The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI ) is urging everyone buying a new car in 2026 to consider making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV ).
Drivers can avail of up to €3,800 in government grants from SEAI for purchasing a qualifying EV and towards the installation of a home charger.
In 2025, SEAI says it supported more than 18,600 EV purchases and 16,000 home charger installations throughout Ireland. The advice from the SEAI comes as electric vehicle adoption increased by 36 per cent in 2025 compared to 2024, according to the latest figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI ).
Ruth Buggie of 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,” she said.
“We estimate that drivers could save around €900 a year with an electric vehicle, for an average usage of 18,000km. And increasingly, energy providers are offering lower rates for charging your car at off peak hours, offering even more savings,” Buggie added.
