Battery-electric vehicles have become Ireland's most popular new-car powertrain, capturing 26% of the market in July.
This marks the first time EVs have overtaken hybrids in the country's new-car registrations.
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The latest figures show a significant shift in buyer preference, with electric cars leading a diverse market that still includes hybrids, petrol, plug-in hybrids, and diesel.
EVs Lead a Varied Market
According to The Irish Times, battery-electric vehicles accounted for 26% of registrations, compared to 24.6% for regular petrol hybrids.
Petrol cars followed at 20.4%, plug-in hybrids at 14.5%, and diesel at 12.5%.
This ranking reflects the entire new-car market, not just the electric segment.
While EVs took the largest share, hybrids and petrol cars together still represent a substantial portion of registrations.
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The distinction between powertrain types is crucial for understanding the data.
Battery-electric vehicles run solely on electricity, conventional hybrids combine an engine with an electric system but cannot be plugged in, and plug-in hybrids can be charged externally.
Fully electric vehicles recorded more than twice as many registrations as diesel models, highlighting a notable shift in market dynamics.
July Registrations Surge
Ireland registered 9,682 battery-electric vehicles in July, a 98% increase compared to July 2025.
The overall new-car market also grew, with total registrations reaching 29,046 vehicles, up 8.63% year-on-year.
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The sharp rise in EV volumes occurred alongside the launch of the ICE2EV scrappage scheme, which offered up to €8,500 for trading in an eligible petrol or diesel vehicle at least 13 years old.
The scheme, funded with €10 million, closed within hours after reaching its application limit.
While the incentive may have contributed to the surge, the figures alone do not prove causation.
For buyers, these statistics serve as a market signal rather than a definitive guide. An EV's suitability depends on individual needs, driving range, charging access, and budget.
Ireland's new-car market now sees battery-electric vehicles in the lead, but hybrids, petrol, plug-in hybrids, and diesel continue to register in meaningful numbers.
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The July data establishes a new ranking while leaving the practical choice to each buyer.
