Electric cars licensed in September rose by 54%, CSO says

The number of new electric cars licensed in September rose 54% compared with the same month in 2025, according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

In September 2026, the total number of all new private cars licenced increased by 9% when compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, the number of used cars licenced grew by 18% in the same period. The share of EV’s among those used cars was 11% from January to September 2026.

In comparison, the combined share of petrol and diesel cars among new private cars licensed from January to September 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

Shanna Collins, Government and Infrastructure Director at EY Ireland, commented on the CSO stats: “Electric vehicles accounted for 42% of new private cars licensed in September 2026, highlighting the scale of the transition underway in Ireland’s new-car market. However, the shift is not confined to new-car buyers. Used electric imports increased by 136% compared with September last year, suggesting demand is broadening and creating another route into electric ownership.

“For consumers, affordability means more than the showroom price. Purchase and financing costs, running costs and potential resale value all matter. A growing used EV market could bring electric ownership within reach of a wider range of household budgets.

“Government investment in charging infrastructure is another important part of the transition, with plans to expand neighbourhood charging and high-powered hubs along national roads. The priority is to deliver a reliable, accessible network that keeps pace with adoption and meets motorists’ everyday needs.

The next phase is about turning growing uptake into sustained demand by making electric ownership a practical and affordable choice for more households.”

Damien Lenihan, Statistician in the Transport Section of the CSO, said: “Today’s figures from the CSO show a 54% growth in the number of new private electric cars (EVs) licensed for the first time in September 2026 (3,074) when compared with the same month in 2025 (2,000). Licensing of hybrid vehicles decreased by 2% from 1,217 in September 2025 to 1,197 new private cars in September 2026, while the number of new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) licensed in September 2026 grew by 24% in comparison with September 2025 (1,296 vs 1,045).

The total number of used (imported) private cars licensed in September 2026 rose by 18% compared with September 2025 (8,013 vs 6,770). There were 1,525 used (imported) diesel private cars licensed in September 2026, compared with 1,585 in the same period of 2025. Used (imported) private petrol cars licensed went up by 1% in September 2026 compared with September 2025 (2,923 vs 2,892).

“The total number of new goods vehicles licensed for the first time in September 2026 was 3,180, down 10% from September 2025 (3,520).”