EV sales up 25% despite overall decline in new car sales

Michael McAleer

New car sales fell 15 per cent in February, overturning the sales growth in January and leaving the market down 0.8 per cent so far this year.

However, electric car sales bucked the trend, with registrations up 25 per cent compared to the same two-month period last year. By the end of February, 4,093 new EVs were registered, with Kia leading as the best-selling brand for electric cars, recording 1,156 sales, ahead of Volkswagen on 1,124, Hyundai on 767, and Tesla on 540.

Despite reports of declining Tesla sales across major European markets, the US brand’s Irish registrations have increased by 31 per cent this year. The Model 3 has recorded a 70 per cent rise in registrations, reaching 428, making it the third best-selling model behind the VW ID.4 and Kia’s EV3.

According to Brian Cooke, director general of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (Simi), the spike in new EV sales can be attributed to private consumers, who benefit from the SEAI Grant, accounting for two-thirds of EV sales this year.

“The importance of government supports is key to maintaining this momentum, particularly with a greater range of EVs coming on stream.”

A larger supply of EVs, particularly in the €40,000 price range, is attracting buyers, according to Ronan Flood, managing director of Kia Ireland.

He also attributed the increase to growing awareness of everyday life with electric vehicles. “We have put a lot of work into awareness, particularly EV test drive campaigns.

“There is a better understanding of their capabilities, plus there have been improvements in the public charging network, though I don’t think this issue is as critical, given that many people can charge at home.”

In the overall car market, Toyota is the best-selling new car brand, with 6,958 registrations, ahead of Hyundai on 5,174, Volkswagen on 4,557, Skoda on 4,250, and Kia on 3,712.

The best-selling new model is Hyundai’s Tucson, with 2,406 registrations, ahead of the Toyota Yaris Cross on 1,536 and the RAV4 on 1,412.

In the commercial vehicle market, seen as a bellwether for wider economic activity, van sales fell 13.5 per cent up to the end of February compared to the same period last year, with 9,471 registrations. However, registrations of larger trucks (HGVs) have risen nearly one per cent, reaching 762.

There has also been a decline in sales to the hire-drive market, down 37 per cent compared to the same two-month period last year. A key indicator of projected tourism activity, the sector was responsible for 2,334 new registrations up to the end of February, of which just one was an electric car.