Car subscription services have been talked about for over a decade, but so far, they’ve never quite taken hold in Ireland. That may be about to change—and the rise of electric vehicles could be the key driver behind their growth.
How Car Subscriptions Work
The concept is straightforward. Instead of juggling finance payments, tax, servicing, tyres, and insurance, you pay a single monthly fee that covers almost everything. Fuel—or electricity in the case of EVs—is often the only extra cost.
Much like a mobile phone contract, upgrades are built into the model. After one, two, or three years, you can swap into a new car, keeping your motoring fresh and hassle-free. For many, that flexibility makes more sense than leasing or buying outright.
Benefits of Car Subscriptions
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All-in-one convenience: No need to negotiate prices, arrange separate insurance, or worry about servicing.
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Depreciation-proof: You’re not stuck with a car losing value on your driveway—the resale risk sits with the provider.
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Flexibility: Some services allow temporary swaps, so you could drive a compact EV for your daily commute, then switch to a larger SUV for family holidays.
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Predictable costs: With almost all expenses bundled into one payment, budgeting becomes simpler.
The Drawbacks
The biggest obstacle for Irish buyers is psychological: you never actually own the car. Many drivers still prefer the idea of having a vehicle as a tangible asset, even if it depreciates. Subscriptions turn car use into a service rather than ownership, which doesn’t appeal to everyone.
Cost is another sticking point. When Volvo trialled Ireland’s first subscription service in 2017, it offered an XC40 SUV for €699 per month over two years. While it included everything, the high monthly fee and steep insurance costs ultimately killed the idea.
Why Things Might Change
Two factors could shift the balance:
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Corporate insurance policies: These are becoming easier to source and more cost-effective, which could solve one of the biggest barriers that scuppered early schemes.
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The rise of electric cars: EV ownership is different. Batteries, charging infrastructure, and rapid advances in technology mean that many drivers are reluctant to commit long-term. A subscription lets you access the latest EV without worrying about long-term depreciation or outdated tech.
How Subscriptions Work
A subscription offers simplicity: one monthly fee that typically covers the car, tax, servicing, tyres, and insurance. Fuel or charging is usually the only extra. Like a mobile phone contract, you can upgrade after a set period—one, two, or three years—swapping into a newer model without worrying about resale value or depreciation.
The Pros and Cons
Benefits
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Convenience: One payment, less admin.
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Flexibility: Some services let you temporarily switch cars, such as a small hatchback for daily use and an SUV for a family trip.
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No depreciation worries: You hand the car back at the end, with no concern for resale value.
Drawbacks
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No ownership: Many Irish drivers still prefer to buy and own their car outright.
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Cost: When Volvo trialled a subscription in Ireland in 2017, the €699 monthly fee for an XC40 SUV proved too steep, especially with insurance factored in.
Why EVs Could Change the Game
The pace of EV development has been rapid. The original Nissan Leaf in 2012 struggled to deliver 160km of range; today, even affordable EVs typically manage 300km, while premium models can achieve double that. With further leaps in battery technology expected, a subscription reduces the risk of owning a car that quickly feels outdated. If your EV becomes obsolete, you simply upgrade—just like you do with your smartphone.
The Irish Experience
Dublin-based DCEV is one company already offering subscription-based EV services. Co-founder Paul Clifford explains:
“Buying an EV right now is very complicated… We wanted to compress that complication and make it easier for people. It’s almost a try-before-you-buy service. It’s also good for companies—for example, if they take on a new employee on a six-month probation, they can subscribe for that period rather than commit to a three-year finance package. We keep everything digital and paperwork to a minimum, putting people in a position where they’re not afraid to make a mistake.”
Clifford adds that subscriptions are not just about convenience but also sustainability:
“We’ve seen the subscription economy boom across various sectors, and there’s no reason why car usage should be any different. Our service is about convenience and commitment—to our customers and to the planet. This is just the beginning. We’re laying the groundwork for a cleaner, greener, and more efficient tomorrow.”
A Growing Trend Across Europe
Subscriptions are already gaining traction on the continent. A McKinsey survey found that up to one-third of European drivers are considering a car subscription for their next vehicle. David Bailey, professor at Birmingham Business School, notes:
“Car subscriptions have taken off in Europe, especially with younger drivers. They offer flexibility and choice. Full ownership can be prohibitively expensive, particularly in big cities where insurance is costly. Subscriptions provide the use of your ‘own’ car without the hassle of ownership. It’s part of the wider shift towards ‘mobility as a service.’”
Will Irish Drivers Embrace It?
Ireland tends to lag behind the UK and mainland Europe in adopting new motoring trends. Our preference for ownership remains strong, and subscriptions may face resistance in the short term. However, as EVs continue to reshape the car market and attitudes shift, it seems likely that subscriptions will become a mainstream option in the years ahead.
