Ireland has already met its Climate Action Plan target of putting 195,000 electric vehicles on the road by the end of 2025, the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, announced on Thursday.

Latest figures show 196,000 EVs are now in use across the country, one thousand above the original goal. The minister described the milestone as evidence of a cultural and technological shift in how Irish people approach transport.

“Hitting our first CAP target is proof that when the right supports, infrastructure and ambition are in place, Irish motorists respond,” Mr O’Brien said. “Every one of these 196,000 vehicles represents cleaner air, lower carbon emissions and a contribution to the fight against climate change.”

The minister said the transition to electric was reshaping towns and cities and called the next phase of climate action “a bigger challenge but also one with greater benefits.” Ireland has pledged that 30 per cent of the national vehicle fleet will be electric by 2030, a goal that will require expanded charging infrastructure, more financial supports and a continued public information campaign.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) welcomed the achievement, crediting government incentives with supporting motorists to make the switch. “If we want to build on this momentum, we must continue to work together, focusing on supporting the delivery of more new EVs to the market, which will ultimately create a viable used EV market,” said Brian Cooke, SIMI’s director general.