Ireland’s Electric Vehicle Registrations Skyrocket by 561% in 2023
In a groundbreaking development, the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has reported a staggering 561% increase in new electric vehicle registrations in Ireland last year, compared to 2019. According to the data, there has been a notable movement in consumer preferences, with plug-in hybrid, hybrid, and electric cars accounting for a combined 45.5% of the market in 2023.
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Electric Vehicle Registrations-Overall Progress of Industry
SIMI director general, Brian Cooke, expressed enthusiasm about Ireland’s Electric Vehicle Registrations, stating, “2023 was a year of progress for the Irish Motor Industry, both in terms of new vehicle registrations and electric vehicle sales.” The overall new car registrations reached an impressive 121,850 units, marking a 16% increase from the previous year and a 4% surge over pre-COVID 2019 figures.
Electric vehicle sales specifically witnessed a remarkable rise, with 22,789 new electric cars registered in 2023, showcasing a notable 45.4% increase from the previous year and an astounding 561.7% surge from 2019. The market share of electric vehicles increased from 15% in 2022 to almost 19% in 2023 as a result of this spike in their adoption.
SIMI DG Cooke emphasised the importance of ongoing government support for sustaining this growth, emphasising the need for incentives and investments in a robust charging infrastructure. He anticipates continued growth in electric vehicle sales in 2024, provided that supportive policies and infrastructure development continue.
The diverse nature of Irish motorists’ preferences was highlighted by the mix in the new car market, encompassing electric, hybrid, and traditional engine types. In order to achieve Ireland’s climate targets, Cooke emphasised that lowering the age of the national fleet and switching to zero-emission vehicles are essential first steps.
In addition to the surge in electric vehicles, other noteworthy trends emerged in the Irish automotive landscape. Automatic transmissions now dominate the market with a 64.54% share, while manual transmissions have declined to 35.35%. Hatchbacks maintained their status as Ireland’s favourite body type, and the colour grey continued its reign as the most popular choice for the eighth consecutive year.
Imported used cars also saw an uptick of 9%, reaching 50,716 in 2023 compared to 46,578 in 2022. However, this figure was still down by 55.48% compared to 2019 (113,926).
On the commercial vehicle front, both light and heavy vehicles delivered solid performances in 2023. Light commercial vehicle registrations increased by 25% compared to the previous year, reaching 29,403 units. Heavy goods vehicles saw a 20% increase from 2022, reaching a total of 2,655 registrations.
In conclusion, Ireland’s automotive industry witnessed a transformative year in 2023, driven by a surge in electric vehicle registrations, continued government support, and evolving consumer preferences. The data points to a bright future for the nation’s transportation industry in terms of sustainability.
