Dacia is kind of taking over for VW in being the affordable everyman car. I’ve been driving a Duster for 5 years and one of my reasons for driving Dacia is that they’re affordable on purchase, affordable on parts and not fully computerised as the EVs are. They also get pretty decent mileage and aren’t crazy expensive to fill up.

I would love to drive something more environmentally friendly, but in reality EVs aren’t where I need them to be. I can’t charge them at home due to not having a driveway or a set parking spot, they take too long to charge when on the go and I’m pretty afraid for what will happen to electricity networks and prices if everyone starts driving one.

I’m also not fond of the lack of simple tactile controls. Screens distract you from watching the road. Buttons you can push without looking at them. I really feel that EVs are a rich man’s solution to a problem that needs a more broad approach. The upfront cost of EVs, the replacement of batteries and the need for dedicated space to charge at home just aren’t viable for even me, someone on a median income. Imagine how tough they are on the single mom in a flat that’s still driving a 2004 Suzuki Swift.

And for those thinking public transport is an option: come live in Dublin, the biggest city in Ireland and tell me again. Public transport is atrocious here.