What January’s EV Surge Tells Us About Ireland’s Car Market in 2026
Across Ireland, the distinctive green stripe identifying zero-emission vehicles is becoming an increasingly familiar sight and while January’s registration figures are now a couple of weeks behind us, their significance is only becoming clearer for the year ahead.
A Strong Start for Electric Vehicles
The first registration data of 2026 showed battery electric vehicles (BEVs) overtaking petrol models for the month, a notable milestone in the evolution of Ireland’s car market.
In January figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show:
- 7,319 BEVs were registered, compared to 4,923 in January last year
- This represents the highest monthly BEV volume recorded to date
- More than one in five new cars registered were battery electric
- Private consumers accounted for 75% of BEV purchases, up 11% year-on-year
Rather than a one-off spike, these figures appear to reflect sustained momentum that began building throughout 2025.
Building on a Landmark Year
Last year marked an important turning point when battery electric vehicles officially outsold diesel cars in annual new registrations for the first time.
January’s performance suggests that shift is not slowing, if anything, it is accelerating.
The steady rise in electric vehicle uptake is being supported by:
- Broader model availability across segments
- A growing range of price points
- Continued government incentives
- Expanding charging infrastructure
- Increasing consumer confidence in EV reliability and running costs
For many drivers, electric vehicles are no longer seen as an alternative option, they are becoming a mainstream choice.
A Visible Transition on Irish Roads
Beyond the numbers, the change is becoming tangible.
The growing number of green registration plates highlights how quickly Ireland’s vehicle fleet is evolving. What was once considered early adoption is now moving into the everyday driving experience, from commuters and families to small businesses.
As infrastructure improves and more manufacturers expand their electric offerings, 2026 is shaping up to be another significant year in Ireland’s transition toward cleaner transport.
January may have provided the first indicator, but the broader story is one of sustained transformation.
