Ireland’s used electric vehicle market has experienced a 2% price increase in the opening six months of 2026, marking the first period of growth since 2023 and reversing a prolonged downward trend, according to new figures released by automotive marketplace DoneDeal.
The data reveals that pre-owned electric cars are now appreciating faster than both hybrid vehicles and traditional internal combustion engine models, signalling a potential turning point in the Irish second-hand EV market.
Key facts
- Used electric car prices increased by 2% during January–June 2026
- The growth marks the first increase after three consecutive years of price decline
- Electric vehicles are now outperforming hybrids and petrol/diesel cars in price growth
- Data compiled by DoneDeal, Ireland’s largest automotive classified platform
Market Reversal After Extended Decline
The renewed price growth in Ireland’s second-hand electric vehicle segment represents a significant shift following sustained depreciation that began in 2023. The turnaround suggests strengthening demand for pre-owned battery-electric cars as Irish consumers increasingly consider electrified transport options amid rising fuel costs and expanding charging infrastructure.
While specific comparative figures for hybrid and combustion-engine vehicles were not disclosed, DoneDeal’s analysis indicates that electric vehicles are leading the market in appreciation rates across all powertrain categories. This development contrasts sharply with the preceding three-year period when used EV values consistently declined, creating affordability concerns among potential buyers but simultaneously deterring early adopters who saw their vehicles depreciate rapidly.
Implications for Irish EV Adoption
The price stabilisation and subsequent growth in the used electric car market could have meaningful implications for Ireland’s climate targets, which require substantial increases in electric vehicle adoption. With new EVs often priced beyond the reach of average consumers, a healthy second-hand market is considered essential for broadening access to electric mobility.
Industry observers suggest the reversal may reflect a combination of factors including reduced new vehicle supply chains creating scarcity in the used market, improved battery technology extending vehicle lifespans, and growing consumer confidence in electric powertrains as charging networks expand across Ireland. The development may also indicate that the market has found a more sustainable equilibrium after the initial volatility that characterised the emerging EV segment.
As Ireland continues working toward its goal of having nearly one million electric vehicles on the road by decade’s end, the performance of the second-hand market will prove crucial in determining whether electrification can extend beyond early adopters to mainstream motorists seeking affordable, sustainable transportation alternatives.
Reporting based on original coverage by the original source.
