The move will save up to €700,000 over five years.

Today, Cork City Council announced it is putting 76 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, creating the biggest local authority EV fleet in the country.

The electric fleet will produce less than half the carbon emissions of petrol cars, a key part of the City’s Climate Action Plan developed in collaboration with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

The Renault Kangoo, Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona will be driven by the Council’s Operations staff (who deliver road maintenance, housing maintenance, parks management and waste management services) and two of the cars will be used as ‘pooled vehicles’ for use by City Hall-based officials who need to use a car during the working day.

New fast charging points have been installed at City Hall and at Cork City Council depots for the electric fleet, with the support of Bord Gais Energy. Another 30 plus charging points are available to the public around the city through various providers.

Sustainable transport 

“Cork City is projected to double in size over the next 20 years becoming the fastest growing city in the country,” said Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr John Sheehan.

“Cork will only be able to absorb this population increase yet retain our quality of life if more of us move over to sustainable modes of transport such as walking and cycling, opt for public transport or if we can, consider electric vehicle options if we are changing our car.”

“Road transport is a major cause of air pollution and climate change and yet nearly three-quarters of Cork people commute using cars,” added Cork City Council Chief Executive Ann Doherty.

“As part of the €3.5 billion Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), we want to work with our partners to support a modal shift to more sustainable means of transport and to help people think of alternatives before they automatically reach for the car keys when going to work, taking children to school, popping out to the shop or socialising by day or night.”