The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), Ireland’s official motor industry association, has released its 2025 new vehicle registration data, showing a nationwide increase in electric vehicle (EV) adoption but low uptake in Longford.

According to the report, 69 EVs were registered in Longford in 2025, up 44 per cent from 48 in 2024, yet this represents only 0.29 per cent of the national total. By contrast, counties such as Cork, Kildare, and Meath registered EVs in the thousands, and Dublin recorded 11,151 units.

Overall, Ireland saw 124,954 new vehicle registrations last year, a 3 per cent rise on 2024. Petrol-powered vehicles accounted for 25 per cent of registrations, hybrids 23 per cent, EVs 19 per cent, diesel 17 per cent, and plug-in hybrids 15 per cent. Automatic transmissions dominated at 75 per cent, with hatchbacks remaining the top-selling body type and grey retaining the leading colour choice for the tenth consecutive year.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commented on the trends: “Hybrid-electric vehicles continued to gain momentum in 2025, while traditional fuels have seen a decline in their market share. Retailers and manufacturers have a variety of offers and different models available for both new and used cars to suit all buyers, making it a good time to shop around.”

SIMI represents dealers, repairers, vehicle distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and testers across Ireland, campaigning on behalf of the motor industry to government, state bodies, media, and the motoring public. The data emphasises regional disparities in EV adoption and offers insight for manufacturers, dealers, and policy stakeholders seeking to align business and sustainability strategies.

Explore the full story on the 2025 SIMI vehicle registration report and assess regional opportunities for growth.

Photo credits to Waldemar Brandt/Unsplash