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After a sharp decline in electric vehicle sales in 2024, the market is showing signs of recovery as 2025 reaches its midpoint. But the numbers conceal a more complex narrative: one shaped by shifting global headwinds, an evolving consumer profile, and intensifying international competition.
Turning Point
In 2023, EV sales in Ireland hit a record 22,852 units – a 45.4% rise from the previous year and a more than fivefold increase compared to 2019. But the spike was fueled in part by a government grant reduction – from €5,000 to €3,500 on electric cars – announced in March and implemented in July.
By the end of 2024, registrations had fallen 23.6% to 17,459 units, and new EV sales declined across every county. Dublin remained the country’s EV hub, registering over 9,000 units but that still marked a 17.8% decline. Cork suffered a 30% drop, while other urban counties like Kildare, Galway and Limerick saw double-digit falls. In rural areas, the decline was sharper still, reflecting both affordability concerns and patchy charging infrastructure.
2024 marked a turning point. The early adopter wave had passed, and the next cohort of buyers proved pragmatic, price-sensitive, and far less tolerant of inadequate infrastructure.
Rebound in 2025
By mid-2025, signs of recovery are taking hold. EV registrations climbed 27% year-on-year to 13,631 units in the first six months with January setting a monthly record at 4,925 units. EVs now account for 16.6% of the national new car market. Growth was seen in nearly every county, pointing to improving consumer sentiment.
The rebound has been especially sharp in regional counties. Tipperary posted a 115% surge in registrations, followed by Monaghan (87%), Kerry (76%) and Cavan (72%). Dublin led in absolute terms with 6,590 new EVs registered up 20%, while Cork (1,319), Kildare (828) and Galway (438) each saw gains of between 30% and 37%. Only Leitrim recorded negative growth.
Improved supply chains, a broader model range, and government supports have underpinned the rebound. However structural challenges remain: regional inequality in infrastructure and persistent misperceptions about EV reliability continue to hold back adoption.
Leading Models
The Volkswagen ID.4 remains Ireland’s top-selling EV with 1,170 units sold, marking a 35.9% increase year-on-year. Tesla’s Model 3 follows closely with 993 units, up 27.8%. Kia’s newly launched EV3 made a strong debut, entering the market with 747 units sold. The Kia EV6 also performed well, growing 53.8% to 632 units. In contrast, Tesla’s Model Y saw a sharp decline of 34.1% dropping to 540 units from 819 last year, as new buyers waited for the new model.
Petrol models still lead the market with 27.23% of new registrations, followed by hybrids (22.77%), diesel (17.26%), and EVs at 16.67%. Plug-in hybrids make up a further 14.16%.
Falling purchase prices and intensified competition have taken a toll on BEV resale values, but have also nudged EVs towards price parity with internal combustion cars. This, in turn, will support the development of a more robust and accessible second-hand market key to mass adoption as infrastructure improves and running costs continue to favour electric.
Infrastructure, Incentives and Misinformation
Ireland’s EV market remains closely tied to government policy. The grant cut in 2023 didn’t merely reduce affordability; it shook consumer confidence in long-term government commitment.
Meanwhile, infrastructure is still lagging. With just 2,400 public chargers, Ireland remains well short of its EU-mandated target of between 3,200 and 6,210 by the end of 2025.
And then there’s misinformation. Surveys show that more than half of Irish consumers still believe EV batteries degrade beyond 100,000km despite most warranties covering at least 160,000km. Misconceptions like this present a quieter, but no less critical, obstacle to adoption.
Tesla: Holding Ground, Losing Share
Tesla’s sales in Ireland continue to buck the trend seen elsewhere in Europe. While the carmaker’s sales dropped across Europe in the first half of the year, the Tesla Model 3 was not only the best-selling EV in June—it was the best-selling car outright.
However, the company’s overall sales in Ireland were flat in the first half of 2025, even as the market itself expanded. Tesla’s market share slipped, edged out by a wave of new competition and a broader, more price-sensitive consumer base. While the Model 3 remains a strong performer, Tesla is no longer the default choice in a segment it once defined. The refreshed Model Y, however, is expected to perform strongly in the second half of the year and is beginning to boost Tesla sales in Europe.
Still, questions remain. Can Tesla maintain this momentum as Chinese and European rivals ramp up their offerings?
The Chinese Entry
Chinese EV makers are slowly gaining a foothold in Ireland, albeit at a more measured pace than on the Continent. BYD leads the expansion, operating dealerships nationwide with models such as the Atto 3, Dolphin and Seal. MG and Polestar are increasing in visibility, and XPeng entered the Irish market earlier this year with its G6 coupe-SUV.
The Bigger Picture
Private buyers continue to dominate, and over 34 manufacturers now offer EVs in Ireland. 2025 will likely see EV sales exceed 20,000 units, approaching the 2023 peak or even surpassing it. But sustaining growth will require more than just momentum.
The government’s National Road EV Charging Network Plan, designed to place a high-speed charger every 60 km on major roads, including motorways, and national primary and secondary roads, could help bridge the rural gap. Yet with Budget 2026 on the horizon, the future of Government support is uncertain. Scrappage schemes and rural infrastructure investment are under consideration, but any rollback in funding could risk stalling progress.
The next six months
For consumers, the outlook is promising: more choice, falling prices, and better technology. For carmakers, the future is far less assured. Chinese entrants are moving faster than many expected, while European incumbents scramble to catch up.
Whether 2025 proves to be a breakthrough or another false start will depend on whether supply chains, charging infrastructure, and political will can keep pace with rising expectations.