Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
112. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that grants for electric vehicles are being used to help purchase high-end luxury vehicles valued in excess of €100,000; his views on whether this is an appropriate use of taxpayers’ money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11097/21]
View answerMy Department provides support through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) towards the purchase of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
In order to qualify for the relevant supports under the SEAI scheme, the electric vehicle must be classified as M1 (private passenger vehicle) or N1 (light commercial vehicle). The scheme currently provides up to €5,000 in grant support for the private purchase of a new electric car (M1) and up to €3,800 for the purchase of a new electric van (N1) by a company or where a motor dealership is purchasing a demonstration vehicle. My Department is making an allocation of €27 million in 2021 for grants under this scheme.
In order to achieve the interim target of 180,000 EVs on the road by 2025, it will be necessary for consumers in every segment of the market including high-end vehicles to make the switch to electric vehicles. Having said that, my officials are currently undertaking a review of the terms of the scheme in order to ensure that the underlying policies are as targeted and effective as possible.
