The State has seen a surge in the registration of new electric vehicles (EVs), reflecting a growing preference for environmentally-friendly transport among motorists. The Central Statistics Office’s data reveals a 7 per cent increase in fresh electric car registrations in the first two months of 2024, with 4,896 licenses granted. This growth signifies a marked rise in popularity of EVs from a mere 1 per cent share in 2018 to a significant 19 per cent in 2023 of the total new car licenses issued.
Despite this, the uptake of electric vehicles within the Republic remains comparatively low internationally, with cost and range anxiety being primary concerns. Base EV models still command a hefty price tag, starting above €30,000.
The government, nonetheless, has plans to boost the adoption of electric vehicles, with a target of 800,000 EVs on Irish roads by 2030 as part of their Climate Action Plan.
As per CSO figures, EVs accounted for 14 per cent of all cars licensed for the first time this year, down from 15 per cent over the same period in 2023, whereas petrol cars made up for 29 per cent. Simultaneously, the proportion of diesel cars has declined, from being 54 per cent of all new licensed vehicles in 2018 to just 22 per cent in 2023.
Diesel vehicles represent slightly more than a fifth of all private cars licensed in the first two months of this year, consistent with the 2023 data.
In terms of brand preferences, Toyota emerged as the favoured make for new private cars licensed in February, followed by Skoda, Hyundai, Volkswagen and Kia, collectively representing 51 per cent of all new private car licenses. As for electric vehicles, Tesla’s Model 3 took the top spot in February, followed by Volkswagen ID. 4, BYD Seal and MG4.
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