Decline in electric car purchases by Laois motorists continues

The number of electric cars purchased by Laois motorists has dipped by 22% this year. 

According to new data released this week from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), 152 electric cars were bought in Laois between January and August 2024. 

That's compared to the same period in 2023, when 196 electric cars were bought in the county. 

So far this year, 15,129 new electric cars have been registered nationwide, representing a 25% decrease compared to the same period in 2023.

In August alone,  1,259 new electric cars were registered across Ireland, which was 29% lower than the 1,782  registrations in August 2023. 

Just 1% of all electric cars bought in Ireland so far this year were bought in Laois, while over 50% (or 7709 cars) were sold in Dublin. 

Leitrim had by far the lowest number of electric car sales countrywide, with just 30 cars bought.

Across the board there were 1,328 new car registrations in Laois between January and August, up 5% on 2023's figure of 1,268.

Commenting on the national picture Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General said: “August represents the sixth consecutive month of falling new car registrations this year, highlighted by the continuing drop in Electric Vehicle (EV) sales, which are now down 25% year to date when compared to last year. The commercial sector, light and heavy commercial sales, continue to remain ahead of last year. 

 "With Budget 2025 fast approaching, it is an opportune time for the Government to intervene to support the Electric Vehicle project, one which is so crucial for reducing emissions in the Transport sector. Government incentives to date have been fundamental to the EV transition, but they have to be continued and enhanced. SIMI is urging the Government to: extend the Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) incentive at current levels, which will help transition the business fleet faster and support the development of a used EV market; increase SEAI Grants back to 2022 levels until the EV market recovers; and accelerate the roll out of a fit for purpose national charging infrastructure. At this crucial stage in the EV transition, these measures will increase the sale of EVs, signalling their importance to consumers, boosting confidence and reassurance in electric vehicles. Budget 2025 presents an opportunity for Government to demonstrate its commitment to fleet electrification and is an opportunity they should not miss.”