Ireland's top-selling car of 2023 revealed as sales of electric cars increase by 45%

The number of electric cars sold across Ireland last year increased by more than 45% compared to the number sold during the previous 12 months.

According to new data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), 15,678 new electric cars were registered between January and December 2023 - representing 18.70% of all new cars sold.

Almost a third (30.7%) of new cars sold last year were petrol-fuelled, 22.16% were diesel models and 18.54% were classed as hybrid.

Meanwhile, the latest figures show that sales of new cars, across all categories, increased by almost 15% when compared to the previous year.

According to SIMI, a total of 121,850 new cars were registered nationally last year - up from 105,398 in 2022.

The five most popular make of model of car sold in Ireland during 2023 were: Hyundai Tucson (5,238), Kia Sportage (3,652), Toyota Corolla (3,197), Toyota Yaris Cross (3,048), and Volkswagen ID.4 (2,922)

Grey (37%), black (20%) and blue (15%) were the most-popular colour choices for those who bought new cars during 2023.

Commenting on the latest figures, Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General said: "2023 was a year of progress for the Irish Motor Industry, both in terms of new vehicle registrations and electric vehicle sales. New car registrations finished at 121,850 units, up 16% on 2022 and 4% ahead of pre-Covid 2019.  We do expect to see some growth in EV sales again in 2024, but key to this will be the ongoing Government support, both in terms of vehicle and taxation incentives and investment in a fit for purpose charging infrastructure."

Mr Cooke added: "The mix in the new car market however, from electric to hybrid to more traditional engine types, highlights the diverse nature of Irish motorists’ driving requirements, and reducing the age of the national fleet, as well as moving to zero emission vehicles, will be vital if we want to get close to Ireland’s climate goals."