The number of new electric vehicles (EVs) sold in Ireland continued to rise in May, even as overall new car registrations saw a year-on-year decline, according to new data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).
New car registrations for May dropped by 8.8% to 5,832 compared to 6,398 in the same month last year. However, total registrations for the year to date remain positive, up 2.4% to 79,301, from 77,461 at this point in 2024.
The EV segment showed particular strength, with 1,092 electric cars registered in May, a 5.3% increase on last year’s figure of 1,037. So far this year, 12,392 new EVs have been registered — a significant 23.3% rise from the 10,052 registered during the same period in 2024.
SIMI Director General Brian Cooke welcomed the continued growth of electric car sales, highlighting that private consumers remain the driving force behind the sector’s momentum. “This marks the fifth consecutive month of year-on-year growth for electric vehicles,” Cooke said. “We are on track to meet the interim Climate Action Plan target of 175,000 EVs and PHEVs by the end of this year, but further acceleration is needed to meet long-term climate goals.”
Petrol cars remain the most popular choice among Irish buyers, holding 27.6% of the market, followed by hybrid petrol-electric vehicles at 23.09%, diesel at 17.42%, electric at 15.63%, and plug-in hybrid electric at 14.64%.
The Volkswagen Tiguan was the top-selling new car in May, while the Hyundai Inster led the electric car rankings. Year-to-date, the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Yaris Cross, Kia Sportage, and Skoda Octavia are the best-selling models.
Volkswagen, Kia, Hyundai, Tesla, and BYD dominate the EV brand rankings, with the Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV3, Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6, and Hyundai Kona topping EV model sales.
Imported used car registrations also rose, up 7.9% in May to 5,949, and up 7.5% year-to-date to 28,184.
However, the commercial vehicle market showed signs of strain. Light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations dipped nearly 2% in May and are down 9% so far this year. Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations fell 22% last month and 10% year-to-date, reflecting what Cooke described as “an uncertain business environment” leading to postponed investment.
Grey was the most popular new car colour in May, followed by black and blue.
