Analysis: At 81, Gerald Bruton EmbracesElectric Vehicles and Unveils Crucial Insights
In May 2023, Gerald Bruton, an 81-year-old veteran driver with over 60 years of experience behind the wheel, took an unexpected leap into the future by purchasing his first electric vehicle (EV). His decision to switch to an electric car was not only bold but also serves as an inspiration for everyone considering making the same transition.
The Decline of Electric Vehicle Sales
The transition to electric vehicles has faced significant challenges. In 2024, new electric car registrations fell by 24% compared to 2023, with only 17,459 EVs registered, down from 22,852 in 2023, according to SIMI. The government’s ambitious target of one million EVs on the road by 2030 is now at risk. The latest Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP24) sets an interim target of 940,000 EVs by 2030, but as of July 2024, the number of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles on Irish roads stands at 135,900. Moreover, the reduction of the EV purchase grant from €5,000 to €3,500 is widely seen as a major factor contributing to this decline.
RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland reported on the continuing drop in electric vehicle sales, highlighting the need for policies to support the transition.
Gerald’s Electric Car Journey
Gerald Bruton, despite his long history with internal combustion engines, has a unique perspective on the electric vehicle landscape. Over the past 16 months, he has meticulously documented every kilowatt-hour (kWh) he has charged into his car, alongside the distance traveled per charge. He has combined this data with temperature information from Met Eireann to offer valuable insights into the realities of owning an EV.
Range Anxiety: A Common Concern
Like many potential EV owners, Gerald was initially concerned about range anxiety—the fear that the car might run out of battery in unexpected places. He opted for an MG4 EV with a quoted range of 450km. He was wary of available charging stations and how they would fit into his schedule.
Installing a Home EV Charger
Gerald installed a home EV charger, but this process was not without its challenges. Upgrading the meter tails to accommodate the increased electrical load is a critical step often overlooked by prospective EV drivers. This upgrade can add considerable costs to the installation, particularly for older properties.
Capitalizing on Cheap Night-Time Charging
After installing his charger, Gerald quickly realized the significant cost difference between day and night charging. His smart electricity tariff enabled him to take advantage of cheaper off-peak rates. Charging during off-peak periods not only reduces costs but also decreases the environmental impact, as the grid’s carbon emissions are lower outside peak usage times.
In fact, Gerald switched energy providers to secure free electricity on Saturdays between 9am and 5pm. Given his average driving patterns, this arrangement allows him to charge his EV without additional costs, making the total cost of operation comparable to that of a conventional car.
Gerald’s data reveals that his EV can travel up to 7.5 km per kWh on warm days but drops to less than 3 km per kWh during colder months. At peak rates, this translates to roughly 15c per km, similar to the cost of driving a fossil fuel-powered car at about 18c per km during cold weather.
Despite these observations, Gerald remains open to trying out different EV models in the future. His willingness to adapt and his positive feedback underscore the feasibility and benefits of electric vehicle ownership.
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
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