RURAL Ireland Independent TD Richard O’Donoghue is no friend of electric vehicles (EVs), claiming that after 100,000km, the cars are “worthless”.
“What person in their right mind would buy an electric vehicle if they are doing that mileage? They might as well just go home and burn the money,” Deputy O’Donoghue told the Dáil.
The Deputy claimed that “if people in this country have a fossil fuel vehicle at present, it is the only thing that is worth something, even if it is ten years old. An electric vehicle is worthless after four years.”
“When the Government brings in something with sense that will overcome this and make it viable for people to buy electric vehicles, I will support it.
“EVs are ideal for small mileage and for people living and working in towns and villages and I recommend it to anyone who can buy one who is doing small mileage.
“However, anyone in business cannot afford it because it is not viable. They have no warranty. They will pay out for the battery and the vehicle will be worthless after two years with high mileage,” he added.
The County Limerick politician went on to say that the Government is producing strict rules regarding EVs that are too strict for those living outside the nation’s capital.
“Look outside or drive around Dublin and we will see that most cars date from between 2011 and 2016. These people cannot afford to buy a new electric vehicle. In two years’ time they would not be able to afford to hand out €8,000 for a new battery after losing the warranty,” he concluded.
