Laois sees increase in electric car registrations in first half of 2026
Between January and May, 19,050 new electric cars were registered in Ireland, representing a 53.82 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
THE Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has released its official new vehicle registration statistics for May.
According to the organisation, new car registrations for May 2026 are up 38.58 per cent (8,068) compared to May 2025 (5,822). Registrations for the entire year to date are up 4.7 per cent (83,038) on the same period last year (79,313).
In Laois, there were 1,052 new car registrations between January and May 2026, an increase of 0.96 per cent on the 2025 figure of 1,042 for the same period.
Laois has also seen a marked increase in electric vehicle registrations; between January and May 2026, 283 electric cars were registered, a 73.62 per cent increase on the 2025 figure of 163 for same period.
This increase reflects national trends; in May 2026 alone, 2,335 new electric cars were registered nationwide, which was 115 per cent higher than the total 1,086 registrations in May 2025.
Between January and May, 19,050 new electric cars were registered in Ireland, representing a 53.82 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 12,385 electric cars were registered.
In May 2026, Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) increased by 22.3 per cent (2,324) compared to May last year (1,900). Year to date LCVs are up 15 per cent (20,410). Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations are up 28 per cent (265) in comparison to May 2025 (207). However, year to date, HGVs are down 4.3 per cent (1,457).
Imported used cars have seen a 31.2 per cent (7,808) rise in May 2026, when compared to May 2025 (5,948). Year to date imports are up 38.2 per cent (38,960) on 2025 (28,183).
Hybrid (petrol electric) continues to lead the market as the most popular engine type at 26.14 per cent, followed by electric at 22.94 per cent, petrol at 21.41 per cent, plug-in hybrid at 14.28 per cent, and diesel at 12.94 per cent.
Operations Director of SIMI, Emma Mitchell, said that consumers are driving the growth of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), as they account for 77 per cent of BEV registrations so far this year.
“Year-to-date BEV registrations reached 19,050 units, representing a 23 per cent market share”, she said.
“While BEV registrations are positive, we are now at a critical juncture to sustain the strong growth in a market that is not yet fully established.
“The government must capitalise on this momentum by maintaining and extending current incentives for consumers and encourage more businesses to change to Battery Electric Vehicles.”
