Over 20,000 apply to take part in Great Electric Drive

OVER 20,000 applications have been received for ESB’s Great Electric Drive, which offers people and commercial businesses the chance to join a new team of ecar ambassadors and trial an electric vehicle.

The number of applications has almost doubled in comparison to the first Great Electric Drive, highlighting the increased interest in electric vehicles and their merits for drivers in Ireland.

Last month, ESB launched the search for 24 ecar ambassadors, asking people from a wide variety of ages, lifestyles, occupations and commuting patterns, as well as commercial businesses to get involved in this year’s trial.

Applications have now closed and the response has been overwhelming, with over 20,000 applications from people and businesses from all over Ireland.

The highest number of applications came from Leinster (excluding Dublin) at just under 30 per cent reflecting high interest in electric vehicles from people in the commuter belt counties.

This was followed by Dublin and Munster each at 25 per cent and Connacht/Ulster at 20 per cent.

The majority of those who applied said that their intended use for the ecar was commuting to work, with over half stating that their average daily commute is less than 50kms. The cost savings of driving an electric car was also cited as a major reason for applying.

The selected ecar ambassadors will trial a selection of electric vehicles from BMW, Citroen, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Renault.