TLDR: The trend in the Irish car market is shifting towards battery and hybrid electric vehicles, which now make up nearly two-thirds of sales, despite a drop in new electric car sales last month. SIMI notes significant growth in electric vehicle registrations, while traditional petrol and diesel cars continue to decline.
There’s a noticeable trend among Irish consumers favoring battery electric and hybrid electric vehicles, according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI). These vehicles now represent almost two-thirds of the market, marking a significant shift from just seven years ago, when petrol and diesel cars accounted for a whopping 88% of registrations. This change highlights not only consumer preferences but also broader environmental considerations shifting the automotive landscape in Ireland.
While June saw a 9.7% decline in new battery electric car sales, registering only 1,123 vehicles, the year-to-date figure shows a robust 48% increase with 20,164 new electric cars registered so far. Hybrid cars, which seamlessly blend combustion engines with electric motors, dominate the market, claiming nearly 26% of new car sales. Battery electric vehicles follow closely at 23%, with petrol cars making up 21% and diesel vehicles dwindling to under 13%.
Recognizing these pivotal shifts, SIMI’s Director General, Brian Cooke, noted that the growth trajectory is akin to a “fundamental market development.” The declining figures for traditional fuel vehicles signal a radical transformation in consumer preferences, as EVs become more appealing amid rising environmental awareness.
Looking ahead, SIMI is optimistic about further gains in electric vehicle sales for July. Tesla’s Model 3 emerged as the top-selling car in June, reflecting a resurgence for Elon Musk’s brand across Europe, where sales rose significantly in Denmark (39%), Sweden (56%), and Spain (5.6%). Meanwhile, Irish consumers seem particularly drawn to Toyota and Volkswagen, which have secured their standing among the most popular brands in the new car market.
Although new car registrations dropped by nearly 10% in June compared to last year, a fascinating counter-trend is the surge in imported used cars, which spiked by 43% in the same period. Overall, the first half of the year has yielded 85,203 new car sales, equating to a modest 4% increase from the previous year, showcasing a market that remains buoyant despite some headwinds.
In a world where eco-friendly choices are more than just a marketing slogan, it’s worth asking: are we truly embracing this change, or just giving it lip service? For those still clinging to the nostalgia of petrol stations and roaring engines, the future seems quieter and less combustible, but also, in many ways, more responsible.
Interestingly, the global shift towards electric vehicles is not just a passing trend; many manufacturers are racing to fully electrify their lineups. By 2030, predictions suggest that electric vehicles could account for more than 30% of global sales, mirroring the trends we’re witnessing right here in Ireland. You might want to buckle up!
