'Electric surge': Longford log second-highest jump in 2026 electric car sales
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) released its official new vehicle registration statistics for the 2026 January to October period On Monday with county Longford recording a huge increase in new electric car registrations.
The number of new electric car registrations in county Longford has more than doubled during the first 10 months of this year, while standard car registrations also increased.
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) today released its official new vehicle registration statistics for the 2026 January to October period.
New electric car registrations in County Longford more than doubled and reached 138 units so far this year marking a 112% increase compared to the same period in 2025 when just 65 electric cars were registered.
County Longford recorded the second highest jump in electric car registrations with only Roscommon, which experienced a 172% increase after 299 vehicles were registered, recording higher.
Cavan, which had a 111% rise after 271 vehicles were registered, was third on the list.
There has been steady and significant growth with a notable a sharp year-on-year rise during the past 12-months in county Longford and the Midlands region.
SIMI confirmed 572 vehicles in total were registered in county Longford between January and October, which was a 2.5% increase on the 558 registered vehicles during the same 10-month period last year.
County Longford accounts for roughly 0.28% of the total national electric vehicle market share.
Emma Mitchell, Operations Director, SIMI, said, “October’s new car market saw a 15% increase in new car registrations when compared to the same month last year, with 2,501 units registered.
"Year-to-date new car sales are 6% ahead of last year, with a total of 130,754 new cars registered.
"Demand for new battery electric vehicles remained strong in October, helped by government support and market offerings. 1,092 units were registered, compared to 706 in October 2025.
"Year-to-date BEV sales reached 36,270 units, a 57% increase on the same period last year.
"Growth is being seen across the country, including strong increases in both urban and rural areas, with 61% of new electric cars registered outside Dublin this year.
"BEVs are now the most popular powertrain for Irish new car buyers so far this year.”
Nationally, new car registrations for October were up 15% (2,501) compared to October 2025 (2,180).
Registrations year to date are up 6% (130,754) on the same period last year (123,855).
Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) increased by 2% (1,727) compared to October last year (1,687) and in the year to date, LCVs are up 7% (33,638).
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations increased by 45% (205) compared to October 2025 (141) and in the year to date, HGVs are up 2% (2,586).