Ireland Reaches Major Milestone in the Transition to Electric with 196,000 EVs Now on Irish Roads

Exceeding this target by 1,000 EVs highlights the change in recent years as households, businesses and communities across the country benefit from driving electric. From lower running costs to quieter streets and reduced emissions, more drivers than ever are making the switch.

Welcoming achievement of this milestone, Minister O’Brien said:

“Hitting our first CAP target is proof that when the right supports, infrastructure and ambition are in place, Irish motorists respond. Every one of these 196,000 vehicles represents cleaner air, lower carbon emissions and a contribution to the fight against climate change.

“The move to electric is not just a technological change, it is a cultural one, reshaping how we think about transport, energy and the future of our towns and cities. We’ve shown we can meet ambitious targets when we work together. The challenge of the next five years is bigger, but so too are the benefits, from cleaner energy to a transport system fit for future generations.”

While acknowledging the achievement, the next five years will demand an even greater collective effort. Ireland has committed to ensuring that 30% of the national vehicle fleet is electric by 2030, a target that will require not just maintaining, but accelerating the momentum of recent years.

This will require:

• Expanding charging infrastructure in towns, cities and along rural routes
• Supporting citizens and businesses to make the switch
• Continuing to raise awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of going electric.

Industry, government, and local communities will all have a role to play in ensuring Ireland meets its climate commitments. 

Society of the Irish Motor Industry’s Director General, Brian Cooke, said: 

“The Irish Motor Industry is committed to supporting Ireland’s climate action goals, and the rollout of electric vehicles is fundamental to this. The 196,000 Electric Vehicles now on our roads would not have been possible without Government incentives supporting motorists to make this transition. Our industry continues to work closely with the Government to ensure that the right measures are implemented to encourage positive behavioural changes as quickly as possible. If we want to build on this momentum, we must continue to work together, focusing on supporting the delivery of more new EVs to the market, which will ultimately create a viable used EV market.”