Almost nine in ten Northern Ireland EV drivers expect their next vehicle to be another plug-in EV, according to the latest survey by the Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland (EVANI). The findings closely mirror separate UK research, while Tesla was the most commonly owned vehicle make among respondents and Weev received the most votes for public charging reliability.
EVANI’s annual Northern Ireland EV Drivers Survey attracted 412 responses, up from 369 last year, providing further insight into the experiences of people driving electric vehicles across the region.
The survey found that 86.3% of respondents would definitely or likely choose another plug-in vehicle, while 87% were satisfied or very satisfied with their vehicle’s range.
The findings are broadly consistent with separate research by Auto Trader, highlighted in a Motor Trade News report on 30 October, which found that 85% of existing EV owners would purchase another electric vehicle. Although the surveys differ in their methodology and wording, both point to strong levels of satisfaction and willingness to continue with electric motoring among existing owners.
There were several other encouraging findings. Running costs remain the biggest influence on switching to an EV, more than nine in ten respondents use their EV as their only or primary household vehicle, and 61% reported that obtaining a public charge had become easier.
One of the clearest trends is the continued growth of second-hand electric vehicle ownership.
Almost four in ten respondents (39.6%) acquired their current EV second-hand, compared with 36.9% in 2025 and just 21.9% in 2023.
Electric cars are also playing a central role in household transport. Some 91.2% of respondents said their EV was either their only or their primary household vehicle, up from 87.5% last year.
The survey presents a mixed picture of Northern Ireland’s public charging network.
While 61% of respondents said obtaining a public charge had become easier, 9.1% reported that it had become harder.
Asked whether Northern Ireland’s public charging network was fit for purpose, 55% disagreed or strongly disagreed, with just 13.9% agreeing or strongly agreeing.
The findings suggest that drivers recognise improvements in charging provision while continuing to identify shortcomings in the wider network.
When asked which public charging operator they considered the most reliable, Weev received the highest When asked which public charging operator they considered the most reliable, Weev received the highest number of selections, with 23.6%, followed by Tesla’s Supercharger network at 17.9%, ESB ecars at number of selections, with 23.6%, followed by Tesla’s Supercharger network at 17.9%, ESB ecars at 13.5% and IONITY at 10.4%.
Tesla was also the most commonly reported vehicle make among respondents to the survey. Tesla was also the most commonly reported vehicle make among respondents to the survey.
EVANI Director Steven Law said:
“The encouraging message from this year’s survey is that the overwhelming majority of respondents
“The encouraging message from this year’s survey is that the overwhelming majority of respondents remain satisfied with their EV’s range and intend to choose another plug-in vehicle. remain satisfied with their EV’s range and intend to choose another plug-in vehicle.
“It’s particularly interesting that our Northern Ireland findings are so close to the wider UK research reported
“It’s particularly interesting that our Northern Ireland findings are so close to the wider UK research reported this week. Both reinforce the positive experiences being reported by people who already drive electric this week. Both reinforce the positive experiences being reported by people who already drive electric vehicles.”