NEW electric car registrations in Clare have more than doubled in the first ten months of 2026 compared with the same period last year.
A total of 772 new battery electric cars were registered in the county between January and October, representing an increase of 100.52% on the 385 registered during the same period in 2025.
The figures were released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), which reported strong growth in electric vehicle registrations nationally.
Overall, new car registrations in Clare also increased during the period, rising by 9.5% from 2,559 in the first ten months of 2025 to 2,802 in 2026.
The county’s share of new car registrations nationally stood at 2.14%, compared with 2.07% during the same period last year. Clare accounted for 2.13% of new electric car registrations, up from 1.67% in 2025.
Nationally, 36,270 new battery electric cars were registered between January and October, a 57% increase on the 23,082 registered during the same period last year.
Battery electric cars accounted for 27.74% of the new car market by engine type, making them the most popular category ahead of petrol-electric hybrids at 23.54%, petrol at 19.43%, plug-in hybrids at 14.99% and diesel at 12.31%.
October alone saw 1,092 new electric cars registered nationally, up 55% from 706 in October 2025.
Emma Mitchell, Operations Director with SIMI, said demand for new battery electric vehicles remained strong in October, helped by Government support and market offerings.
Ms Mitchell added that growth was being seen across the country, including in urban and rural areas, with 61% of new electric cars registered outside Dublin so far this year.
She said battery electric vehicles were now the most popular powertrain among Irish new car buyers so far in 2026.
Overall, 130,754 new cars were registered nationally between January and October, an increase of 6% on the 123,855 recorded during the same period in 2025.
