Government electric vehicles target 'wildly ambitious'

MC for the event Eimear Ní Bhraonáin of KCLR with guest speakers Paul O’Sullivan, Ford Ireland Sales Director and Ronan Flood, MD of Kia Ireland.

A panel of motoring experts at an event in Dooley Motors Ford and Kia in Carlow agreed that the recent Government target of having a million electric vehicles on Ireland's roads by 2030 was 'overly ambitious', writes Brian Byrne.

Tom Cullen of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry said the target is 'wildly' ambitious. But he also said that Ireland is in a 'leading position' for the development of autonomous driving technologies.

Sales Director of Ford Ireland Paul O'Sullivan noted that Ford is investing millions in exploring autonomous and electric vehicle technologies.

Ronan Flood, MD of Kia Ireland, said the future of motoring was about giving choices to consumers 'so they have the options to meet their personal driving needs'.

David Swaine, Product Sales Specialist from Tokheim Services Group (TSG) provided a demonstration of a fast charging unit. He said employers are increasingly installing charging units in office parking areas so that employees can charge their vehicle while at work.

The event was well attended with representatives from local government, Chambers of Commerce and senior management from Ford and Kia who joined over 50 guests to hear the panel discussion.

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