EV sales down over 25% as SIMI calls for electric budget boost
The number of new electric vehicles registered in Ireland so far this year is 25.3 per cent (15,129) lower compared to the same period in 2023 when 20,266 electric cars were registered.
That’s according to the latest figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), who also says that 1,259 new electric cars were registered in August, which was 29.3 per cent lower than the 1,782 registrations in August 2023.
New car registrations for August were down 8.4 per cent (7,567) when compared to August 2023 (8,261). Registrations for the year-to-date are down 0.9 per cent (112,171) on the same period last year (113,199).
Imported used cars have seen a 18.5 per cent (5,426) rise in August 2024, when compared to August 2023 (4,577). For the year-to-date imports are up 25.3 per cent (42,622) on 2023 (34,010).
In the new car market share by engine type for 2024, petrol continues to lead the new car market at 31.37 per cent followed by diesel at 23.06 per cent, then hybrid (Petrol Electric) at 20.94 per cent, electric at 13.49 per cent, and plug-in electric hybrid at 9.57 per cent.
2024 total new vehicle stats:
Top selling car brands:
1. Toyota; 2. Volkswagen; 3. Skoda; 4. Hyundai; 5. Kia
Top car models:
1. Hyundai Tucson; 2. Skoda Octavia; 3. Kia Sportage; 4. Toyota RAV4; 5. Toyota Yaris Cross.
Top 5 selling EV brands:
1. Volkswagen; 2. Tesla; 3. Hyundai; 4. Kia; 5. BYD.
Top 5 selling EVs:
1. VW ID.4; 2. Tesla Model 3; 3. Tesla Model Y; 4. Hyundai Kona; 5. Kia EV6.
Top selling car (August):
Skoda Kodiaq
Top selling EV (August)
Tesla Model 3
Meanwhile, light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales declined by 17.2 per cent (1,698) compared to August last year (2,051). For the year-to-date LCVs are up 9.3 per cent (26,930).
HGV (heavy goods vehicle) registrations are down 41.5 per cent (172) in comparison to August 2023 (294). For the year-to-date this segment is up 11.2 per cent (2,466).
EV market in need of budget boost
Following today’s new car sales figures, SIMI has reiterated its call for the Government to prioritise support for electric vehicles in Budget 2025.
“With Budget 2025 fast approaching, it is an opportune time for the Government to intervene to support the electric vehicle project, one which is so crucial for reducing emissions in the Transport sector,” said Brian Cooke, SIMI director general.
“Government incentives to date have been fundamental to the EV transition, but they have to be continued and enhanced. SIMI is urging the Government to: extend the Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) incentive at current levels, which will help transition the business fleet faster and support the development of a used EV market; increase SEAI Grants back to 2022 levels until the EV market recovers; and accelerate the roll out of a fit for purpose national charging infrastructure.
“At this crucial stage in the EV transition, these measures will increase the sale of EVs, signalling their importance to consumers, boosting confidence and reassurance in electric vehicles. Budget 2025 presents an opportunity for Government to demonstrate its commitment to fleet electrification and is an opportunity they should not miss,” Cooke added.
