Electric Surge: EV Sales Spark Upturn in April Car Registrations

Published on 1 May, 2025

Strong growth in electric car sales boosts new car market in April

Overview

New car registrations in Ireland saw a welcome boost in April, with figures released today by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) showing a 1.9% year-on-year increase, and even more encouragingly, a continued rise in electric vehicle (EV) uptake across the country.

A total of 8,731 new cars were registered in April, slightly up from 8,565 in April 2024, contributing to a 3.4% rise year-to-date compared with the same period last year. But it’s the electric market that’s generating the most buzz.

Over 1,300 new electric cars hit Irish roads in April, a 23.7% increase on the same month last year. Year-to-date figures are even more impressive — 11,311 EVs have been registered so far in 2025, marking a 25.5% jump over the first four months of 2024.

This marks the fourth consecutive month of EV growth, a clear sign that Irish drivers are increasingly embracing cleaner, greener motoring. SIMI also noted that EV sales are up in 25 out of 26 counties, further demonstrating their growing nationwide appeal.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, welcomed the upward trend, adding that initiatives like the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, announced by Minister Darragh O’Brien, will be essential to supporting the transition — especially in rural areas.

Meanwhile, light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations also had a strong month, climbing 15% in April, a welcome recovery after a slow first quarter. Used imports also saw a modest rise, while diesel and plug-in hybrids continue to hold a solid share of the market.

Despite slight declines in the HGV sector, overall momentum is positive — particularly for private buyers considering an EV for their next car.

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Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives