New electric car registrations in Galway have increased by more than 50 percent in the first half of this year.
Between January and June of this year, there were 547 new electric vehicle registrations in Galway, up from 359 in the same period in 2022, an increase of 52.37 percent.
There were a total of 3,063 new car registrations in Galway during the first half of 2023, an increase of 8.31 percent compared with 2,828 in the same time last year.
The figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show that electric Vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hybrids now have a combined market share of 43.63 percent in Ireland.
Petrol remains the largest share at 31.85 percent, Diesel accounting for 21.87 percent, Electric 18.46 percent, Hybrid 17.37 percent and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 7.80 percent.
“The new car market performed strongly in June with registrations 39% ahead of the same month last year,” said Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General.
“While year to date new car registrations are still 4% behind pre-COVID 2019, the gap is closing every month, aided by fulfilment of 2022 orders and improved new vehicle supply.
“June in particular saw a significant boost in electric car sales, with 1,441 registrations during the month, in comparison to 188 units in June 2022.”
“Year to date the EV market has exceeded 14,000 cars, an increase of 69% on last year,” Brian Cooke added.
“It should be highlighted that there still is a significant basket of incentives for EV buyers, including ongoing purchase and home charger grant support, VRT relief for many EVs, as well as low annual road tax.”
“These supports, along with an increasing number of EV models coming to market, should ensure strong new car activity as we enter the 232 registration plate sales period.”
The import of used cars has also increased by 3.81 percent so far this year, up from 24,109 in 2022 to 25,027 this year, though June saw a slight decrease.
