Surge in fast charging infrastructure underpins early 2026 jump in EV registrations.
Ireland’s electric vehicle market is entering 2026 with renewed momentum as a rapid expansion of charging infrastructure coincides with a strong opening to the 261‑registration period.
New figures from the Irish Electric Vehicle Association (IEVA) and consumer platform Nevo point to an acceleration in both supply and demand, setting the tone for what industry observers expect to be a pivotal year for EV adoption.
“The infrastructure growth highlighted by the IEVA is the final piece of the puzzle for many Irish families this year”
The IEVA’s latest full‑year review shows that the number of operational high‑power CCS connectors rose from 1,039 to 1,487 over the past twelve months, a 43% increase.
Two thirds of the network now delivers charging speeds of at least 100kW. Counties Limerick and Sligo stood out in the data, with Limerick posting a 120% jump in fast‑charging capacity. More than 160 additional connectors are currently under construction across the country, positioning 2026 for another year of expansion.
Reliable charging locations key to driver confidence
Matthew Sealy, chairperson of the IEVA, said the build‑out of reliable charging locations was encouraging more motorists to commit to electric models. “The 43% surge in fast‑chargers provides the confidence, and as Nevo’s sales insights show, Irish drivers are responding by making the switch in record numbers this January,” he said.
Retail behaviour is also shifting. Nevo.ie reports that early 2026 registrations are tracking more than 50% above the same point last year. While January is always the most important sales month for the Irish motor industry, the company says the presence of visible, well‑lit charging hubs at retail parks and forecourts is playing a decisive role for first‑time EV buyers.
According to Derek Reilly of Nevo.ie, the consumer conversation has matured significantly.
“The conversation in showrooms and online has shifted,” he said. “It is no longer ‘Does it have enough range?’ but ‘Which EV fits my life?’ The infrastructure growth highlighted by the IEVA is the final piece of the puzzle for many Irish families this year.”
Nevo’s analysts point to a broadening customer base. The early‑adopter phase, marked by enthusiasts and technology‑driven buyers, is giving way to more pragmatic purchasers who are drawn by lower running costs and the arrival of more competitively priced models. This trend aligns with the wider European market, where falling battery costs and higher manufacturing scale are bringing EVs closer to price parity with combustion vehicles.
The rollout of new chargers is also diversifying geographically and commercially. Hotels, supermarkets, sports clubs and shopping centres are increasingly installing units as they look to attract visitors and meet rising expectations for on‑site charging.
Thomas McGuire, secretary of the IEVA, said activity remains high as 2026 begins. “The pace will not be letting up in 2026, with many charging locations already under construction and hundreds more to come nationwide through various government schemes and businesses,” he said. “It is encouraging to see the range of locations installing them, which makes it even more convenient to get a charge if you need it as you go about your day.”
With both infrastructure and consumer sentiment strengthening, industry leaders believe the sector is well‑placed for sustained growth through 2026.
Detailed county‑level data and an interactive infrastructure dashboard are available here, while Nevo continues to publish reviews and buying guides for prospective EV drivers.
Top image: Photo by Andrew Roberts on Unsplash
-
Bank of Ireland is welcoming new customers every day – funding investments, working capital and expansions across multiple sectors. To learn more, click here
-
For support in challenging times, click here
-
Listen to the ThinkBusiness Podcast for business insights and inspiration. All episodes are here. You can also listen to the Podcast on:
-
Spotify
-
SoundCloud
-
Apple
