Louth sees huge fall in number of new petrol cars

Louth saw a 31% fall in the number of new petrol cars registered in June of this year compared to June 2024, with the number of electric vehicles (EVs) more than doubling during the same period, according to the latest figures released by the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

44 new cars were registered in total in Louth in June 2025, a 22% increase on the 36 in June 2024. Of these 21 were EVs, up from 10 in June 2024, while 10 were petrol electric hybrids, up from nine last year. This compares to just nine petrol cars registered in the county in June 2025, down from 13 in June 2024.

It represents a continued fall in the number of new petrol cars being registered in Louth and a continued rise in EVs and petrol electric hybrids. In the first half of this year 1,837 new cars were registered in Louth, up 6.1% on the 1,731 in the same period last year.

While petrol cars were the most popular type of car, with 544 registered, the number has fallen by 14.2% compared to the first six months of last year, with 634 registered from January to June 2024. 314 EVs were registered in Louth in the first six months of this year, representing a 40.2% increase on the same period last year. 497 petrol electric hybrids were also registered, which represents a 21.8% increase on the 408 registered in the first six months of last year.

The number of petrol/plug-in electric hybrids registered in Louth has also increased significantly in the past six months. 205 were registered in Louth in the first half 2025, an 84.7% increase on the 111 registered in the first half of 2024. 

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The number of diesel cars and diesel electric hybrids registered in Louth has fallen considerably however. 263 diesel cars were registered in Louth in the first half of this year, a 21.5% on the 335 registered in the first half of 2024.

Nationally, new car registrations for June were up 63.5 % (2,441) when compared to June 2024 (1,493). Registrations year to date are up 3.5% (81,750) on the same period last year (78,979). 

In June 1,246 new electric cars were registered, which was 81.9% higher than the 685 registrations in June 2024. So far this year, 13,631 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 27% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 10,737 electric cars were registered. 

In the new car market share by engine type for 2025, Petrol cars continue as the new car market leader at 27.23%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) at 22.77%, Diesel at 17.26%, Electric at 16.67%, and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 14.46%.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commented: “June was a positive month for new car registrations, with a 64% increase compared to the same month last year. Year-to-date sales remain ahead of last year by 3.5%, with a total of 81,750 new cars registered.

"The most notable statistic for the half of the year has been the performance of battery electric vehicle sales, which have shown consistent growth each month. EV registrations in June increased by 82% in comparison with June last year, with 1,246 units sold, while year to date new EV registrations reached 13,631 a 27% increase on the first half of last year.

"EVs represent nearly 17% of new cars sold this year. While this is clearly a positive development, it should be highlighted that EV sales are behind 2023 levels (14,307), and extension of Government supports is still vital in the establishment of the EV market.

"The Commercial vehicle sector experienced mixed results, with the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market up 54.1% in June and down 6.7% year to date. Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations are up 3.2% in June and down 9.3% year to date.

"Overall, commercial vehicle sales continued to reflect the uncertain business environment at present. July marks the commencement of the 252 sales period, along with the debut of the new green ‘flash’ on license registration plates for zero-emission vehicles and we look forward to seeing the new EV plate on Irish roads.”