Green shift drives up electric car market
Diesel and petrol sales slow down
SALES of electric cars are booming – but drivers have put the brakes on buying petrol and diesel vehicles.
New figures released yesterday show 330 new electric cars were registered in Ireland last month, compared to just 72 the same time in 2018.
But the market as a whole is down 11.1% in February – and Brexit is to blame, according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.
Director general designate Brian Cooke said: “With Brexit looming, new vehicle registrations continue to be negatively impacted across nearly all of our Industry.
“However, the one exception is the sales of electric vehicles, which increased by 542% this year compared to last year, and by the end of this quarter we will have sold more new EVS than in the whole of last year.
“This increase is a result of a concerted effort by the industry in supplying more, new EVS with greater travel range, by the Government through the generous taxation and other incentives and by a grant scheme.
“Ireland’s transition to a zero-emitting fleet will take a number of years to happen, but the co-operative approach by the industry and the State thus far bodes well for the future.”
Environment Minister Richard Bruton added: “The record growth in electric vehicles sales in 2019 demonstrates the willingness of Irish consumers to embrace the change to a low carbon future.
“The Government is playing its part with a wide range of incentives supporting the purchase of electric vehicles and an investment of €10million in a significant expansion of the public charging network.
“The environmental benefits, longer range and low running costs of modern electric vehicles make them a viable option for all consumers.
“I would encourage all those purchasing a new car to play their part in making Ireland a climate leader and choose to drive electric.” The figures also showed light commercial vehicle registrations were down 5.6% last month but heavy goods vehicles were up 9.5%. Electric vehicles