There are moments when a new technology stops being “the future” and becomes the obvious choice, and that moment may have arrived for electric vehicles. If you’re shopping for a new car in 2026, you’re not just choosing between petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric; you’re choosing between old running costs and a smarter, cheaper way to drive. EVs have moved from niche to mainstream, and the market is proving it. The latest figures from SIMI (the Society of the Irish Motor Industry) show electric vehicle sales in January increased by 48% compared to the same period last year. That’s more than a statistic; it’s a clear signal that the shift to electric is accelerating.
Electric Is No Longer for “Early Adopters”
Put simply, petrol and diesel are becoming the expensive option. For years, many Irish drivers hesitated about switching to electric due to concerns such as range anxiety, charging convenience, doubts around the technology and uncertainty about whether EVs were right for their lifestyle. For a long time, electric cars felt like something for “someone else”.
That is changing quickly. Those barriers are falling, and Irish drivers are responding.
According to SIMI, new electric vehicle registrations have now reached a point where EVs are outselling petrol in Ireland for the first time, marking a major milestone in how Irish motorists are buying new cars.
So, if you’re considering making the switch, the reality is simple: you’re not early anymore, you’re right on time.
Why Now Is the Best Time to Switch to Electric
1. The EV choices are better than ever
In the early days, EV models were mostly limited to compact city cars designed for short trips and urban commuting. Today, the choice is far broader. Irish buyers can now choose from family SUVs, executive saloons and even seven-seaters. EVs have matured, and for many drivers, they are no longer a compromise.
For example, the top 10 selling new Electric car models in Jan 2026 were:
1. Volkswagen ID.4
2. Hyundai INSTER
3. Kia EV3
4. Hyundai Kona
5. Hyundai IONIQ
6. Toyota BZ4X
7. BYD Sealion 7
8. Skoda ELROQ
9. MG S5
10. Ford Explorer
2. You can cut your running costs dramatically
This is the part buyers care about most, and rightly so. EVs can cost far less to “fuel” than petrol or diesel, particularly when you charge at home on a smart electricity rate. Public charging has its place, but the biggest savings come from a simple shift: charging at home overnight on an EV electricity plan.
Bord Gáis Energy offers Smart EV Electricity plans designed specifically for electric vehicle drivers in Ireland. These plans allow you to charge for less by setting your home charger to automatically charge at night (for example, between 2am and 5am). This means you can benefit from off-peak electricity rates and save up to 66% compared to standard rates, getting a full charge of your EV at night for less that the cost of a flat white!
For more info about EV Plans from Bord Gáis Energy CLICK HERE
3. The charging experience is finally simple
Most EV owners will tell you the same thing: once you have a home charger, EV ownership becomes effortless. No weekly petrol station runs. No price-board stress. No detours. You park, you plug in, and you wake up with a full battery.
Without home charging, you can end up relying too heavily on public chargers and missing the biggest cost advantage of EV ownership.
With Bord Gáis Energy, you can get the latest Hive EV charger (EO Mini Pro 3) installed at your home through Bord Gáis Energy Local Heroes, using a trusted local tradesperson, from €929 (including installation, including the SEAI grant). You can also receive €150 credit on your bill, giving you an immediate benefit on top of long-term savings.
For more info about EV charger installation with Bord Gáis Energy Local Heroes CLICK HERE
Buying an EV is only part of the switch; the real upgrade is taking control of how you charge it. Installing a home EV charger turns your driveway into your own private refuelling point. No queues, no detours and no uncertainty, just a simple routine that fits around your life. When you combine home charging with a Smart EV electricity plan, you unlock the biggest advantage of electric driving: significantly lower running costs. You’re choosing better value over rising petrol prices, consistency over unpredictability, and a future-ready way to drive that feels effortless day to day.
If you’re ready to go electric, take the smart route: install the home charger, switch to a Smart EV plan, charge overnight for less, and enjoy every kilometre with Bord Gáis Energy powering your journey.