Car sales decline by 8% as EV slump continues

In total, 15,129 new electric cars were registered so far this year representing a 25.3% decrease compared to the same period in 2023.

New car registrations dropped by over 8% during August as electric car sales continue to disappoint prompting calls for take-up incentives to be included in next month's budget.

Figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) shows that 7,567 new cars were registered during last month — down from 8,261 during the same month last year. Just 1,259 new electric cars were registered during August - down nearly 30%.

In the year to August, there have been 112,171 car registrations — down 0.9% year-on-year. Of this, 15,129 were new electric cars, representing a 25.3% decrease compared to the same period in 2023.

Petrol cars continue to lead the new car market this year accounting for 31.37% of new registrations followed by diesel at 23.06%. Petrol/electric hybrids account for 20.94%, while electric stands at 13.49%, and plug-in electric hybrids at 9.57%.

Director general of SIMI Brian Cooke said August was the “sixth consecutive month of falling new car registrations this year, highlighted by the continuing drop in electric vehicle sales, which are now down 25% year to date when compared to last year”.

“With Budget 2025 fast approaching, it is an opportune time for the Government to intervene to support the electric vehicle project, one which is so crucial for reducing emissions in the Transport sector,” he said, adding that incentives for the uptake of electric cars have to be “continued and enhanced”.

SIMI is calling on the Government to extend the business benefit-in-kind incentive at current levels, increase grants back to 2022 levels until the electric car market recovers; and accelerate the roll out of a fit for purpose national charging infrastructure.