The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) released its official new vehicle registration statistics for 2023 on January 2.

Overall, there were 121,850 car registrations in Ireland in 2023, an increase of 16% from 2022, and an increase of 4% from 2019.

A total of 22,789 new electric cars were registered in Ireland in 2023, an increase of 45.4% from 2022 (15,678 registrations), and an increase of 561.7% from 2019 (3,444 registrations).

SIMI also reported the market share for 2023 saw petrol account for 30.07%, diesel 22.16%, electric 18.70%, hybrid 18.54%, and plug-in hybrid 8.28%.

Petrol continues to remain the most popular engine type for 2023, while electric, hybrid, and plug-in electric hybrid account for 45.5% of the market. 

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commented: “2023 was a year of progress for the Irish Motor Industry, both in terms of new vehicle registrations and electric vehicle sales.

"New car registrations finished at 121,850 units, up 16% on last year and 4% ahead of pre-COVID 2019.

"The growth in electric vehicle sales continued into 2023, with an increase in market share from 15% in 2022 to nearly 19% in 2023. This represented a 45% increase in EV sales for the year.

"We do expect to see some growth in EV sales again in 2024, but key to this will be the ongoing Government support, both in terms of vehicle and taxation incentives and investment in a fit-for-purpose charging infrastructure.

"The mix in the new car market however, from electric to hybrid to more traditional engine types, highlights the diverse nature of Irish motorists’ driving requirements, and reducing the age of the national fleet, as well as moving to zero-emission vehicles, will be vital if we want to get close to Ireland’s climate goals."

Electric vehicles in Ireland

According to Citizens Information, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland has a target under Ireland's Climate Action Plan 2023 to have 30% of the country's private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.

There are several grant schemes for electric vehicle owners in Ireland. Since July 1, 2023, drivers can get a grant of up to €3,500 for battery-powered electric vehicles (BEV). The grant for BEVs only applies to new cars with a full price of between €14,000 and €60,000.

As of January 1, 2024, the Home Charger Grant Scheme offers up to €300 towards the installation costs of a home charger. There is also the EV Apartment Charging Grant for dwellings that do not have access to a driveway such as apartments, duplexes as well as mixed developments, as well as the Electric Vehicle Public Charge Point Grant.

The annual motor tax rate for an electric vehicle in Ireland is €120 per year for a Battery Electric Vehicle. Electric vehicles are the lowest tax band for motor tax.