SIMI Calls to Extend Battery Electric Vehicle Supports in Budget 2027  

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) released its official 262 new vehicle registration statistics for September.

New car registrations for September were up 13.1% (6,342) compared to September 2025 (5,607). Registrations year to date are up 5.4% (128,288) on the same period last year (121,675).

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) increased by 7.3% (2,318) compared to September last year (2,159). Year to date, LCVs are up 7.4% (31,915). Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations increased by 4.1% (177) compared to September 2025 (170). Year to date, HGVs are down 1% (2,381).

Imported Used Cars have seen an 18.9% (8,326) increase in September 2026, when compared to September 2025 (7,000). Year to date imports are up 34.4% (72,140) on 2025 (53,661).

In September, 3,126 new electric cars (battery electric cars) were registered, an 80.2% increase from the 1,734 registrations in September 2025. So far this year, 35,195 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 57.3% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 22,376 electric cars were registered.

In the new car market share by engine type, Battery Electric cars lead the market with 27.43%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) 23.68%, Petrol 19.59%, Plug-In Hybrid 14.93%, and Diesel 12.36%.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commenting: 
“2026 has been a landmark year for Battery Electric Vehicle sales, with 35,195 BEVs registered to the end of September, a 57% increase on 2025, making BEVs the most popular engine type in the Irish new car market. The momentum is clearly there, and the Government has a real opportunity in Budget 2027 to ensure the continued expansion in BEV sales. This is especially important in the context of increasing fossil fuel costs and Ireland’s climate targets. So, for Budget 2027, SIMI is giving a simple message to Government: extend the BEV supports for next year.”

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