, while two thirds say they are concerned about conflicting information about what cars are environmentally friendly.
The study also reveals that 82% of those over the age of 25 do not think the government’s plan to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2030 is achievable.
62% of consumers said they would consider buying a petrol or diesel car in the future, if it could be shown to be more environmentally friendly.
However, 42% of respondents, rising to 60% among 18-24 year olds, stated that the government’s plan would stop them buying such a car in the next five years.
When considering an electric vehicle, 56% of people said they are not willing to pay a premium to go electric.
The survey highlighted that the lack of appropriate charging infrastructure and lack of sufficient time are holding people back from going electric.
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Speaking on Morning Ireland, Denis Murphy, a spokesperson for ICCRA, said that Irish consumers want clarity and cost effective solutions, which will allow them to reduce their carbon footprint.
"Confusion has delayed people from buying new cars. The root to reducing our emissions in the short-term is through more environmentally friendly cars. Electric vehicles are coming and that button has been pushed but they won't come until the end of the decade. Car manufacturing plants are moving towards zero emissions production too," he said.
Mr Murphy said the best way to reduce emissions in the transport sector is to incentivise the replacement of old emissions-intensive cars with newer and more fuel-efficient models.
"By 2021 the average new car on Irish roads will emit 28% fewer car emissions than the current fleet," he added.
