The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI ) has welcomed the recent announcement by Transport Minister Shane Ross of a grant scheme for Taxi/Limousine/Hackney (SPSV ), aimed at increasing the uptake of new electric vehicles (EVs ) in the Irish taxi fleet.
The electric vehicle initiative will give Taxi drivers up to €7,000 towards the purchase of a new electric car on top of the VRT relief and SEAI grants. Grant incentives are available for a range of eligible private and commercial electric vehicles along with an SEAI home charger grant scheme.
Alan Nolan, Director General of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI ) commented: “SIMI welcomes the announcement by Minister Ross of the new grant scheme for taxis and other small public service vehicles. As we start to see more electric vehicles on our roads this will help to normalize the electric cars for consumers and their use as a public service vehicle will aid in providing motorists with that experience, while benefiting the environment.
“Ireland’s national fleet will continue with a mix of engine types over the next few years with Diesel (57 per cent ) and Petrol (36 per cent ) engines the greater market share in the new car market and still the required option for very many vehicle buyers. As an Industry we are fully committed to the supply of electric vehicles into the marketplace and incentives will play an important part in helping consumers make their purchasing decision to EVs.”
