The number of new electric car registrations is down 25% so far this year compared with the first half of 2023 figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show.

There have been 10,747 new electric cars registered in Ireland in the first six months of the year, a 25% decrease compared to the same period in 2023 when 14,307 electric cars were registered.

The figures for June are more stark still with a 51.7% decrease year on year, with 692 new electric cars registered last month compared to 1,432 registrations in June 2023.

Brian Cooke, Director of SIMI, was positive in the face of these numbers. He highlighted the need for ongoing government support to encourage the shift to electric cars, and expressed optimism about the future.

“The decline in the new EV car market continues to highlight the need for Government to support the EV transition, with ways to incentivise the market for both private and company car buyers.”

“Extending consumer incentives and Benefit-in-Kind support, along with investment in charging infrastructure will build consumer and business confidence and encourage uptake.”

“Retailers remain optimistic as we enter the 242-registration plate sales period, and with new models coming to the market along with variety of attractive offers are positive that this will help to boost sales activity in July, the second busiest month for new car sales.” 

In the new car market share by engine type for 2024, Petrol cars lead the new car market at 32.96% followed by Diesel at 22.89%, then Hybrid (Petrol Electric) at 20.11%, Electric at 13.61%, and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 8.83%.

In total, between Hybrid, Plug-In Electric Hybrid, and fully Battery Electric, cars which are at least partially electric make up 42.55% of the market share.

The best selling electric car models this year are the Volkswagen ID.4, Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Kona, and MG MG4.

The Tesla Model 3 is not only the best selling electric car, but the best selling car overall in the country.