Ireland's electric car market continued to gain momentum in September, with new private EV registrations climbing 54% from September 2025.
The increase pushed EVs to 28% of all new private car registrations recorded from January through September, RTÉ reported.
Here's what to know
According to Central Statistics Office data cited by RTÉ, first-time private EV registrations reached 3,074 in September, up from 2,000 in September 2025.
Overall new private car registrations also increased, but by a smaller 9%.
September's results were mixed across other electrified segments.
Hybrid registrations dipped 2% while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles rose 24%. Battery-electric vehicles captured a larger share of the market as gas- and diesel-powered models lost ground.
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More background
Used imports followed the same pattern.
Registered imports of secondhand cars rose to 8,013 in September from 6,770 in September 2025, while EVs made up 11% of those used imports from January to September, up from 5% in the same 2025 period.
While new EV adoption often gets the most attention, a stronger used market can make the technology more accessible to first-time EV drivers shopping for pre-owned vehicles. And secondhand imports are part of that equation because they can widen access to more affordable electric options.
September's brand standings put Toyota first in new private-car registrations with 887 vehicles. Volkswagen followed with 812, and Tesla came in third with 736.
Skoda and Kia completed the top five with 591 and 533 vehicles, respectively.
Together, those five brands accounted for 49% of September's new private-car registrations, underscoring how concentrated the market remains even as powertrain preferences evolve.
What's being done?
In dealerships and the import market, buyers are registering more electric vehicles.
September's 3,074 new private EV licenses and the rise in used-import EV share to 11% show growth in more than one segment of the market.
Partial electrification is also gaining ground. September recorded 1,296 plug-in hybrids, up from 1,045 in the previous September, suggesting some motorists are still opting for partial electrification even as fully electric models post the strongest percentage gains.
Among individual models, the Tesla Model 3 topped September's new EV registrations with 454.
It was followed by the Tesla Model Y on 282 and the MG MG4 on 214.
Where can I learn more?
There continues to be a rise in EV demand across Europe and beyond.
• Across the EU, the EV surge is reaching a tipping point as oil prices climb.
• Worldwide, new car sales are increasingly electric as Norway and China lead adoption.
• Subsidies and regulation are driving the EV surge in Australia.
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