40 per cent of new cars registered last year were either electric or hybrid.

Figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show there was an increase in the number of registrations of e-cars of 80 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020.

Petrol remained as the most popular engine type for 2022 at 30% - despite a decline in its market share last year.

26% of new cars were diesel, 19% were hybrid, with 15% of cars electric and plug in hybrids standing at just over 6%.

SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said retailers are reporting strong new car orders  with the incoming 231 registration period, which will in turn attract vital trade-ins for the used car market.

The top five selling car brands for 2022 were Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Kia and Skoda.

Meanwhile, the top five car models for the calendar year were Hyundai Tucson, Toyota Corolla, Kia Sportage, Toyota C-HR and Volkswagen ID.4.