The number of electric vehicles sold in Clare is now 48% ahead of this time last year.
The latest figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show that 206 EVs have been sold in this county between January and May.
The uptick in electric vehicle sales in Clare was the 5th highest in the country and was only surpassed by Cavan, Westmeath, Monaghan and Tipperary, where EV sales more than doubled year-on-year.
SIMI Director General Brian Cooke says the industry is on track to meet its climate targets “New car registrations in May saw a 9% decline when compared to the same month last year, although year-to-date sales remain ahead of last year, with a total of 79,301 new cars registered, up over 2%. For the fifth consecutive month, new electric vehicle sales have increased, with EV registrations 5% ahead of May last year, with over 12,300 new electric cars sold so far this year, representing a 23% increase on last year. Private consumers continue to account for the majority of EV sales. While we are now on schedule to reach the interim Climate Action Plan target of 175,000 electric cars (EV & PHEV) by the end of this year, as highlighted by the EPA recently, we need to do more to accelerate the growth in EV sales between now and the end of the decade. In this context, Government initiatives and supports will be vital. The Commercial vehicle sector experienced a decline in May, with the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market down nearly 2% in May and 9% year to date. Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations are down 22% in May and 10% year to date. Overall commercial vehicle sales are a concern, reflecting the uncertain business environment at present, with many companies deferring investment decisions.”
