Part of EAFO’s Series on EV Market Trends Across Europe
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In 2024, Ireland experienced a 23.6% decline in new electric vehicle (EV) registrations, dropping from 22,852 in 2023 to 17,459. The overall plug-in market share (including both BEVs and PHEVs) fell to 24.7%, down from 27.2% in 2023. Despite this decline, there are signs of optimism for 2025, with improvements in infrastructure and growing public interest.
Key Figures for 2024:
- New BEVs: 17,459 (14.4% market share, down from 27.2% in 2023)
- New PHEVs: 12,538 (10.3% market share, up 20.8% YoY)
- Used Imports:
- BEVs: 1,631
- PHEVs: 8,019
Regional Insights
The decline in EV registrations was particularly pronounced in rural and western regions of Ireland:
- Cavan: A 48.8% drop in EV registrations.
- Sligo: A 45.9% decline.
- Leitrim: A 44.8% drop. In contrast, urban areas like Dublin experienced a smaller decline of 17.8%.
Leading Models and Brands
- Top BEVs: Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen ID.4, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, Hyundai Kona.
- Top PHEVs: Ford Kuga, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Volvo XC60, BMW 5 Series.
Commercial Sector Performance
- Plug-in light commercial vehicles (LCVs) remained flat with 957 registrations.
- Plug-in heavy commercial vehicles saw a dramatic 268.7% increase to 247 units, driven primarily by Wrightbus BEV buses.
Challenges
- Charging Infrastructure: Ireland continues to face a significant deficit in EV charging points, with just over 2,500 public chargers, compared to 18,000 in Denmark and 3,600 in Finland.
- Geographic Disparity: The lack of infrastructure investment in rural areas contributed to sharper declines in EV sales outside urban centers.
- Economic Pressures: Consumer confidence and affordability remain challenges amidst rising living costs.
Optimism for 2025
Despite these challenges, there are reasons to believe that EV sales will rebound in 2025:
- Infrastructure Expansion: The ZEVI initiative will add 131 high-powered charging stations along motorways, with further funding for urban and regional EV chargers.
- Model Variety: Over 100 EV models are now available in Ireland, offering increased range and affordability.
- Market Trends: December 2024 saw a 48.7% increase in EV sales YoY, suggesting recovery momentum heading into 2025.
Ireland's journey towards electrification highlights the importance of a robust charging network, consumer incentives, and a balanced approach to rural and urban infrastructure development. As the government and private sector work towards addressing these challenges, 2025 could mark a turning point for Ireland’s EV market.
Source:
Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.
