Individual expresses dissatisfaction with electric vehicle ownership after five years, opting to return to conventional gas-powered vehicles.
Ireland is experiencing a surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), transforming the EV ownership experience across the country. In the first half of 2025, EV registrations in Ireland skyrocketed by 27%, reaching 13,631 units and accounting for 16.6% of the new car market nationally [1]. This growth is not limited to urban centres, with regional counties like Tipperary seeing over 100% increases in registrations, indicating a more balanced adoption [1].
The Irish government is playing a significant role in encouraging EV ownership. Substantial grants of up to €5,000 for new EV buyers and generous schemes for home EV charger installation help lower upfront costs, making it an attractive time to invest in EVs. Additionally, the introduction of green "flash" registration plates for zero-emission vehicles increases public visibility and awareness of EVs [2][3][4].
The growth in EV adoption is supported by an expanding charging network across Ireland. Home chargers, backed by government grants, are widely utilized by Irish drivers, providing convenience and alleviating range anxiety [2]. However, challenges remain. There is still regional inequality in charging infrastructure quality and availability, which affects the EV experience outside more developed areas [1].
Persistent misperceptions about EV reliability also continue to deter some potential buyers [1]. Despite improvements, some people have regretted going all-electric and plan to stick with gas or diesel vehicles in the future. For instance, a man from County Dublin, who owned a Porsche Taycan for five years, has expressed regrets about his EV ownership [5].
In contrast, countries like Norway and China are leading the way in EV adoption. Norway has seen almost all new cars sold - 97% - in electric form, while China has registered over 5.5 million electric vehicle sales in the first half of 2025, a 32% increase [6]. The North American market, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, only saw a 3% rise in electric vehicle sales this year [7].
Advancements in technology and better charging infrastructure have made it easier for people to switch from gas-powered cars to EVs. The global premium car auction platform, SBX Cars, is a testament to this shift, powered by the latest technology [8]. A recent study found that nine out of 10 EV owners do not plan on going back to an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) car [9].
Despite the challenges, the policy and market environment in Ireland are making EV ownership more accessible, visible, and attractive for a growing number of drivers. As the charging infrastructure continues to develop and misperceptions about EVs are addressed, Ireland is poised to continue its rapid transition to electric vehicles.
Sources: [1] Irish Times, 2025 [2] Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, 2025 [3] Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, 2025 [4] Environmental Protection Agency, 2025 [5] Irish Times, 2025 [6] Norwegian Road Federation, 2025 [7] Society of Automotive Engineers, 2025 [8] SBX Cars, 2025 [9] J.D. Power, 2025
- Leveraging advancements in technology and AI, global premium car auction platform SBX Cars is making the transition from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles more seamless.
- With supercars like the Porsche Taycan being adopted, the EV market continues to grow, yet some buyers still express reservations due to misperceptions about their reliability.
- Aiming to reduce carbon emissions and advance education-and-self-development in technologies, the Irish government supports EV ownership through grants, charger installations, and green registration plates.
