Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020
998. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the grants available for electric cars in view the fact that some models are excluded from the SEAI grant; the reason for same in further view of the fact that persons are being encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint; and his plans to address the matter. [2727/20]
View answerCurrently, there are a generous range of supports available to support the purchase of electric vehicles and related charging infrastructure. The priority of the Government, at this time, is to target supports where they can have the most effect in aiding Ireland's transition to a low carbon economy.
As such, in order to qualify for the current electric vehicle purchase grant, an electric vehicle must be classified as M1 (passenger vehicle) or N1 (light commercial vehicle) and meet certain requirements including criteria relating to range and tailpipe emissions. These criteria would encompass quite a wide range of electric vehicles that the average consumer might seek to purchase with up to 45 unique models eligible.
The supports available include a purchase grant of up to €5,000 for new electric vehicles as well as Vehicle Registration Tax relief of up to €5,000 for battery electric vehicles and up to €2,500 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. In addition, further grants are available to support the purchase of electric vehicles in the taxi/hackney/limousine sector. There are also supports for electric vehicle charging points.
My Department keeps the support levels for electric vehicles under constant review; looking at market data as well as international experience to seek to ensure that the support budget can make the most impact for Ireland and Irish consumers.
