Motorists will respond when they see value and convenience. That is the message from the latest car sales figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), which show that sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are likely to exceed petrol cars this year. As in most other areas of climate policy, Ireland is unlikely to meet its 2030 targets for cutting transport emissions, but the recent trend in EV sales does give one reason for optimism. It shows progress can be made.
EVs accounted for more than one in five of new cars sold in the first two months of the year, a 37 per cent increase on the same period in 2025. By the end of February, 10,172 new EVs had been sold, compared to 10,825 petrol cars. Given the growth trend, EVs look set to outsell petrol cars for the full year. Non plug-in hybrids remain the most popular choice.
This shows that EVs – and hybrids of various forms – are increasingly winning driver confidence. A fall in prices and the appearance of a range of new models, many of them smaller cars appealing to urban drivers, have been key. The entry of new Chinese competition has also been an important factor, though the EU will not want this to turn into a flood.
Motorists are also getting more confident about battery technology and the availability of public charging points, while still inadequate, is increasing. Fears of higher petrol and diesel prices following the US/ Israeli attacks on Iran may also underpin the popularity of electric power.
RM Block
Policy needs to keep removing the barriers to going electric. The public charging network needs to continue to be built out. And solutions are needed for those with no off-street parking, who thus cannot charge at home.
Being forced to recharge at public facilities is inconvenient and generally more expensive. With national policy being for more people to live in so-called compact developments – terraced houses, apartments and duplexes – in the years ahead, solving this issue is vital for the future health of the EV market.
