Fall in EV's but significant rise in petrol electric hybrids in Louth

Latest figures from The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that while there has been a 27% fall in the number of new electric vehicles (EVs) registered in Louth so far this year, the number of petrol electric hybrids registered has risen significantly.

According to SIMI's new vehicle registrations statistics for October, 42 new cars were registered in Louth in October, up 24% on the same month last year. So far this year, 2,687 new cars have been registered in the county, up from 2,629 during the same period in 2023. 

Of the 2,687, 327 were EVs, down from 447 last year. The number of petrol electric hybrids registered in Louth however, has risen from 522 in the first ten months of 2023, to 637 in the first ten months of this year, representing a rise of 22%.

The biggest fall in Louth in the first ten months of this year compared to last, has been seen in diesel electric hybrids which fell by 31% and diesel/plug-in electric hybrids, which fell by 30%. 

Nationally, new car registrations for month of October were up 9.7% (2,423 cars) when compared to October 2023 (2,208). Registrations for the year to date are down 1.2% (119,668) on the same period last year (121,134).

In October 529 new electric cars were registered, which was 12.3% lower than the 603 registrations in October 2023. So far this year, 16,656 new electric cars have been registered representing a 25.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2023 when 22,329 electric cars were registered.

In the new car market share by engine type for 2024, petrol cars continue to lead the new car market at 30.79% followed by diesel at 22.94%, then hybrid (petrol electric) at 20.99%, electric at 13.92%, and plug-in electric hybrid at 9.81%.

Commenting on the latest figures, Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General said that: “October new car registrations increased by 10% when compared to the same month last year, with 2,423 new cars registered. However, year to date new car registrations are still marginally down on last year.

"The data also shows the continuing decline in sales of electric vehicles, with EV sales for the month 12% lower than October last year. This marks the ninth consecutive month of decline in electric vehicle registrations which is clearly a worrying trend. Year to date EV registrations are now 25% lower than 2023. The decline in EV sales emphasises the need for continued Government supports and initiatives to boost sales in this market segment.”