October 1, 2026

Ireland’s EV Growth Puts Charging Access in Focus

What record sales mean for drivers and businesses 

Electric vehicles are no longer a niche choice in Ireland. They’re the most popular one. 

New figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that 35,195 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered between January and September 2026, up from 22,376 in the same period of 2025. That’s an increase of 57.3%. BEVs now make up 27.43% of the new car market, the largest share of any engine type, ahead of hybrid, petrol, plug-in hybrid and diesel. In September alone, BEV registrations rose by 80%. 

As more drivers make the switch, one question matters more than ever: where will they charge? 

More EVs, more demand for charging 

Every new EV on the road adds demand to Ireland’s charging network. Many drivers charge at home, but not everyone can. Apartment dwellers, people in terraced housing without off-street parking, and drivers covering long distances all depend on public charging. 

Even drivers with a home charger need fast, reliable options when they’re on the road, whether that’s for a cross-country trip, a busy workday or a quick stop between appointments. 

What drivers need from public charging 

As the market grows, expectations are rising too. Drivers want: 

  • Speed: high-power chargers that add significant range in a short stop. 
  • Reliability: chargers that work when you arrive. 
  • Convenience: locations near main roads, shops, cafés and places people already go. 
  • Simplicity: easy payment and clear information before you arrive. 

Why Budget 2027 matters 

The SEAI purchase grant (up to €3,500) and VRT relief (up to €5,000) are currently confirmed only until the end of 2026. Ahead of Budget 2027 on 6 October, SIMI has called on Government to extend these supports. Director General Brian Cooke said: “The momentum is clearly there, and the Government has a real opportunity in Budget 2027 to ensure the continued expansion in BEV sales.” 

Whatever the Budget decides, the drivers already on the road need charging they can rely on today. 

What this means for businesses 

Ireland’s EV growth creates real opportunities: 

  • Retail, hospitality and leisure sites can attract EV drivers and increase dwell time by hosting public chargers. 
  • Fleets can lower running costs, but should note that Benefit-in-Kind relief for EVs drops from €30,000 to €15,000 in 2027. 
  • Car dealers, insurers and lenders can help customers make the switch with confidence by connecting them to reliable charging. 

How EZO supports drivers, site partners and fleets 

For drivers 

EZO operates public charging infrastructure across Ireland. With the EZO app, drivers can find charging locations and check availability and pricing before they start. 

Through roaming, an EZO account also gives drivers access to participating charging locations across Ireland and other European countries, extending their options well beyond EZO’s own network. 

For site partners and fleet operators 

EZO plans, installs, commissions, operates and supports charging infrastructure for public locations and private fleets. Every project starts with the practical requirements: 

  • Grid connection 
  • Site access 
  • Parking layout 
  • Vehicle schedules (for fleets) 

From the first site assessment to day-to-day operation, EZO manages the full process, so partners can offer reliable charging without the complexity. 

Keeping the momentum charged 

Record EV sales show Ireland is ready to go electric. As the number of EV drivers grows, EZO is committed to making charging simple, reliable and accessible, wherever they’re going. 

Drivers: Download the EZO app to find your next charge – Download the app →
Businesses: Talk to us about charging for your site or fleet – Talk to our team →

Source: SIMI new vehicle registration statistics, 1 October 2026; SEAI.