The latest Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland survey of drivers shows record levels of satisfaction, easier access to charging, and a surging second-hand EV market. The EVANI annual survey is unique in capturing the perspectives of existing electric vehicle drivers in Northern Ireland, ensuring the data reflects real-world experience rather than assumptions.
More than 9 in 10 drivers (90.6%) say their next car will Likely or Definitely be another EV. Just 1% say Definitely No. Once you go electric, you don’t look back.
In 2022, two-thirds (67.8%) of drivers had to wait Often or Always for a charger. Fast forward to 2025, and that figure has collapsed to just 4.9%, a 62.9% swing in four years.
Battery improvements are boosting confidence with 87.5% of drivers now Satisfied or Very Satisfied with their EVs range, up five points on last year. As a result, just 1 in 8 drivers (12.5%) charge Every Day with nearly 1 in 3 (30.9%) only needing to plug in Several Times a Month.
The second-hand EV market is expanding. In 2023, 2 in 10 (21.9%) had sourced their EV on the used market. Today, approaching 4 in 10 (36.9%) buyers are choosing pre-owned EVs, driven by improved affordability.
For almost 9 in 10 EV households (87.5%), the electric vehicle is now the primary or only car. More than a quarter of these families (26.5%) own more than one EV. And where homes still have both a petrol/diesel and an electric vehicle, the EV does more than double the mileage (11,480 vs 4,998 miles).
Savings remain the top reason for going electric with a total of 56.6% switching for Lower Running Costs or Tax Benefits, while 22.0% said the Environment was their main driver. But Misinformation is holding others back. Respondents pointed to “fear mongering in social media,” “false information in the media,” and “negative propaganda” as obstacles to wider adoption.
Commenting on the results, EVANI Chair Mark McCall said:
“This year’s survey shows just how far EV adoption has come in Northern Ireland. Satisfaction rates are higher than ever, charging access is being transformed, and more households are choosing EVs as their main or only car. While misinformation remains a challenge, the facts are clear, drivers who make the switch are happier, save money, and never look back.”