Electric vehicles continue to increase in popularity, with about 84,000 currently on Irish roads.
And while range anxiety remains the main reason that some people are put off making the switch to electric mobility, so too is the price point.
Fortunately, government grants are available to help Irish motorists on their way to electric driving.
You may be able to get a grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI ) if you buy a battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV ) that meets specific standards.
At the moment, you can get a grant of up to €5,000 for battery-powered electric vehicles, but be aware that this maximum grant will be reduced to €3,500 from 1st July 2023.
A spokesperson for the SEAI did confirm however that any BEV purchased before this date will still be eligible for the full €5,000 grant, even if the car is not registered and with the customer before 1st July.
The grant for BEVs only applies to new cars with a full price of between €14,000 and €60,000.
Your car dealer will apply for the grant for you, and then deduct the grant amount from the total price of your car.
Since 1st January 2022, the grant of €2,500 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV ) has been removed.
If you are a driver of a small public service vehicle (SPSV ), you may be able to get a grant from the National Transport Authority. You can get a grant of up to €10,000 to buy a new, full battery eSPSV, with an additional €2,500 available for models that are wheelchair accessible.
You may get double the normal grant if you scrap an older, more polluting or high mileage car and switch to electric. The closing date for applications is 30th November 2023. This can be done on the National Transport Authority's website.
Home chargers
You can also apply for the Home Charger Grant Scheme, for up to €600 towards the installation costs of a home charger. There is also an EV Apartment Charging Grant for dwellings which do not have access to a driveway such as apartments, duplexes as well as mixed developments.
Public charges
There is an Electric Vehicle Public Charge Point Grant to support the roll-out of charge points on public streets, or in public car parks which provide overnight parking for local residents. You can contact your local authority for more information.
Reduced fares
If you own an electric vehicle, you may be able to get reduced toll fares through the Low Emissions Vehicle Toll Incentive (LEVTI ) Scheme. The scheme refund amount depends on your vehicle type, vehicle class (private, light goods vehicle, SPSV and HDV ), the toll location and the time you went through it.
You must get an EV tag. The scheme is expected to run until 31st December 2023 or until 50,000 drivers use it.
The annual motor tax rate for an electric vehicle is €120 per year for a Battery Electric Vehicle. Electric vehicles are the lowest tax band for motor tax.
