Feature by Maebh Reynolds
Europe’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is facing a significant roadblock. A startling statistic reveals that one in every three EV owners is considering a switch back to petrol/diesel cars. If not addressed, this trend could pose a severe threat to the widespread adoption of EVs across Europe.
A recent GoPlugable survey has highlighted some of the critical challenges. More than 51% of people who switched to EVs did so, considering short-term fuel savings. This shift in cost dynamics has led to a rethink among EV owners, with a significant 31% considering a return to traditional vehicles.
GoPlugable Survey Results June 2023
Furthermore, the survey found that more than 81% of respondents believe that increasing charging infrastructure is crucial for boosting EV adoption. This sentiment resonates with the experiences of urban dwellers who, unlike their rural counterparts, often struggle to charge their EVs at home due to infrastructural limitations.
GoPlugable is on a mission to address these concerns. The company aims to bridge the urban-rural divide by ensuring that every EV driver can access reliable and affordable charging solutions regardless of location or living conditions. By fostering a culture of sharing and mutual support within the EV owner’s community across Ireland, GoPlugable is opening the door to more potential drivers.
GoPlugable’s innovative solution to the charging infrastructure problem is to enable EV charger owners to monetize their chargers and share them with others. This creates a win-win situation: those with limited access to chargers can tap into a network of available charge points across Ireland, while charger owners can earn from their unused chargers.
While government incentives and policies are crucial for boosting EV adoption, the survey’s findings underscore that businesses, communities, and individuals must embrace shared responsibility. We can make EV adoption a reality for all by transforming these challenges into opportunities.
Community-driven networks can democratize EV charging infrastructure, making it accessible to anyone with an EV, regardless of their living circumstances. They can also fill infrastructural gaps in rural areas, ensuring every potential EV owner is included.
The future of EVs in Europe is not just about technology or infrastructure; it’s about people and communities coming together to lead the change. Together, we can steer Europe towards a sustainable future, positioning it as a leader in the global EV revolution.
For more information about GoPlugable’s innovative solutions, visit their website. Let’s plug into the future today.
GoPlugable is working on bringing their Airbnb for EV chargers live by late August. You can sign up for their waitlist here to be first in the line when the app goes live.
Maebh Reynolds is the co-founder and CEO of GoPlugable. Her company is dedicated to dismantling the barriers to EV ownership and making electric mobility a feasible choice for all.