Ireland’s electric vehicle sector is continuing its rapid expansion, with new figures showing strong consumer demand and record market share gains, even as industry leaders warn that a shortage of trained technicians could slow progress in the years ahead.
According to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), 7,319 electric vehicles were registered in January, narrowly surpassing petrol car sales for the month. If current trends continue, EVs are expected to outpace combined petrol and diesel sales over the course of the year. Electric vehicles first overtook diesel models in April 2023, marking a turning point in the country’s automotive market.
The total number of electric vehicles on Irish roads has now exceeded 200,000, surpassing the government’s previous target of 195,000 units. Battery electric vehicles currently hold a 21.56% share of new car sales, making them the second most popular fuel type after hybrids.
Growth has been recorded across all regions, including rural counties such as Roscommon, Cavan and Kilkenny, where adoption rates have increased sharply. Industry representatives say rising fuel prices and improved model availability are driving consumer interest beyond urban centres.
Barry Cooke, Director General of SIMI, said more than 14,000 EVs have been registered so far this year, accounting for over one in five new cars sold. He noted that combined electrified vehicles now make up more than a third of all new registrations.
While demand is rising, attention is increasingly shifting to workforce readiness. EVs require specialist knowledge due to their high-voltage systems, complex batteries and advanced software diagnostics. Many independent workshops, however, are still adapting to the technical shift.
Michael Sweeney, an independent mechanic in County Roscommon, recently completed an EV servicing course supported by local education authorities and EU funding. He said the training was essential to keep pace with changing customer needs and highlighted the importance of safety when working with high-voltage systems.
“There is a serious risk involved if you don’t know what you are doing,” he said, noting that EV maintenance requires a very different skill set compared with traditional vehicles.
Industry figures warn that training capacity remains uneven, with many technicians relying on manufacturer-led programmes or limited local courses. Calls are growing for apprenticeship curricula to be updated to reflect the rapid transition to electric mobility.
Derek Reilly of Nevo said the shortage extends beyond Ireland, with similar gaps emerging across Europe. He warned that some employers are recruiting internationally to fill vacancies, a process that can take more than a year due to visa delays.
A planned national EV training centre in Mullingar has also been delayed amid regulatory and standards development issues. Authorities say work is ongoing to establish national training frameworks, with EU-level discussions expected to shape future qualifications.
Despite these challenges, SIMI says the EV market remains on an upward trajectory, with strong demand in both new and used car segments and growing interest from rural buyers signalling a broader national shift toward electric mobility.
