EV sales up 36% in February

Published on 4 March, 2025

Promising recovery in BEV uptake despite 15% decrease in sales overall 

Overview

Today, the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) released their official 251 new vehicle registration statistics for February.

New car registrations for February were down 15% (14,012) when compared to February 2024 (16,432) (which had an extra day of trading). Registrations year to date are also down 0.8% (47,483) on the same period last year (47,850). 

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) declined by 8% (3,201) compared to February last year (3,486). Year to date LCVs are down 13.5% (9,471). HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) registrations are down 3% (292) in comparison to February 2024 (301). Year to date HGVs are up 0.9% (762).

Imported Used Cars have seen a 13.2% (5,599) rise in February 2025, when compared to February 2024 (4,946). Year to date imports are up 9.1% (11,203) on 2024 (10,271).

In February 2,524 new electric cars were registered, which was 36% higher than the 1,856 registrations in February 2024. So far this year, 7,447 new electric cars have been registered representing a 25.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024 when 5,949 electric cars were registered. 

In the new car market share by engine type for 2025, Petrol cars continue to lead the new car market at 27.88%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) at 23.76%, Diesel at 16.65%, Electric at 15.68%, and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 14.30%. 

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commented: “Following a strong start in January, new car registrations have seen some retraction in February, with registrations declining by 15%, while year to date registrations are now marginally behind last year. However, going against this trend has been electric vehicles, with an increase in EV sales of 36% in February to 2,524 units, with private consumers, who benefit from the SEAI Grant, contributing two thirds of EV sales this year. The importance of Government supports is key to maintaining this momentum, particularly with a greater range of EVs coming on stream. Commercial vehicle registrations have seen a decline, with LCV sales, which had been down in January, also down by 8% in February, and HGVs registrations down 3%.” 

Electric vehicle sales in 2025 have seen significant growth, with year-to-date figures reaching 7,447 units, a 25.1% increase from 5,949 in 2024. February alone recorded 2,524 EV sales, up 36% from 1,856 last year. The top-selling new car brands of 2025 are Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Skoda, and Kia, while the best-selling models include the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota Yaris Cross, Toyota RAV4, Skoda Octavia, and Kia Sportage. Among EVs, Kia leads in brand sales, followed by Volkswagen, Hyundai, Tesla, and Nissan. The Volkswagen ID.4 tops the list of best-selling EV models, with the Kia EV3, Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6, and Hyundai Kona following. In February, the Hyundai Tucson was the best-selling new car, while the Tesla Model 3 led in EV sales. Market share by engine type in 2025 shows petrol at 27.88%, hybrid (petrol-electric) at 23.76%, diesel at 16.65%, electric at 15.68%, and plug-in hybrid at 14.30%.

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