The Government has allocated €13 million in funding to further incentivise the uptake of electric vehicles next year.
Prior to his resignation as Minister of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten said almost 1,900 new electric vehicles, of which some 1,200 were full battery electric vehicles, had been purchased in Ireland.
“The Budget, which saw the extension of the benefit-in-kind relief for battery electric vehicles for three years (subject to a cap of €50,000 on the value of the vehicle ) and VRT relief on hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for one year, is welcome. I can confirm that I intend to continue the electric vehicle purchase grant, the home charger grant and SEAI’s public engagement programme in 2019.
“In addition, I would like to highlight the Climate Action Fund which has funding of at least €500 million as part of the National Development Plan. The first call for applications, which I launched in July, includes provision for supporting electric vehicle charging networks along with a range of other project types. The deadline for applications has now passed and I can confirm that almost 100 applications have been received. An assessment of these applications is currently underway. In addition, my department, in conjunction with the SEAI, is working on how best to support the provision of greater levels of on-street public charging.
“The Budget introduces Accelerated Capital Allowances for gas-propelled vehicles and refuelling equipment. This will encourage investment in natural gas and biogas as a substitute for diesel – particularly for large vehicles such as HGVs and buses.”
