New data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows a sharp rise in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) licensed for the first time, highlighting a shift in Ireland’s private car market. In January 2026, 5,439 new EVs were registered, a 61% increase compared with 3,386 in the same month last year.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) also recorded growth, with 3,781 new registrations last month, up 10% from 3,427 in January 2025.
In contrast, registrations of traditional petrol and diesel cars continued to decline. New petrol cars fell 22% to 4,639 from 5,929 a year earlier, while new diesel cars dropped 20% to 2,933 from 3,670. As a result, the combined share of petrol and diesel vehicles among new private cars fell from 43% in January 2025 to 31% this year.
Used car registrations rose sharply, increasing 46% to 7,028 in January 2026, compared with 4,827 a year earlier. The CSO also reported growth in goods vehicles, with new licenses up 23% to 2,887 from 2,349 and used imported goods vehicles rising 14% over the same period.
Among private car brands, Toyota remained the most popular make, with 3,692 vehicles licensed in January, followed by Hyundai (3,011), Volkswagen (2,106), Kia (2,060), and Skoda (1,945). Together, these five brands accounted for 53% of all new private cars licensed in the month.
Volkswagen led the electric car market, with its ID.4 model topping the list at 462 units, followed by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (281) and Hyundai Kona (254).
The figures reflect a continuing trend toward low-emission vehicles, driven by government incentives, expanding charging infrastructure, and increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues. Industry experts say that as EV adoption accelerates, demand for petrol and diesel vehicles is likely to remain subdued.
The CSO data also suggests that the market for imported and used cars is expanding, providing additional options for consumers as the new car market transitions toward electrification.
These statistics mark a significant milestone in Ireland’s move toward greener transport, indicating that electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming an increasingly mainstream choice for private drivers.
