Strong Electric Car Registrations in August; Budget 2026 must build on momentum.

Strong Electric Car Registrations in August; Budget 2026 must build on momentum

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has released their official 252 new vehicle registration statistics for August.

New car registrations for August were up 1% (7,615) when compared to August 2024 (7,546). Registrations year to date are up 3.4% (116,099) on the same period last year (112,229).

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) increased by 56.7% (2,660) compared to August last year (1,697). Year to date LCVs are up 2.8% (27,593). Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) registrations are up 19.9% (205) compared to August 2024 (171). Year to date, HGVs are down 9.1% (2,233).

Imported Used Cars have seen a 9.9% (5,964) rise in August 2025, when compared to August 2024 (5,426). Year to date imports are up 9.48% (46,662) on 2024 (42,621).

In August 2,126 new electric cars (battery electric cars) were registered, which was 69.3% higher than the 1,256 registrations in August 2024. So far this year, 20,656 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 37% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 15,122 electric cars were registered.

In the new car market share by engine type for 2025, Petrol cars continue as the new car market leader at 26.31%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) at 22.35%, Electric at 17.79%, Diesel at 17.26%, and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 14.72%.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commented: 
“August new car registrations were 1% ahead of the same month last year, with 7,615 units registered. Year-to-date new car sales are just over 3% ahead of last year, with a total of 116,099 new cars registered. New battery-electric car registrations increased by 69% when compared to August 2024, with 2,126 units sold, while year-to-date they have reached 20,656, a 37% increase on the same period last year. This means electric car sales have now recovered to 2023 levels. This recovery in EV sales is one that we must build upon and would not have been possible without Government incentives. With Budget 2026 fast approaching, the Government must recommit to the EV project, extend the current incentives (the SEAI Grant, Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief, and 0% Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) threshold), and consider additional targeted measures which focus on the business sector or the second-hand EV market. In addition, investment in the high-powered public charging infrastructure is vital. The Battery Electric Vehicle market is still developing, and any diminution of support will negatively impact widespread EV adoption, which is such a critical part of achieving our climate change goals. Now is the time to invest in the EV project.”

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2025 Total New Vehicle Stats

• New Car sales total year to date (2025) 116,099 v (2024) 112,229 +3.4%
• New Car sales total August (2025) 7,615 v (2024) 7,546 +1%
• New Light Commercial Vehicles sales year to date (2025) 27,593 v (2024) 26,831 +2.8%
• New Light Commercial Vehicles sales total August (2025) 2,660 v (2024) 1,697 +56.7%
• New Heavy Goods Vehicle total sales year to date (2025) 2,233 v (2024) 2,457 -9.1%
• New Heavy Goods Vehicle total sales August (2025) 205 v (2024) 171 +19.9%
• New Buses/ Coaches sales year to date (2025) 342 v (2024) 544 -37.13%
• Used Car Imports total year to date (2025) 46,662 v (2024) 42,621 +9.48%
• Used Car Imports total August (2025) 5,964 v (2024) 5,426 +9.92%
• New Electric Vehicle sales total year to date (2025) 20,656 v (2024) 15,122 +37%
• New Electric Vehicle sales total August (2025) 2,126 v (2024) 1,256 +69.3%
• 5 Top Selling New Car Brands 2025 were: 1. TOYOTA, 2. VOLKSWAGEN, 3. SKODA, 4. HYUNDAI, 5. KIA
• 5 Top New Car Models 2025 were: 1. HYUNDAI TUCSON, 2. SKODA OCTAVIA, 3. TOYOTA YARIS CROSS, 4. KIA SPORTAGE, 5. TOYOTA RAV 4
• 5 Top Selling New Electric Vehicles (EVs) Brands 2025: 1. VOLKSWAGEN, 2. KIA, 3. HYUNDAI, 4. TESLA,5. SKODA
• 5 Top Selling New Electric Vehicles (EVs) Models 2025: 1. VOLKSWAGEN ID.4, 2. KIA EV3, 3. TESLA MODEL 3, 4. KIA EV6, 5. HYUNDAI INSTER
• Top Selling New Car (August) 2025: SKODA OCTAVIA (PICTURED ABOVE) 
• Top Selling New Electric Car (August) 2025: BYD SEALION

• Market share by engine type 2025: Petrol 26.31%, Hybrid (Petrol Electric) 22.35%, Electric 17.79%, Diesel 17.26%, Plug-In Electric Hybrid 14.72%

• Tables below show total new car registrations by county 2025 and total new electric car registrations by county 2025.

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