The number of new private electric cars licensed for the first time in Ireland rose sharply in August, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
A total of 3,763 new private electric cars were licensed during the month, an increase of 57% compared with the 2,394 recorded in August last year.
The increase has also pushed electric vehicles to a larger share of the new car market. The CSO said electric cars accounted for 27% of all new private cars licensed between January and August this year, up from 18% during the same period in 2025.
Hybrid vehicles also recorded growth during August. The number of new private hybrid cars licensed increased by 9%, rising from 1,928 in August last year to 2,110 this year.
The figures show a continuing shift away from petrol and diesel vehicles. The combined share of petrol and diesel cars among new private cars licensed during the first eight months of the year fell to 32%, compared with 44% during the corresponding period last year.
Overall demand for new private cars increased in August. The CSO recorded 10,924 new private cars licensed during the month, up 17% from 9,355 in August 2025.
The market for used imported cars also expanded. A total of 8,084 used imported private cars were licensed in August, representing a 34% increase from the 6,048 recorded in the same month last year.
Toyota remained the most popular make among new private cars licensed during August, with 1,587 vehicles registered. Volkswagen followed with 1,293, while Skoda recorded 1,047. Kia was next with 1,002 vehicles, followed by Hyundai with 646.
The five leading makes accounted for 51% of all new private cars licensed during the month, according to the CSO.
Volkswagen’s ID.4 was the most popular new electric car in August, with 274 vehicles licensed. It was followed by the Kia EV2, with 149, and the Kia EV5, with 126.
The latest figures point to a growing presence for electric and hybrid vehicles in Ireland’s new car market, while the proportion of newly licensed petrol and diesel cars continues to decline.
