Breaking news Ireland is being shaped by a major shift in how motorists are buying cars, with hybrid and electric vehicles now dominating new registrations. Fresh figures for the first half of 2026 show cleaner-powered models have moved firmly into the mainstream, signalling a significant change in consumer demand across the country.
New registration data shows that hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles together now account for roughly two-thirds of all new cars sold in Ireland this year. The latest trend is one of the clearest signs yet that drivers are moving away from traditional petrol and diesel options as pricing, incentives and model availability improve.
New car market tilts strongly toward electric and hybrid models
The newest figures indicate that standard hybrids took the largest slice of the market at 27.7 per cent, while battery electric vehicles reached 23.7 per cent. Plug-in hybrids added a further 14.7 per cent, bringing the combined share of electrified vehicles to around 66 per cent of all new registrations.
By comparison, petrol cars represented 21 per cent of the market, while diesel continued its long decline at 12.9 per cent. For anyone following ireland breaking news and ireland business news, the numbers underline how quickly buyer preferences are evolving.
Overall, 85,203 new cars were registered in the first six months of the year, marking a 4.2 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. That growth suggests the market remains resilient even as households continue to weigh affordability and running costs.
What is driving the shift?
- Greater public interest in lower-emission vehicles
- Broader choice across family, commuter and SUV segments
- Government support measures for EV buyers
- Rising awareness of fuel savings and long-term ownership costs
A recently introduced pilot scrappage scheme has also added momentum. The initiative offered up to €8,500 in support for eligible drivers replacing older petrol or diesel cars with a new EV. Interest proved so strong that the scheme was already oversubscribed before its official launch date, pointing to pent-up demand in ireland news today and ireland current affairs.
Read more:
Top-selling brands and models in the first half of 2026
Toyota led the new car market with 11,912 registrations, followed by Volkswagen on 9,544 and Skoda on 8,368. Hyundai and Kia completed the top five, while Audi and BMW remained strong performers in the premium segment.
Among Chinese brands, BYD emerged as the top seller with 2,732 registrations so far this year, highlighting its growing footprint in ireland daily news coverage of the motor sector.
The best-selling model overall was the Toyota Yaris Cross, which recorded 2,778 registrations. In the electric-only category, Volkswagen led the way, with the ID.4 topping EV sales. Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y also remained among the strongest performers after notable price adjustments over the past year.
Key winners so far
- Toyota as the leading overall brand
- Volkswagen as the leading EV brand
- BYD as the best-selling Chinese marque
- Toyota Yaris Cross as the top-selling model
Used imports and commercial vehicles also show notable trends
The used import market is expanding rapidly too, up 39 per cent this year to 47,109 vehicles. Japan has become the main source of imported used cars for Irish buyers, far ahead of the UK. Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW were the most popular import brands, while the VW Golf led imported models, followed by the VW Polo, Audi A3 and BMW 3 Series.
Petrol remained the most common fuel type among used imports at 38.4 per cent, with diesel on 19.2 per cent. Hybrids accounted for 17 per cent, plug-in hybrids for 15 per cent and EVs for 10 per cent. Most imported vehicles were older models, with 61 per cent aged six years or more.
In the commercial sector, new van registrations rose 14.4 per cent to 21,492 units. Ford was the top-selling van brand, ahead of Volkswagen, while the Renault Trafic was the best-selling van model. The truck market moved in the opposite direction, slipping 6 per cent to 1,553 new heavy commercial registrations.
Explore more:
What this means for motorists and the wider market
These figures suggest the Irish car market is entering a new phase, where electrified vehicles are no longer niche alternatives but the dominant choice for many buyers. For consumers, that may mean more competitive pricing, a wider range of models and stronger infrastructure demands in the months ahead.
For manufacturers and dealers, the first half of 2026 offers a clear message: buyers are increasingly embracing hybrid and electric technology. As breaking news Ireland continues to track consumer trends, the move away from diesel and toward lower-emission motoring looks set to remain one of the defining market stories of the year.
FAQs
How much of Ireland’s new car market is now electric or hybrid?
Electrified vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs, now make up about two-thirds of all new car registrations in Ireland in 2026.
Which car brand is leading new registrations?
Toyota is the top-selling brand so far this year, ahead of Volkswagen and Skoda.
What is the best-selling electric vehicle?
Volkswagen’s ID.4 is currently the best-selling all-electric model in the Irish new car market.
Are used car imports still rising?
Yes. Used imports are up sharply this year, with Japan now the biggest source market for Ireland.
