Used Electric Car Prices Fall Below Diesel in Ireland
Dublin, Ireland – March 11, 2026 – A modern report from DoneDeal Cars reveals a significant shift in the Irish used car market: electric vehicles (EVs) are now, on average, 11% cheaper than comparable diesel models. This marks a turning point for potential EV buyers, as electric cars are no longer carrying a price premium over their diesel counterparts.
Price Comparison: EVs vs. Diesel and Petrol
The analysis, based on used cars less than five years traditional listed on DoneDeal, considered factors like age, mileage, and model when comparing prices. A typical three-year-old electric car currently has a median asking price of €28,825, compared to €35,893 for a similar diesel vehicle. Petrol cars remain the most affordable option upfront, with a three-year-old model averaging around €22,900.
Market Stabilization After Volatility
While petrol cars are currently the cheapest, the gap between petrol and electric vehicle prices has narrowed considerably in recent years. The decline in used EV prices, which had been turbulent due to factors like falling new car prices, reduced purchase grants, and increased supply, now appears to have stabilized. Dr. Tom Gillespie, an economist and analyst for the DoneDeal Cars Price Index, suggests the market has “found a more sustainable level,” with improving supply and more predictable price movements.
Impact of Pandemic and Supply Chain Shifts
Paddy Comyn, Head of Automotive Content and Communications at DoneDeal, explained that prices surged during the pandemic due to supply shortages, then corrected sharply as supply improved and manufacturers reduced new car prices. The current market is settling into a more normal pattern.
Changes in Used Car Imports
Ireland’s used car supply chain has likewise been reshaped post-Brexit. Imports from the UK have fallen sharply since 2019, while Japan now accounts for approximately half of all used car imports into Ireland. Many of these imports from Japan are European brands originally sold in the Japanese market before being re-exported.
Affordability Concerns at the Lower End
Despite the overall stabilization, there are ongoing pressures in the lower end of the used car market. The cost of vehicles priced below €6,000 rose by 7.6% year-on-year, reflecting continued shortages of cheaper cars.
Key Takeaways
- Used electric cars are now 11% cheaper than comparable diesel vehicles in Ireland.
- A three-year-old electric car has a median asking price of €28,825, compared to €35,893 for diesel.
- The used EV market has stabilized after a period of volatility.
- Imports from Japan now make up roughly half of all used car imports to Ireland.
- Prices for cheaper used cars (under €6,000) are increasing due to supply shortages.
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