While some people are still cautious of them, the demand for electric vehicles has risen substantially, making them the most popular option for Irish motorists.

Move over petrol cars, electric vehicles (EVs) are the most in demand in Ireland, especially with the upcoming fuel price increases.

Motoring editor with the Sunday Independent, Geraldine Herbert, explained the sales figures from July on The Pat Kenny Show, illustrating what's selling and what's not in Ireland.

The biggest takeaway was the fact that EVs saw record sales this summer, seeing a 61% year-on-year increase, and became the most-sold engine type.

She explained: "A total of 9862 new EVs were registered (1:24) last month, which is a huge increase. It's about 61% year on year.

"And for the first time ever, they outsold all other fuel source. So battery electric made up 26% of the new car sales, hybrid came in at 24.5%, petrol, just a little over 20%, plug in hybrid at 14% and diesel at just under 13%."

There are many reasons why EVs are suddenly so popular, with one reason being the cost of fuel at the moment and increases on the horizon as well.

But, one of the biggest indicators for the EV sales to rise so dramatically is because they're more affordable to purchase in the first place, not just to run.

Herbert continued: "I think what probably surprised a lot of people is the cheapest new cars available at the moment are actually EVs.

"If you're going to look for something in the sort of €18-20,000 mark, which doesn't buy an awful lot in terms of petrol or diesel, let's be honest at all, and even in the second hand market, it wouldn't. But in new cars, they're really not there.

"[But], you can buy EVs at that price. There's quite a few now for under €25,000. I know that sounds like a lot of money to people who are not in the new car market, but when you look at the average price that's paid, that is a really, really good price."

Prices of EVs have likely come down over the years due to the fact there is a wider selection available for purchase these days, meaning the balance between supply and demand has levelled off more than it used to.

In terms of which kind of EV to go for, be it European or Chinese-made, Geraldine explains that it really depends on what you're looking for, as "people don't buy cars anymore because of how they drive" but for all sorts of reasons.

Main image: Closeup of a BC Hydro electric vehicles EV fast charging station sign in Vancouver. Picture By: Alamy Stock Photo