Are Electric Vehicles really more eco friendly?

​Are electric vehicles really better for the environment? A pilot scheme encouraging people to trade in vehicles in order to get money off a new electric vehicle was introduced by the Irish government last week.

The scheme made a €5,000 grant available to replace internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles aged over 13 years with new battery electric vehicles (EVs).

People could also avail of the existing €3,500 SEAI grant meaning they would get a total of €8,500 off a new vehicle.

READ NEXT: Tipperary's Coleman claims Roman podium in hunt for European title

With the Irish government encouraging people to buy electric vehicles, Tipperary Live takes a look at whether these types of vehicles are really more environmentally friendly than traditional petrol or diesel cars.

While it is long said that the most environmentally car is the one you already have, when it comes to upgrading or changing your car, it turns out electric vehicles are significantly better for the environment.

While many of us know that manufacturing them produces more carbon upfront due to battery production, EVs offset this deficit within six to 18 months of driving. Electric vehicles produce no exhaust, completely eliminating air pollutants like nitrogen oxides, which heavily contribute to smog in built up areas like cities and respiratory issues.

READ NEXT: Night time restrictions on water announced for two areas of Tipperary

Even though they seem to be the obvious solution to helping “do your bit” for the climate, there are still many barriers stopping people from buying electric vehicles.

High upfront purchase costs of buying a new electric vehicle, uncertainty about public charging infrastructure when travelling long distances and high electricity costs when charging a vehicle at home.

When barriers like these are dealt with, there will surely be more and more people adopting electric vehicles in the country each year.