Electric vehicle sales in Ireland recorded a dramatic rise in April, with new figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) showing a jump of more than 109% compared to the same month last year.
A total of 2,779 new battery electric vehicles were registered in April, up from 1,335 in April 2025. The strong performance continues a broader upward trend, with 16,779 electric cars registered so far this year, marking a 48.5% increase compared with the same period last year.
The latest data shows shifting consumer preferences in Ireland’s new car market. Hybrid vehicles, combining petrol and electric power, remain the most popular choice, accounting for 26.67% of the market. Electric vehicles follow closely at 22.35%, ahead of petrol at 21.25%, plug-in hybrids at 14.41%, and diesel at 12.96%.
Overall, new car registrations in April rose by 17% to 10,184 units, compared with 8,707 during the same month in 2025. Year-to-date registrations have also increased modestly, rising 2.1% to 75,074 vehicles.
The used import market showed even sharper growth. Imported used cars increased by 43.1% in April, reaching 7,510 units, up from 5,248 the previous year. So far in 2026, imports are up 40.1%, reflecting strong demand in the second-hand market.
Toyota, Volkswagen, Skoda, Hyundai and Kia were the top-selling new car brands in April. Among the most popular models were the Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Corolla.
In the electric vehicle segment, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Kia, BYD and Skoda led brand sales. The most popular EV models included the Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV3, Hyundai Inster, Skoda Enyaq and Skoda Elroq. The Skoda Enyaq was also the best-selling electric car overall in April, while the Toyota RAV4 topped total new car sales.
SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said the growth in electric vehicle adoption is being driven largely by private buyers, who account for 77% of BEV sales, supported by government incentives. However, he cautioned that despite strong momentum, EVs still represent only 22% of the new car market, below the level needed to meet national climate targets.
Cooke said continued policy support is essential to sustain growth. He called for the maintenance and expansion of incentives for both consumers and businesses, alongside increased investment in charging infrastructure and targeted measures to encourage wider adoption ahead of 2030 climate goals.
The figures highlight a rapidly evolving automotive market, with electric and hybrid vehicles gaining ground as Ireland moves closer to its long-term emissions reduction targets.
