Electric vehicles become Ireland’s top-selling car type in 2026 as registrations surge 61% to 29,840 units, overtaking hybrids, petrol and diesel.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have officially become Ireland’s most popular powertrain, marking a significant moment in the country’s transition to cleaner transport.
New figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that 29,840 new electric cars were registered in Ireland during the first seven months of 2026, a 61% increase on the 18,527 registrations recorded during the same period last year.
“A 61% year-on-year increase proves there is simply no turning back now”
Electric vehicles now account for 26.12% of the new car market, ahead of hybrid petrol-electric models on 24.59%, petrol vehicles on 20.39%, plug-in hybrids on 14.45%, and diesel on 12.45%.
The strong performance was driven by a record-breaking July, traditionally the busiest month for new car sales due to the introduction of the 262 registration plate. During the month, 9,682 new battery electric vehicles were registered, up 98% from 4,898 in July 2025. SIMI said this was the highest monthly BEV sales figure ever recorded in Ireland.
The wider new car market also performed strongly, with registrations in July rising by 8.63% to 29,046 vehicles. Year-to-date registrations are up 5.2% to 114,228 units.
Ireland hits EV tipping point
Nevo.ie, the Irish electric motoring platform, described the development as a landmark moment for the sector and evidence that electric vehicles have moved firmly into the mainstream.
The platform also highlighted the impact of financial supports available to motorists through lenders and industry partners, alongside Government programmes such as SEAI purchase grants and the ICE2EV pilot scrappage scheme.
Derek Reilly, Content & PR director at Nevo, said: “We have reached the tipping point. To see electric vehicles formally crowned as the number one powertrain choice in Ireland with over 29,840 registrations is a monumental validation of where the industry is heading. A 61% year-on-year increase proves there is simply no turning back now.
“Irish drivers are actively choosing lower running costs, cutting-edge technology, and zero-emissions over legacy fossil fuels. At Nevo, we are seeing this unprecedented surge in interest firsthand every single day as consumers transition from curiosity to commitment.”
According to Nevo, growing affordability, a wider range of models, and continued investment in charging infrastructure have helped accelerate consumer adoption. The platform pointed to increasing availability of vehicles in the €20,000 to €30,000 price range and greater confidence among motorists considering an electric vehicle for the first time.
Industry leaders also highlighted the importance of Government incentives in driving adoption.
Commenting on the latest figures, Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, said: “July new car registrations saw a 9% increase when compared to the same month last year, with 29,046 units registered. Year-to-date new car sales are 5% ahead of last year, with a total of 114,228 new cars registered.
“The highlight of the market is clearly the performance of Battery Electric Vehicle sales, achieving record-breaking results, with 9,682 BEVs registered in July, a 98% increase when compared to July 2025. This is the highest monthly BEV sales ever achieved.
“Battery electric vehicles were not just the most popular engine type for July; they have now overtaken hybrid cars as the most popular for the year to date with 29,840 units registered, a 61% increase on last year, and now account for 26% of Ireland’s new car market.”
Cooke said Government support measures played a key role in delivering the record growth.
“This increase in BEV sales would not have been achieved without Government supports. In particular, the Government’s pilot scrappage scheme, introduced in July, along with the existing BEV grant supports, have helped build on market momentum.
“The record increase in EV sales is proof that incentives work, not just in urban areas, but also for rural motorists who received the majority of scrappage grants. The increase in BEV sales is evident in every county.
“The current incentives are fundamental to market growth, and SIMI are calling for their retention and extension in Budget 2027.”
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