Drivers are slow to shift a gear to electric cars and abandon diesel models, new research has proven.
Of those eyeing up new wheels in 2020, less than half the number hunting for a diesel car will go for a plug-in electric.
But it’s good news on the whole for dealers, as one-in-four drivers are planning to buy a new car this year.
This is up from one-in-five drivers in 2017.
Hybrid cars are top of the wish list, with 36% hoping to buy one, according to a recent poll by Easytrip.
A hybrid car combines a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor.
Diesel is the first choice for 34%.
This is more than twice the number of people, 14%, planning to pick up a plug-in electric.
Petrol cars are the least popular choice for a new buy, with just 13% interested in this type of engine.
The trend of buying directly from a dealerships has not stalled, with 84% of the 5,000 drivers surveyed saying they would head straight for the showrooms.
Only 3% would put their trust in a private seller.
But 11% would go further afield and consider importing a motor from the UK.
CEO of Easytrip, Colin Delaney, said: “Our research highlights that those considering a vehicle purchase has increased over the last three years.
“It also shows a preference in engine types with hybrid coming in ahead of diesel.
“Whether you are buying or selling a vehicle this year we want to remind our customers to update their Easytrip account details before handing over the car keys to reduce the possibility of receiving any unexpected toll fines.”
Easytrip is Ireland’s only electronic parking and tolling tag provider.
