Waterford's top-selling new cars revealed as sales of EVs continues to fall

The number of electric cars sold in Waterford during the first five months of this year fell by almost 7%, compared to the number sold during the same period in 2023.

According to new data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), 236 new electric cars were registered in The Deise between January 1 and May 31 - representing 14.74% of all new cars sold across the city and county.  A total of 253 new EVs were sold in Waterford during the first five months of 2023.

Just under a quarter (24.98%) of new cars sold in Waterford over the first five months of this year were hybrid models while almost two thirds (60.28%) were either petrol or diesel fuelled.

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Meanwhile, the latest figures show that sales of new cars in Waterford, across all categories, fell by 13.84% during January, February, March, April and May compared to the same period twelve months ago.

According to SIMI, a total of 1,601 new cars were registered in Waterford over the five month period - down from 1,880 in 2023.

The five most popular make and model of new car sold in Waterford during the first five months of 2024 were: Skoda Octavia (72), Hyundai Tucson (66), Toyota Yaris Cross (46), Kia Sportage (41) and Nissan Qashqai (36).

Separately, the five most popular make and model of new EVs sold were: Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Kona, BYD Seal, Volkswagen ID.3 and Kia Niro and Tesla Model 3.

Commenting on the latest figures, Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General noted that sales of electric cars have seen a fourth consecutive month of decline in sales.

"The number of electric cars registered last month was 1,044, which is a decrease from the 1,715 registrations in May 2023. The EV share of the market (nationally) now stands at 13%, which is down from 17% last year, and is in line with 2022 market share," he stated.

"With the private consumer being the driver of EV sales in Ireland, we need to re-focus our efforts on these buyers; they need greater reassurances on their EV investment, which includes as a minimum the extension of current incentives and delivery on an electric charging infrastructure. We also need to encourage the company car market, where Ireland has been lagging behind other markets, and delay the phasing out of the BIK concession until such time as EVs become firmly established," he added.