Waterford motorists are embracing electric vehicles in record numbers, with the county seeing a huge jump in EV registrations as Ireland records its strongest ever month for battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales.

New figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that 658 new electric cars were registered in Waterford between January and July 2026, compared to 377 during the same period last year. That’s an increase of 281 vehicles, representing a 74.5% year-on-year rise.

Waterford accounted for 2.21% of all new EV registrations nationwide so far this year, up from 2.03% in 2025, highlighting the county’s growing contribution to Ireland’s shift towards electric motoring.

Nationally, July proved to be a landmark month for electric vehicles. A record 9,682 new battery electric cars were registered during the month, almost doubling last July’s total of 4,898 and marking a 98% increase. It is the highest monthly EV sales figure ever recorded in Ireland.

Across the country, 29,840 new electric cars have been registered so far in 2026, up 61% on the same period last year. For the first time, battery electric vehicles have also become the country’s most popular engine type, capturing 26.12% of the new car market, ahead of hybrids, petrol and diesel models.

While overall new car registrations in Waterford also continued to grow, increasing from 2,352 to 2,466 during the first seven months of the year – a 4.85% rise – electric vehicles are clearly driving much of that momentum.

SIMI says Government incentives, including the new scrappage scheme introduced in July alongside existing EV grants, have helped fuel demand across every county, with rural areas also seeing strong growth.

With EV sales continuing to accelerate, 2026 is shaping up to be a milestone year for electric motoring in Waterford as more drivers make the switch away from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.