Electric cars lead Irish market as October registrations rise 15%

Irish new car registrations rose 15% in October as electric car sales jumped 55%, with BEVs now the most popular powertrain among Irish buyers.

Ireland’s new car market continued to grow in October, with registrations rising 15% compared with the same month last year and demand for battery electric vehicles remaining particularly strong.

Figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that 2,501 new cars were registered during October, up from 2,180 in October 2025.

For the year to date, new car registrations have reached 130,754, an increase of 6% from 123,855 during the same period in 2025.

The strongest growth continues to come from battery electric vehicles (BEVs). A total of 1,092 new electric cars were registered in October, up 55% from 706 a year earlier.

So far this year, 36,270 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 57% increase on the 23,082 recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.

Battery electric vehicles now account for 27.74% of the new car market, making them the largest individual powertrain category. Hybrid petrol-electric cars account for 23.54%, followed by petrol at 19.43%, plug-in hybrids at 14.99% and diesel at 12.31%.

EV growth spreads beyond Dublin

Emma Mitchell, Operations Director at SIMI, said October maintained the momentum seen in the electric car market during 2026.

“October’s new car market saw a 15% increase in new car registrations when compared to the same month last year, with 2,501 units registered. Year-to-date new car sales are 6% ahead of last year, with a total of 130,754 new cars registered.”

Mitchell said demand for electric vehicles was being supported by government measures and the range of vehicles available to buyers.

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“Demand for new battery electric vehicles remained strong in October, helped by government support and market offerings. 1,092 units were registered, compared to 706 in October 2025. Year-to-date BEV sales reached 36,270 units, a 57% increase on the same period last year.”

Growth in electric registrations is also extending beyond the capital, according to SIMI.

“Growth is being seen across the country, including strong increases in both urban and rural areas, with 61% of new electric cars registered outside Dublin this year. BEVs are now the most popular powertrain for Irish new car buyers so far this year,” Mitchell said.

Top selling brands

The Volkswagen ID.4 was both the top-selling new car overall and the top-selling new electric car in October.

Across 2026 to date, Toyota remains Ireland’s leading new car brand, followed by Volkswagen, Skoda, Hyundai and Kia.

The Toyota Yaris Cross is the country’s top-selling new car model, followed by the Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Octavia, Kia Sportage and Skoda Kodiaq.

In the electric market, Kia is the highest-selling EV brand so far this year, ahead of Volkswagen, Hyundai, Tesla and Skoda.

The Volkswagen ID.4 leads individual electric models, followed by the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq, Tesla Model 3 and Skoda Elroq.

Commercial vehicle registrations rise

October also brought higher registrations across Ireland’s commercial vehicle market.

Light commercial vehicle registrations increased 2% to 1,727, compared with 1,687 in October 2025. Year-to-date registrations stand at 33,638, up 7% from 31,412.

Heavy goods vehicle registrations recorded stronger monthly growth, increasing 45% to 205 from 141 in October last year. A total of 2,586 HGVs have been registered so far in 2026, an increase of 2%.

New bus and coach registrations reached 484 for the year to date, up 32% from 367 during the same period in 2025.

Used car imports climb 32%

The number of used cars being imported into Ireland has also increased sharply during 2026.

There were 7,831 used car imports during October, 15% higher than the 6,791 recorded in October 2025.

Imports for the year to date have reached 79,969, representing a 32% increase on the 60,452 recorded during the same period last year.