Battery electric vehicles have become the most popular choice among private buyers of new cars in Ireland for the first time, overtaking hybrids as consumers respond to rising fuel costs and growing familiarity with electric driving.
Figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show that battery electric vehicles accounted for 26% of all new car registrations in July. The milestone comes as the Government aims to have electric vehicles make up 30% of the country’s entire vehicle fleet by 2030.
Despite the strong growth in new electric car sales, fully electric vehicles currently represent only about 4% of all cars on Irish roads.
Independent motoring expert Conor Faughnan said Irish motorists were becoming increasingly comfortable with electric vehicles. Concerns over driving range and resale values, which previously discouraged potential buyers, appear to be becoming less significant.
Fuel prices have also played a role. Petrol and diesel costs rose sharply following the Iran war earlier this year, while electricity costs for vehicle charging remained comparatively stable for much of the period, although charging tariffs increased in July.
Switcher.ie estimates that electric vehicles can cost about 60% less to operate than petrol or diesel cars. DoneDeal automotive content head Paddy Comyn said a driver covering around 17,000 kilometres annually could spend roughly €800 on electricity compared with €2,000 to €2,200 on petrol or diesel.
The higher purchase price remains a barrier, however. New electric cars generally begin at around €20,000 to €25,000, while most Irish motorists purchase used vehicles.
Government incentives have been introduced to make electric cars more affordable. These include a €5,000 purchase grant and a recently oversubscribed scrappage scheme that offered €3,500 to owners replacing older petrol and diesel vehicles.
Charging infrastructure is another challenge. Ireland has around 4,000 public charging stations, compared with an estimated 13,000 needed to reach infrastructure levels seen in similar European countries. Home charging is cheaper and more convenient, but about one-third of Irish households do not have a driveway.
Questions about maintenance are also emerging as the number of older electric cars on Irish roads increases. Electric vehicles have fewer conventional mechanical components, but software, batteries and electric motors can create different repair challenges.
Garage owner David Corbally said battery faults, electric motor problems and air-conditioning issues were among common repairs. He also raised concerns about rapidly changing technology and long-term manufacturer software support.
Ireland’s adoption rate remains below Denmark’s, where electric cars account for almost all new private vehicle purchases. Denmark has encouraged the transition through high registration taxes on petrol and diesel vehicles, while electric cars receive more favourable treatment.
Faughnan said consumer interest suggests Ireland’s shift to electric vehicles is likely to accelerate, with motorists increasingly expecting their next car to be electric.
