New electric vehicle registrations in Ireland fell sharply in 2024, dropping 23.6% from 22,852 units in 2023 to 17,459 units, according to data released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) in January 2025. While the decline has raised questions about the pace of Ireland's EV transition, the bigger picture reveals a maturing market where home charging infrastructure has become more critical than ever.
Despite the drop, electric vehicles still accounted for 14.41% of all new car sales in 2024, with plug-in hybrids adding another 10.02%. Combined, EVs and PHEVs represented over 24% of the Irish new car market, a significant share that underscores the ongoing shift away from petrol and diesel.
What Caused the 2024 EV Sales Decline?
Several factors contributed to the slowdown in new EV registrations:
Grant reductions played a major role. The SEAI vehicle purchase grant was cut from €5,000 to €3,500 in July 2023, reducing the financial incentive for buyers. At the same time, the home EV charger grant was halved from €600 to €300 in January 2024, increasing the upfront cost of setting up home charging infrastructure.
Cost of living pressures also weighed on buyers. With inflation, rising housing costs, and stretched household budgets, many potential EV buyers deferred purchases or opted for cheaper hybrid alternatives. RTÉ Brainstorm analysis highlighted that the early adopters and environmentally motivated buyers have largely made their purchases, and the next wave of mainstream buyers is more price-sensitive.
Public charging concerns remain a barrier for drivers without home charging. While the network has improved, stories of malfunctioning chargers, limited availability on busy routes, and inconsistent reliability continue to undermine confidence. For buyers who rely on public infrastructure, these frustrations delayed or cancelled EV purchases in 2024.
Unrealistic government targets added to the sense of uncertainty. The 2021 Climate Action Plan target of one million EVs on Irish roads by 2030 was widely viewed as unachievable. With only around 125,000 EVs registered by mid-2024, the gap between ambition and reality created scepticism about policy support and infrastructure readiness.
The Hidden Opportunity: Home Charging Becomes Essential
While the headline decline grabbed attention, the 2024 data reveals an important trend. Over 17,000 new EV owners joined Irish roads last year, and the used EV market surged 31% in 2025, with 15,425 used EVs sold according to Cartell.ie. This means tens of thousands of Irish households now need reliable, cost-effective charging solutions.
For these drivers, home charging is not a luxury but a necessity. Public chargers are expensive, often costing €0.45 to €0.60 per kWh compared to home electricity rates of €0.17 to €0.38 per kWh depending on tariff. An EV driver covering 15,000 km per year at typical efficiency of 0.2 kWh per kilometre consumes around 3,000 kWh annually. Charging exclusively at public stations could cost €1,350 to €1,800, while home charging on a standard tariff costs €510 to €1,140, and as low as €510 on a time-of-use night rate.
Installing a home EV charger delivers three key benefits:
- Lower running costs through cheaper home electricity rates and access to time-of-use tariffs
- Convenience of starting every day with a full charge without queuing at public stations
- Solar compatibility for drivers with solar panels, enabling free daytime charging from surplus generation
The table below compares annual charging costs for a typical Irish EV driver covering 15,000 km:
| Charging Method | Rate per kWh | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Public fast charging | €0.45-€0.60 | €1,350-€1,800 |
| Home standard tariff | €0.32-€0.38 | €960-€1,140 |
| Home night rate | €0.17 | €510 |
| Solar panels (surplus) | €0.00 | €0 |
*Figures correct as of August 2026. Electricity rates vary by supplier.
What Happened to the Home Charger Grant?
At the time of writing August 2026, the SEAI home charger grant stands at €300, down from €600 prior to January 2024. The grant covers part of the purchase and installation cost of an approved home charging unit. While the reduction increased upfront costs, the long-term savings from home charging still deliver a strong return on investment.
A typical Zappi EV charger or Ohme Home Pro costs between €1,450 and €1,650 fully installed after the €300 grant. For drivers switching from public to home charging, the payback period can be as short as 12 to 18 months based purely on fuel cost savings.
Why 2025 and 2026 Look Different
The 2024 decline was a correction, not a collapse. Several positive trends emerged in 2025 and early 2026:
Used EV prices have stabilised, making electric driving more accessible. After falling roughly 35% across 2023 and 2024, used EV values levelled off in 2025, creating a predictable second-hand market. Buyers who were priced out of new EVs in 2024 found affordable options in the used market, driving the 31% surge in used EV sales in 2025.
New EV sales rebounded strongly in 2025, with registrations up 35% year-on-year to over 23,000 units, according to SIMI. Improved model availability, competitive pricing, and growing buyer confidence in charging infrastructure all contributed to the recovery.
Home charging infrastructure expanded rapidly, driven by demand from the growing EV ownership base. WattCharger and other installers reported record enquiries throughout 2025 and into 2026, as drivers prioritised home charging to avoid public station costs and inconvenience.
Is Home Charging Worth It?
For the vast majority of Irish EV owners, the answer is yes. Home charging suits drivers who:
- Park at home regularly (house with driveway or designated parking space)
- Drive moderate daily distances (under 100 km per day)
- Want to minimise running costs by charging overnight on cheaper tariffs
- Own or plan to install solar panels for free daytime charging
Even for drivers without solar, a home charger pays for itself through lower electricity costs, better resale value when selling the property, and the convenience of never needing to detour to a public station.
For guidance on choosing between tethered and untethered chargers, see our comparison guide on tethered vs untethered EV chargers.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 EV sales decline reflected a natural market correction after years of rapid growth, driven by reduced grants, cost-of-living pressures, and the transition from early adopters to mainstream buyers. However, the fundamentals remain strong. EVs and PHEVs now account for nearly a quarter of new car sales, the used EV market is thriving, and 2025 saw a strong rebound in new registrations.
For Irish households joining the EV transition, whether through new or used purchases, home charging infrastructure is no longer optional. It is the foundation of affordable, convenient electric driving. As public charging costs remain high and the network continues to expand unevenly, installing a home charger delivers immediate savings and long-term value.
Ready to Install Your Home EV Charger?
WattCharger offers SEAI grant-approved home EV charger installation across Ireland. We supply and install Zappi and Ohme chargers with full solar compatibility, smart tariff integration, and Safe Electric certification. Get your free quote today and start saving on your EV charging costs.
Blog Author: Rowan Egan