Battery electric vehicles have become Ireland’s best-selling powertrain for the first time, according to the latest figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI). A total of 29,046 new cars were registered during the July 262 registration period, representing an 8.6 per cent increaseon the same month last year. New car registrations for the year now stand at 114,228, up 5.2 per cent compared with the first seven months of 2025. The biggest story, however, is the continued rise of electric vehicles. A record 9,682 battery electric vehicles (BEVs)were registered in July, an impressive 98 per cent increase on July 2025 and the highest monthly EV registration figure ever recorded in Ireland. Year to date, 29,840 electric cars have been registered, up 61 per cent on the same period last year.
The strong performance means battery electric vehicles now account for 26.1 per cent of Ireland’s new car market, narrowly overtaking petrol hybrid models on 24.6 per cent. Petrol-powered cars make up 20.4 per cent of registrations, followed by plug-in hybrids at 14.5 per cent and diesel vehicles at 12.5 per cent. The commercial vehicle market was more mixed. Light commercial vehicle registrations fell 6 per cent in July to 5,744 units, although registrations remain 9.3 per cent ahead for the year. Heavy goods vehicle registrations increased 14.2 per cent during the month, but remain slightly behind last year’s total overall. The used import market also continued its strong growth, with 8,616 imported used cars registered during July, an increase of 27 per cent compared with the same month in 2025. Year-to-date imports have risen by 37 per cent.
Commenting on the figures, SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said the July results marked a milestone for Ireland’s transition to electric mobility.
“The highlight of the market is clearly the performance of battery electric vehicles, achieving record-breaking results with 9,682 registrations in July. This is the highest monthly BEV sales figure ever achieved. Battery electric vehicles have now overtaken hybrid cars as the most popular engine type year to date and account for 26 per cent of Ireland’s new car market.”
Cooke also credited the Government’s recently introduced EV scrappage scheme, together with existing grant supports, for helping drive demand across the country. SIMI is now urging the Government to retain and expand current EV incentives in Budget 2027, arguing that continued support will be essential if Ireland is to maintain the momentum in electric vehicle adoption and meet its long-term climate targets.
• 5 Top Selling New Car Brands 2026 were: 1. TOYOTA, 2. VOLKSWAGEN, 3. SKODA, 4. HYUNDAI, 5. KIA
• 5 Top New Car Models 2026 were: 1. TOYOTA YARIS CROSS, 2. HYUNDAI TUCSON, 3. TOYOTA COROLLA, 4. SKODA OCTAVIA, 5.KIA SPORTAGE
• 5 Top Selling New Electric Vehicles (EVs) Brands 2026: 1. VOLKSWAGEN, 2. KIA, 3. HYUNDAI, 4. SKODA, 5. TESLA
• 5 Top Selling New Electric Vehicles (EVs) Models 2026: 1. VOLKSWAGEN ID.4, 2. TOYOTA BZ4X, 3. SKODA ENYAQ, 4. TESLA MODEL Y, 5. SKODA ELROQ
• Top Selling New Car (July) 2026: SKODA OCTAVIA
• Top Selling New Electric Car (July) 2026: VOLKSWAGEN ID.4
• Market share by engine type 2026: Electric 26.12%, Hybrid (Petrol Electric) 24.59%, Petrol 20.39%, Plug-In Hybrid 14.45%, Diesel 12.45%.
