SEAI urges car buyers to choose an electric vehicle in 2026

SEAI supported 18,650 EV purchases and 16,000 home charger installations in 2025

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is urging everyone buying a new car in 2026 to consider making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV).

Drivers can avail of up to €3,800 in Government grants from SEAI for purchasing a qualifying EV and towards the installation of a home charger.

In 2025, SEAI supported more than 18,600 EV purchases and 16,000 home charger installations throughout Ireland.

This advice from SEAI comes as global electric vehicle sales increase, with one in five new cars sold being a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). In Ireland specifically, electric vehicle adoption increased by 36% in 2025 relative to last year, closely mirroring trends elsewhere in Europe with uptake increasing by 35% in both the UK and Germany.

2025 was also the first year that battery electric vehicles in Ireland, at 19% market share, outsold diesel cars at 17%.

Ruth Buggie, Head of Mobility and Smart Networks at SEAI said: “There really never has been a better time to buy an electric vehicle. Owning an EV is the more affordable long-term choice for motorists, with lower fuel costs, lower maintenance costs, and lower tax compared to petrol or diesel alternatives. We estimate that drivers could save around €900 a year with an electric vehicle, for an average usage of 18,000 km. And increasingly, energy providers are offering lower rates for charging your car at off peak hours, offering even more savings.”

“The driving range of electric vehicles continue to increase with the average range for new models between 350 and 550 kms. Plus, with the convenience of a home charger drivers can wake with a fully charged battery every morning.”

Ruth Buggie concluded: “It is great to see the ongoing growth of electric vehicle purchases in Ireland. In the last ten years, SEAI has supported more than 85,000 EV purchases and 80,000 home charger installations and we will continue to support this growth through Government grants.”