Electric vehicles accounted for 28% of new private cars licensed in Ireland during the first nine months of 2026, according to CSO figures published on 9 October. The corresponding share was 19% in the same period of 2025.

In September alone, 3,074 new private electric cars were licensed, up from 2,000 a year earlier. That represents a 54% increase in the number licensed during that month.

The changing mix is also visible in used imports. Electric cars represented 11% of used imported private cars licensed between January and September, compared with 5% a year earlier.

A share of new licences, not the whole fleet

The 28% figure concerns newly licensed private cars during a defined period. It does not measure the share of every car already on Irish roads, and it cannot establish how many charging spaces exist in a particular county.

The release also treats plug-in hybrids separately from electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrids accounted for 15% of new private cars licensed over the first nine months. Combining the two without explaining the categories would obscure what the electric figure measures.

Overall, 7,326 new private cars were licensed in September, 9% more than in September 2025. On the seasonally adjusted monthly comparison, new private-car licensing was 2% lower than in August. The annual increase and monthly decrease use different comparisons.

What to check before changing a car

For readers considering an electric vehicle, a national market share is a starting point for questions, not a verdict on suitability. Write down where the car would normally be parked, where charging would be possible and the journeys it needs to complete. Then check the particular model and charging arrangements against those needs.

For a used vehicle, ask for evidence relevant to that actual car rather than relying on the popularity of its fuel type. Running costs, condition, charging access and purchase terms need their own checks.

The licensing data describe a shift in new additions to the market. They do not demonstrate a particular car’s reliability, environmental performance or total ownership cost, and this article makes no product recommendation.