New self-charging hybrid ownership has increased by an impressive 65% compared to the same timeframe last year, according to the latest SIMI figures as of August 31st, 2021. Toyota, the dominant brand in the hybrid sector was responsible for 71% of the entire self-charging category sales.

From a provincial perspective, Munster has seen the greatest increases in self-charging hybrid ownership with a 61% year-on-year uplift, followed by Leinster with a 60% increase. Looking at the data from a county level Longford has seen the highest self-charging hybrid gains with an 85% uplift, followed closely by Dublin with an 84% increase, Waterford with a 78% increase, Carlow with a 77% uplift and Meath with a 73% increase.

Toyota has been at the forefront of the move towards electrification having invested in hybrid technology more than twenty years ago. 92% of Toyota’s car sales are self-charging hybrids. Since the launch of the first hybrid Toyota has made significant technological advancements to the point where their latest self-charging hybrid cars now drive in zero-emissions mode 62% of the time on average and up to 80% in urban areas.

Commenting on the hybrid growth story, Michael Gaynor, Marketing Director of Toyota Ireland said, “It comes as no surprise to see rural Ireland fully embracing hybrid where rural customers are experiencing first hand how much they can save in fuel against a conventional car, without the range anxiety of needing to plug-in. We also know that Toyota self-charging hybrid cars emit up to 90% less NOx emissions than a competing diesel car. For example it would take 18 Toyota C-HR hybrids to emit the same amount of NOx as a diesel alternative, meaning cleaner air for everyone.”