SIMI calls for EV incentives to be retained as battery electric vehicle sales grow 55% year-to-date.
New car registrations increased by 3% in August as Ireland’s vehicle market continued its steady growth, while battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales strengthened further, prompting calls from the motor industry for continued Government support in Budget 2027.
Figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that 7,811 new cars were registered during August, compared with 7,581 in the same month last year. Year-to-date registrations have reached 121,979 vehicles, representing a 5% increase on the 116,068 registered during the corresponding period in 2025.
“The market shift towards battery electric vehicles is clearly evident, and it is crucial that the Government supports this trend with incentives that build on this momentum in what is still a developing market”
The strongest growth continues to come from the electric vehicle market. A total of 2,265 new battery electric cars were registered in August, up 7% from 2,115 registrations in August 2025. Since the beginning of the year, 32,079 electric vehicles have been registered, marking a 55% increase compared with 20,642 registrations during the same period last year.
Electric now best-selling fuel type in Ireland
Electric vehicles now account for 26.3% of the new car market, making them the largest single engine category ahead of hybrid petrol-electric vehicles on 24.14%, petrol on 20.09%, plug-in hybrids on 14.85%, and diesel on 12.56%.
The commercial vehicle market delivered mixed results during August. Light commercial vehicle registrations fell by 10% to 2,382 units from 2,651 a year earlier. However, year-to-date registrations remain 7% ahead at 29,604 units.
Heavy goods vehicle registrations increased by 9% during August, rising to 223 units from 205 in August 2025. Year-to-date HGV registrations stand at 2,205 vehicles, a marginal decline of 1% compared with last year.
Used car imports continued to surge. August imports rose by 36% to 8,093 vehicles, while year-to-date imports have increased by 37% to 63,815 vehicles.
“August new car registrations saw a 3% increase when compared to the same month last year, with 7,811 units registered,” SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said.
“Year-to-date new car sales are 5% ahead of last year, with a total of 121,979 new cars registered.”
On electric vehicle performance, Cooke added: “New battery electric car registrations increased by 7% when compared to August 2025, with 2,265 units sold, while year-to-date BEVs have reached 32,079 units, a 55% increase on the same period last year.”
Cooke said the growth in electric vehicle adoption highlights the importance of maintaining existing supports.
“The market shift towards battery electric vehicles is clearly evident, and it is crucial that the Government supports this trend with incentives that build on this momentum in what is still a developing market.”
He said Budget 2027 presents an opportunity to reinforce consumer confidence and accelerate the transition to lower-emission transport.
“Budget 2027 provides the Government with the opportunity to build on the success in BEV sales by extending and retaining the current incentives (the SEAI Grant, Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief, and 0% Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) threshold) that are vital in sustaining consumer confidence. This would enable more households and businesses to make the switch, while also supporting our climate change goals.”
Cooke also called for additional measures to support further adoption across the market.
“Additional targeted measures like the scrappage scheme, investment in high-powered public charging infrastructure and a focus on the business sectors can also help increase our national fleet and our second-hand BEV market. Now is the time to invest in incentives to drive change.”
Toyota remained Ireland’s best-selling new car brand of 2026, ahead of Volkswagen, Skoda, Hyundai and Kia. The Toyota Yaris Cross retained its position as the country’s top-selling new car model, followed by the Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Octavia, Kia Sportage and Skoda Kodiaq.
In the electric vehicle segment, Kia leads the market, followed by Volkswagen, Hyundai, Skoda and Tesla. Volkswagen’s ID.4 is the best-selling electric vehicle of the year to date and was also the top-selling electric car during August. The Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq, Skoda Elroq and Toyota bZ4X complete the top five EV models for 2026.
The best-selling new car overall during August was the Toyota RAV4.
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