Huge rise in number of EVs registered in Louth this year

There has been a 38.4% increase in the number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) registered in Louth so far this year, compared to the same period last year, according to the latest figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

According to the SIMI official 251 new vehicle registration statistics for May, 294 new EVs were registered in the first five months of this year, up from 214 in the same period last year. Petrol/plug-in electric hybrids saw an even bigger percentage increase, with 202 registered up to the end of May 2025, compared to 110 from January to May last year, representing a rise of 83.6%.

Petrol electric (hybrid) registrations have also increased significantly, with 487 registered so far this year, compared to 399 in the same period last year, representing a 22.1% increase.

Overall, 102 new cars were registered in Louth in May 2025, just two more than the 100 registered in Louth in May 2024. Overall this year, there has been a 5.8% increase in the number of new cars registered in the county compared to the same period last year.

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While petrol cars remain the most popular type of engine in Louth, its popularity continues to fall, with 535 registered so far this year, compared to 621 up to the end of May last year, representing a fall of 13.9%. Diesel cars have also seen a significant decrease, with 262 registered in Louth so far in 2025, compared to 332 in the same period in 2024, representing a fall of 21.1%.

Nationally, new car registrations for May were down 8.8% (5,832 vehicles) when compared to May 2024 (6,398). Registrations year to date are up 2.4% (79,301) on the same period last year (77,461). 

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) decreased by 1.6% (1,913) compared to May last year (1,944). Year to date LCVs are down 8.8% (17,795). Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) registrations are down 21.6% (207) in comparison to May 2024 (264). Year to date, HGVs are down 10.3% (1,521). 

Imported Used Cars have seen a 7.9% (5,949) rise in May 2025, when compared to May 2024 (5,513). Year to date imports are up 7.5% (28,184) on 2024 (26,206). 

In May 1,092 new electric cars were registered, which was 5.3% higher than the 1,037 registrations in May 2024. So far this year, 12,392 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 23.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024 when 10,052 electric cars were registered. 

In the new car market share by engine type for 2025, Petrol cars remain the new car market leader at 27.60%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) at 23.09%, Diesel at 17.42%, Electric at 15.63%, and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 14.64%. 

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commented: “New car registrations in May saw a 9% decline when compared to the same month last year, although year-to-date sales remain ahead of last year, with a total of 79,301 new cars registered, up over 2%.

"For the fifth consecutive month, new electric vehicle sales have increased, with EV registrations 5% ahead of May last year, with over 12,300 new electric cars sold so far this year, representing a 23% increase on last year. Private consumers continue to account for the majority of EV sales.

"While we are now on schedule to reach the interim Climate Action Plan target of 175,000 electric cars (EV & PHEV) by the end of this year, as highlighted by the EPA recently, we need to do more to accelerate the growth in EV sales between now and the end of the decade. In this context, Government initiatives and supports will be vital.

"The Commercial vehicle sector experienced a decline in May, with the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market down nearly 2% in May and 9% year to date. Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations are down 22% in May and 10% year to date. Overall commercial vehicle sales are a concern, reflecting the uncertain business environment at present, with many companies deferring investment decisions.”