Demand for electric cars still growing

THE number of new car registrations in Donegal has increased by three percent compared to last year.

Between January and July, the number of new car registrations has increased by 3.2 per cent when compared to the same time period last year.

According to new figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), 2,205 new cars were registered in Donegal in the first seven months of the year, an increase from 2,135 in 2022.

The highlight of the market continues to be the performance of electric cars as the number of new electric cars registered in Donegal has increased by over half compared to this time last year.

The figures revealed that 258 electric cars were purchased so far this year, a rise of 57.32 per cent on last year when 164 electric cars were registered.

Nationally, new car registrations for the month of July were up 24 per cent (27,148) when compared to July 2022 (21,904).

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General said the availability of grants has been key to the growth of electric cars.

“So far this year 18,458 battery electric cars have been registered, an increase of nearly two-thirds on 2022.

“The availability of SEAI grants to support positive decision making has been key, and their retention beyond this year, along with other EV incentives, is vital if we want to build on this success.

“Taking a closer look at the EV registration numbers, the main driver of growth is from consumers, who do qualify for the grant, and account for over 76% of EV sales.”

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