SEAI urge motorists to seriously consider switching electric if buying a new car – businessplus.ie
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is encouraging motorists planning to buy a new car in 2026 to seriously consider switching to an electric vehicle, pointing to growing adoption rates and significant long-term cost savings.
Drivers purchasing a qualifying electric vehicle can currently access up to €3,800 in Government support through SEAI, covering both the vehicle purchase and the installation of a home charger.
In 2025 alone, the agency supported more than 18,600 EV purchases and 16,000 home charger installations across the country.
The push comes amid strong global momentum for electric vehicles.
One in five new cars sold worldwide is now a battery electric vehicle (BEV).
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Ireland is closely tracking this trend, with EV adoption rising by 36% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Similar growth has been recorded in the UK and Germany, both of which saw increases of 35%.
Notably, 2025 marked a milestone for the Irish market, as BEVs captured a 19% market share, overtaking diesel cars for the first time.
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.”
She added: “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.”
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.”
SEAI also directs consumers to its online comparison tool, which allows buyers to assess running costs and emissions across electric, petrol and diesel models for 2026.
