The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) on Irish roads experienced significant growth in 2023, with a remarkable 45.4% increase in new EV registrations compared to the previous year. This surge, detailed in data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) and reported by Colin Gleeson in the Irish Times, demonstrates the increasing popularity of electric cars in Ireland.

Key Highlights:

1. Electric Car Registrations: In 2023, a total of 22,789 new electric cars were registered, marking a substantial 45.4% increase from the previous year. This surge reflects a growing interest in sustainable transportation options.
2. Market Share: Electric cars accounted for 18.7% of the market share in 2023. While petrol remained the dominant engine type, electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles collectively represented 45.5% of the market, highlighting the diversification of the Irish automotive landscape.
3. Overall Car Registrations: The overall new car registrations in Ireland reached 121,850 in 2023, indicating a 16% increase compared to the previous year and a 4% increase from 2019 levels.
4. Commercial Vehicles: The commercial vehicle sector also experienced growth, with light commercial vehicle registrations up by 25.1% compared to 2022, and heavy goods vehicle registrations increasing by 20.4% in comparison to the previous year.
5. Imported Used Cars: While there was an increase in registrations of imported used cars in 2023 (up 9.09% from 2022), the numbers remained significantly lower compared to pre-pandemic levels, with a 55.48% decrease from 2019.
6. Transmission Types: Automatic transmissions accounted for approximately two-thirds of the market share, while manual transmissions represented just over a third.
7. Car Body Type and Color: The hatchback continued to be the most popular car body type in Ireland, and the color grey retained its title as the top-selling choice for the eighth consecutive year.
8. Future Growth: SIMI director general Brian Cooke emphasized that 2023 marked a year of progress for the Irish motor industry, particularly in terms of new vehicle registrations and EV sales. He highlighted the importance of continued government support, both in terms of incentives and charging infrastructure, for sustained growth in EV sales in 2024.

The increase in electric car registrations reflects a broader global trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options. With ongoing government support and investments in charging infrastructure, Ireland is poised to continue its journey towards achieving climate goals through the adoption of electric vehicles.