New Electric Cars Coming out in 2026

Electric vehicle sales continue to surge in Ireland in 2026, with registrations up 48% year-on-year as more motorists make the switch to battery power. Buyers are benefiting from a wider choice than ever before, with affordable city cars, family SUVs and luxury models all arriving over the coming months.

Whether you’re looking for your first electric car or planning an upgrade, 2026 promises to be one of the busiest years yet for new EV launches. From budget-friendly hatchbacks to long-range executive saloons, here are some of the most exciting electric cars coming to Ireland this year

Best New EVs Coming in 2026

1. Hyundai Ioniq 3

Hyundai is set to strengthen its impressive EV line-up with the arrival of the all-new Ioniq 3 this October. Positioned below the popular Ioniq 5, the new hatchback has futuristic styling and is designed to make electric motoring more affordable without sacrificing technology or practicality. Expected to start from under €30,000, the Ioniq 3 will offer buyers a choice of two battery sizes. The Standard Range version will deliver up to 344km (WLTP), while the Long Range model is targeting an impressive 490km, one of the best in class. It will also have rapid charging from 10-80% in around 29 minutes, while 22kW AC charging will make topping up at public chargers even more convenient.

2. Volkswagen ID Polo

Volkswagen is finally bringing an all-electric successor to one of Europe’s most successful and well-known small cars. The new ID Polo combines familiar Volkswagen design with an accessible price point that’s expected to make EV ownership available to even more buyers. It’s a new chapter for Volkswagen in electric vehicles and due in Ireland this autumn. It will be priced from just €19,885, making it one of the country’s most affordable electric cars. Buyers will be able to choose between a 37kWh battery or a larger 52kWh version capable of travelling up to 454km on a single charge.

3. BMW i3

BMW’s Neue Klasse era continues with the arrival of the all-new electric i3 this autumn, following the successful launch of the iX3 SUV. Built on BMW’s next-generation EV platform, the i3 promises significant advances in efficiency, performance and charging technology. The sleek four-door sports saloon is expected to offer driving dynamics worthy of the BMW badge while delivering an extraordinary driving range of up to 906 kilometres. Ultra-fast charging capability will also allow drivers to add hundreds of kilometres of range in just a short charging stop, making the i3 one of the most technically advanced electric cars due to arrive in Ireland in 2026.

4. Volvo EX60

One of the year’s most anticipated premium SUVs, the Volvo EX60 will bring the brand’s latest electric technology to one of its most popular model sizes. Sitting between the compact EX40 and larger EX90, the EX60 is expected to become a key model for Volvo in Ireland with up to 810 kilometres of range promised. Buyers can look forward to Scandinavian design, a luxurious minimalist interior, Volvo’s latest suite of safety technologies as well as plenty of family-friendly features.

5. Cupra Raval

Cupra is adding a small electric hatchback to its range in Ireland. Slotting in below the popular Cupra Born, it will rival the likes of the Renault 5 and the Volkswagen ID.Polo, yet with the brand’s signature sporty style and athletic driving character. It shares batteries and underpinnings with the Polo so that means two different battery sizes, the largest of which will get you up to 450 kilometres. Pricing will be sharp, with an entry price of just €23,495 already announced.

6. Polestar 5

Polestar’s long-awaited flagship finally arrives this September, bringing striking Scandinavian design and high-performance electric motoring together in one luxurious package. Positioned as a Grand Tourer, the Polestar 5 will compete with premium electric models from Porsche, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Expect a beautifully-crafted interior, cutting-edge technology, exceptional performance and long-distance comfort, making it one of the most desirable EVs launching this year. Priced from €130,700.

7. Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric

Mercedes-Benz is rejuvenating its electric SUV range in Ireland with the arrival soon of the new GLC electric. The GLC has always been a popular model for the brand in Ireland thanks to its practicality and premium features. The new one boasts Mercedes’ latest EV technology and even bolder design. Crucially it will have improved efficiency, faster charging and significantly greater driving range, up to 664 kilometres. Inside, buyers will find a luxurious cabin with stunning new digital technology that marks a new chapter for the premium German car brand.

8. Skoda Epiq

Skoda is expanding its line-up of popular cars and SUVs with the new Epiq. It slots into the range below the bestselling Enyaq and Elroq electric SUVs. It will offer good value for money with pricing starting from €24,559. There are a few different battery options, the largest of which will offer up to 430 kilometres of range. Compact on the outside yet practical inside, the small SUV is expected to offer generous passenger space, clever storage and modern infotainment and technology features. The new Skoda Peaq seven-seat electric SUV will arrive around the same time for 271 registrations.

9. Leapmotor B05

Chinese brand Leapmotor continues its European expansion with the new B05, a compact electric hatchback expected to offer space, value for money and generous standard equipment. With its stylish hatchback design, it’s something different to the SUVs we’ve already seen from Leapmotor like the B10 and C10. It will start from €28,998 with two different battery options, the largest of which can manage up to 485 kilometres. Arriving to Irish Leapmotor dealers this summer.

10. DS No.7 

A late arrival for 271 registrations will be the all-new DS No.7. It replaces the former DS 7 and introduces new powertrains including full battery electric. There will be two battery options available, the largest 97kWh offering up to a whopping 740 kilometres. Inside, it is well-appointed and dripping in luxury features like Nappa leather seats with an in-built neck warmer – perfect for Irish winter mornings! It boasts a huge boot and plenty of interior space, making it an ideal choice for buyers seeking a stylish and spacious premium SUV.

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year