Latest SIMI figures show EV sales continue to rise
The latest figures from SIMI have shown that there were 2,219 new electric vehicles registered in February compared to 1,614 in the same month last year, which is a 37.5 per cent increase.
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry says that so far this year, 5,893 new EVs have been registered in comparison to 4,311 on the same period 2022.
Electric vehicle and plug-in hybrids and hybrids now make up a combined market share of 41 per cent.
Brian Cooke, SIMI director general said that it is important to highlight private customers, who still benefit from the SEAI Grant, account for 75 per cent of EV sales so far this year, with these sales increasing by over 40 per cent when compared to last year.
“On the other hand, sales of new EVs to companies, which don’t benefit from the grant support, and which now attract a higher level of BIK since January, are slightly down on last year,” he said.
“This underlines the importance of the grant and it is vital that we that we don’t interrupt consumer momentum by continuing this support at current levels beyond June.”
The figures released today by SIMI also show that new car registrations for the month of February were up 9.9 per cent (13,161) on February 2022 (11,971).
Registrations year-to-date are up 9.4 per cent (40,476) on the same period last year (36,985).
Imported used cars seen a 4.9 per cent (3,990) jump last month, when compared to February 2022 (3,805). Year-to-date imports are marginally down 0.9 per cent (7,776) on 2022 (7,846).
Hyundai has sold the most EVs so far this year, with its Ioniq 5 and Kona proving popular. The former is also the top selling electric vehicle in Ireland to date in 2023, with 950 units purchased.
The Volkswagen ID.4 was the most sold EV in February, with 535 units registered.
Toyota however, continues to lead overall sales, selling 6,150 cars to date this year, with its Yaris Cross, C-HR, and Yaris among the favourites with Irish buyers.
Elsewhere, light commercial vehicle sales are up 12.8 per cent (2,585) compared to February last year (2,291), while year-to-date this segment jumped 11 per cent (8,152).
HGV registrations are also showing an increase of 45.9 per cent (267) in comparison to February 2022 (183). Year-to-date HGV sales are also up 49.9 per cent (691).