A national association of engineers in Ireland has said that the country must embrace electric vehicles to ensure it meets its overall renewable energy targets.
Engineers Ireland, which represents 23 000 engineers, said that the country needs improvements in technology, financial incentives and a change in attitude towards electric vehicles.
The body called on public transport operators to swap their vehicles for electric bus fleets immediately, and for Irish government ministers to set an example by switching to electric cars.
In its annual review of Ireland’s infrastructure, the organisation said that Ireland’s car fleet makes the country’s largest contribution to CO2 emissions, and that it should prioritise converting it to using renewable energy sources instead.
It urges ministers to focus on awareness, advocacy and influencing the opinions of Irish citizens to consider electric vehicles.
The report also recommends the government put in place a comprehensive national strategy to create the necessary infrastructure for electric vehicle adoption to thrive.
The State of Ireland 2016 report puts forward a range of actions relating to energy, communications, transport, waste and water, with current infrastructure graded on fitness for purpose.
For more information, visit engineersireland.ie
