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AIB’s Motor Outlook report – released in July 2026 – highlights the evolving trends shaping Ireland’s automotive sector, with electrification continuing to gain momentum among consumers and businesses. NiftiBusiness was proud to feature in the report as part of AIB’s assessment of the future of mobility and fleet finance in Ireland.
According to the research, and in line with recent SIMI data, fully electric vehicles are now among the most popular fuel choices for planned and recent vehicle purchases. However, the report also identifies the key barriers to wider EV adoption, with purchase price, charging infrastructure and range anxiety cited as the main concerns for prospective buyers – all topics we have explored in our series of Fleet Electrification articles. These findings demonstrate that while interest in electric vehicle continues to grow, practical and financial considerations remain significant factors influencing decision-making.
The report also reveals that cost considerations continue to play a major role across the motor market. Fuel prices were identified as the single most important factor influencing whether consumers proceed with or delay a vehicle purchase, ahead of factors such as special offers, brand preference and insurance costs. In parallel, access to finance remains an important consideration, with almost two-thirds of planned and recent vehicle buyers stating that ease of finance is at least somewhat important when purchasing a vehicle. These insights underline the importance of providing motorists and businesses with flexible funding options as the market continues to adapt to changing economic conditions.
A key theme throughout the report is the role of fleet electrification in supporting Ireland’s sustainability ambitions. AIB notes that electrifying fleets will be an important enabler of the country’s transition targets and that financing structures will be critical in supporting this change. As organisations increasingly evaluate how to balance operational requirements with environmental objectives, the report offers valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of transport in Ireland.
Additional Resource: EV prices and charging infrastructure main barriers to customers purchasing EVs
Feature Image L-R: Claire Cahillane ESS Group, Bernard Yore ESS Group, Catherine Guy NiftiBusiness, Brendan Crowley AIB