Huge rebound in electric car sales in Louth continues

The rebound in electric car (EV) sales seen in Louth in January, continued in February, according to the latest figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), with the number of new EVs registered in the county so far this year over 35% higher than the same period last year.

186 new EVs were registered in Louth in the first two months of this year, a 35.8% increase on the 292 registered in the county in the first two months of 2024. An even bigger rise was seen in petrol/plug-in electric hybrid cars, with 123 registered so far this year in Louth, a whopping 78% increase on the 69 registered during the same period last year.

Looking at the total number of car registrations in Louth in February however, there was an 11% fall in the number of new cars registered in the county, compared to the same month last year. 

297 new cars were registered in Louth in February 2025, down from 334 in February of last year, which had an extra day of trading due to it being a leap year. 1,165 new cars were registered in the county in the first two months of this year, up eight on the same period last year, thanks to an increase in January 2025 compared to January 2024.

Significantly, the fall in the number of new petrol cars registered in Louth that was seen in January, continued in February, with 371 cars registered so far in 2025, a 15% decrease on the 437 in Louth during the same period last year. Diesel cars saw an even bigger decrease, with 146 registered in Louth so far in 2025, down 33.7% on the 220 registered in the first two months of 2024.

Looking at the figures nationally, new car registrations for February were down 15% (14,012 cars) when compared to February 2024 (16,432 cars). Registrations for the year to date are also down 0.8% (47,483 cars) on the same period last year (47,850 cars). 

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%.”