EVs Overtake Petrol and Diesel in Ireland for the First Time: What It Means for Home Charging
January 2026 marks a historic turning point for Ireland's electric vehicle market. For the first time ever, electric cars have outsold both petrol and diesel vehicles in monthly new car registrations, signalling that EVs have moved from niche to mainstream across the country.
According to figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), 7,319 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered in January 2026, representing a remarkable 48.7% increase compared to the same period last year. This gives EVs a 21.2% share of the new car market, surpassing traditional petrol cars at 20.9% and leaving diesel trailing at just 12.5%.
This milestone represents far more than statistics. It confirms what thousands of Irish drivers already know: electric vehicles are no longer an experiment or a luxury for early adopters. They are practical, affordable, and increasingly the default choice for Irish motorists.
Why January 2026 Became the EV Tipping Point
Several factors have converged to make January 2026 a breakthrough month for electric vehicle adoption in Ireland.
Wider Model Choice: At the time of writing, Irish buyers can choose from nearly 100 different EV models across all price points and vehicle categories. The best-selling electric cars in January included the Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Inster, Kia EV3, Hyundai Kona, and Hyundai Ioniq 5, demonstrating the breadth of options now available. From compact city cars to family SUVs, there is an EV to suit virtually every need and budget.
Extended VRT Relief: The Irish government extended Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief for electric vehicles through to 31st December 2026, maintaining the financial incentive for buyers who might have been on the fence. This policy continuity has given consumers confidence to make the switch.
Falling Prices: Increased competition, particularly from new entrants like Chinese manufacturer BYD (which recorded 1,029 registrations in January), has brought greater price diversity to the market. More affordable models are now available alongside premium options, making EVs accessible to a broader range of buyers.
Private Buyers Leading the Charge: Perhaps most significantly, private consumers accounted for 75% of BEV sales in January 2026, an 11% increase on the previous year. This demonstrates that everyday Irish families, not just fleet buyers or businesses, are choosing electric.
The Bigger Picture: Battery Technology Dominates
The shift to electric is part of a broader transformation in the Irish car market. When you combine battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and regular hybrids (HEVs), battery technology vehicles accounted for nearly two-thirds of all new car sales in January. Traditional petrol and diesel combined now represent just 33% of the market.
Hybrid-electric vehicles have become the single most popular engine choice, claiming 28.3% of the market, with Toyota dominating this segment. The combined momentum towards electrification is undeniable.
What This Means for Irish EV Owners: Home Charging is Essential
As electric vehicles become the norm rather than the exception, home charging infrastructure has shifted from a nice-to-have to an essential part of EV ownership in Ireland.
The reality is that most EV charging happens at home. While Ireland's public charging network has expanded by 43% in early 2026, home charging remains the most convenient and cost-effective option for the vast majority of EV drivers. You charge overnight while you sleep, wake up to a full battery each morning, and avoid queuing at public charge points or paying premium public charging rates.
The SEAI Home Charger Grant
At the time of writing, Irish homeowners can claim €300 towards the cost of a home EV charger through the SEAI grant scheme. While this grant was reduced from €600 in January 2024, it still makes home charging installation significantly more affordable.
To qualify for the grant, you must:
- Own or have on order a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
- Use an SEAI-registered installer for the installation
- Choose a grant-approved smart charger
WattCharger is an SEAI registered installer and Safe Electric certified contractor, which means we handle all the paperwork, grant applications, and safety certifications on your behalf. Our team has installed thousands of home chargers across Ireland, making the process simple and stress-free.
Choosing the Right Home Charger for Your EV
Not all EV chargers are created equal. With the growth in EV adoption, choosing a smart, future-proof charger has never been more important.
The two most popular home charging options for Irish EV owners are:
Zappi EV Charger
The Zappi smart charger is specifically designed for homeowners who want to charge their EV using renewable energy. If you already have solar panels installed or are planning to add them in the future, Zappi can automatically divert excess solar energy to your car, reducing your reliance on grid electricity.
Zappi is compatible with all electric vehicle models sold in Ireland and is available in both tethered (cable attached) and untethered versions, as well as black or white finishes to suit your home's aesthetic. It comes with a three-year manufacturer warranty and is fully SEAI grant-approved.
Ohme Home Pro
The Ohme Home Pro is a feature-packed smart charger designed for drivers who want to take advantage of time-of-use electricity tariffs. The Ohme app lets you schedule charging sessions during the cheapest overnight rates, potentially reducing your EV charging costs by up to 50% compared to standard daytime rates.
With dynamic electricity pricing set to launch in Ireland in summer 2026, smart chargers like the Ohme Home Pro will become even more valuable, automatically scheduling your charging to take advantage of half-hourly price fluctuations.
Both chargers integrate seamlessly with smart tariffs from suppliers like SSE Airtricity, Electric Ireland, and other major Irish energy providers.
Solar Charging: The Ultimate Combination
For Irish homeowners who already have solar panels or are considering installing them, combining solar with an EV charger represents the ultimate in energy independence and cost savings.
With the SEAI solar grant remaining at €1,800 through 2026 and 0% VAT on solar installations, a typical 5 kWp solar system costs around €6,000 after grants. This system can generate approximately 4,700 kWh of clean electricity per year, enough to power your home and significantly reduce your EV charging costs.
The Zappi charger is specifically designed to maximise the use of excess solar energy. During sunny periods when your solar panels are generating more electricity than your home is using, Zappi automatically diverts that surplus to charge your EV rather than exporting it to the grid. This maximises your self-consumption and reduces your electricity bills.
If you are interested in charging your EV with solar power, WattCharger offers integrated solar and EV charging packages tailored to Irish homes. We handle everything from system design to SEAI grant applications, ensuring you get a solution that works for your household.
Installation: What to Expect
Installing a home EV charger in Ireland is a straightforward process when you work with an experienced, certified installer like WattCharger.
The typical installation process includes:
- Free Consultation: We assess your property, discuss your charging needs, and recommend the right charger for your situation
- Site Survey: Our electricians confirm the installation location and electrical capacity
- Grant Application: We handle all SEAI paperwork on your behalf
- Professional Installation: Safe Electric certified electricians complete the installation, usually within a few hours
- Testing & Handover: We test the system thoroughly and show you how to use your new charger
- Safety Certification: All installations are certified and compliant with Irish electrical regulations
At the time of writing, a fully installed SEAI grant-approved home EV charger typically costs from €1,450, which includes the charger unit, professional installation, and all certifications. With the €300 SEAI grant applied, your out-of-pocket cost is significantly reduced.
For homeowners concerned about planning permission, the good news is that most residential EV charger installations in Ireland do not require planning permission, as they are considered exempted development. You can read more about this in our guide on EV charger planning permission in Ireland.
Looking Ahead: Infrastructure and Support Will Be Key
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, noted that while the momentum in EV sales is promising, continued focus on infrastructure and government supports will be essential to sustain this growth.
"Over one in five new cars registered in January were fully electric vehicles," Cooke said. "Government incentives, expanding EV model choices, and a greater range of price points are all helping consumers make the switch. If we want this emerging market to continue to expand, focus on infrastructure and Government supports will be key."
Home charging infrastructure forms the backbone of Ireland's EV transition. With 7,319 new electric vehicles registered in January alone, thousands of Irish driveways will need charging points installed in 2026. The faster we can roll out home charging solutions, the smoother the transition to electric transport will be for Irish motorists.
Final Thoughts
January 2026 will be remembered as the month when electric vehicles officially overtook petrol and diesel in Ireland. This is not a temporary spike or a statistical anomaly. It is a clear signal that the Irish car market has fundamentally changed.
For the 7,319 households who bought an EV in January, and for the tens of thousands more expected to make the switch throughout 2026, home charging is no longer optional. It is the foundation of convenient, cost-effective EV ownership.
Whether you are a new EV owner looking to install your first home charger, an existing driver upgrading to a smarter solution, or a solar homeowner wanting to power your car with clean energy, WattCharger is here to make EV charging easy. After all, our mission is simple: make EV EZ.
Ready to Charge Smarter?
Installing a home EV charger has never been easier. WattCharger offers SEAI grant-approved installation across Ireland, with expert advice to help you choose the right charger for your needs. Browse our range of smart EV chargers or get in touch for a free consultation. Join thousands of Irish EV owners already charging at home with confidence.
Blog Author: Rowan Egan