Hi Sabrina,

The case for electric vehicles is undeniably getting stronger, especially as newer models arrive with longer ranges between charges. They still don't suit all drivers, however. Here is a generalised list of pros and cons as you've asked for, though bear in mind that things are changing rapidly and not all of these items apply to all drivers, or indeed to all electric cars.

Pros:

- Low maintenance costs as less moving parts.

- Low running costs in terms of electricity - assuming you can charge up at a favourable rate at home or work.

- Low motor tax.

- No harmful pollutants from the vehicle itself - and no CO2 emissions from it either.

- Most electric cars are really quiet and relaxing to drive.

- Electric cars are nippy around town especially due to the characteristics of their motors.

- It's possible in most electric cars to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin so it's at your preferred temperature before you get into the car. Very useful on frosty mornings!

Cons:

- Expensive to buy compared with an equivalently sized car powered by petrol or diesel.

- The public charging network is not reliable or large enough to cope with demand as yet. (Note that this situation is slowly improving)

- Because of the above, you really need to have a charger at home, which mostly rules out those in apartments or without off-street parking.

- While many of the newer electric cars have impressively long ranges between charges, it can take a long time to charge them up - certainly when compared with the convenience of filling up a petrol or diesel car.

- Only a small percentage of Ireland's electricity is produced from a sustainable and fossil-free source, so the pollution and emissions are displaced rather than eradicated. (Note that this situation is slowly improving)