Interest in EVs soars amid surge in fuel prices

EV searches on DoneDeal have soared by 53% since the outbreak of the war in Iran

DoneDeal said the rapid increase in EV interest suggests that energy security and the prospect of rising petrol and diesel prices are once again driving Irish buyers toward electric mobility.

As fuel costs continue to rise amid the ongoing war in Iran, interest in electric vehicles (EVs) has skyrocketed as Irish motorists seek to shield themselves from volatile prices. 

New data released by DoneDeal on Wednesday found that since the outbreak of the war, EV-specific searches on the platform have surged, rising by 53% in the month.

Similarly, petrol hybrid cars saw an almost 14% rise in searches on the platform in the same period. However, diesel searches fell by almost 10% as Ireland experienced record prices for the fuel.

DoneDeal said the rapid increase in EV interest suggests that energy security and the prospect of rising petrol and diesel prices are once again driving Irish buyers toward electric mobility.

“This trend coincides with recent findings that used EVs have become more affordable than comparable diesel vehicles for the first time,” the used car platform noted. 

Despite the sudden spike in interest, supply on the DoneDeal Cars website remains robust, the company added. There are currently just under 92,000 cars listed on the platform, including 6,670 EVs.

“A 53% rise in search demand is translating into intense buyer activity, reflected in the number of leads generated for EVs on the DoneDeal Cars website, which increased by the same margin between February and March 2026 and is up 80% year-on-year,” the company said.” 

Among the most popular EV models on DoneDeal are the Hyundai Kona, the Volkswagen ID.4, the Skoda Enyaq, the Volkswagen ID.3 and the Nissan Leaf. 

'Catalyst' for consumer interest

Addressing the surge in interest, Paddy Comyn, head of automotive content and communications at DoneDeal Cars, said: "While the EV market had already entered a more stable phase in terms of pricing at the start of the year, the geopolitical situation in Iran has acted as a massive catalyst for consumer interest.

“We are seeing a direct correlation between global instability and the desire for energy independence at home. For many Irish drivers, the switch to electric is no longer just about the environment; it’s a strategic move to hedge against the unpredictability of the pumps. With EVs now priced roughly 11% below comparable diesel cars, the financial argument for switching has never been stronger.

Taoiseach urges review of energy use

DoneDeal's data comes amid warnings from taoiseach Micheál Martin, who has urged people to examine their energy consumption amid rising prices, encouraging greater use of public transport, improved home efficiency, and reduced driving speeds. 

He confirmed that cutting speed limits “does impact on energy efficiency” and said the issue is “being kept under review”.

In a warning to the fuel industry, the Taoiseach said that if excise cuts are not passed on to hard-pressed consumers, it could influence decisions on whether further measures are introduced. 

Prices at the pumps will be cut by between 15c and 20c from Wednesday until the end of May as the Government moves to tackle soaring costs for motorists and hauliers. It is expected that the total cost of the package of measures to be announced is in the range of €235m to €250m.