Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
360. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider allowing SEAI electric vehicle grants to be paid directly to the garage from which a taxi driver wishes to purchase an electric vehicle to facilitate more taxi drivers purchasing electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19247/21]
View answerThe transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles has an important role to play in effecting a substantial reduction in transport CO2 and of air pollutant emissions, particularly in Irish towns and cities due to the high mileage travelled by these vehicles, the stop/start and idling nature of their work, as well as the predominance of fossil fuels within the sector. Increasing the uptake of electric vehicle (EVs) in the SPSV sector also has a strong leadership and demonstration effect on the public, introducing more people to low/zero emission mobility options. As such, I was delighted to announce the continuation and extension of the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme in 2021. Under this scheme enhanced supports, up to €20,000, will be now made available for eligible taxi and hackney drivers switching to EVs. This includes assistance for drivers choosing to scrap an older SPSV and replace it with an EV. There is also enhanced support for drivers wishing to purchase an electric wheelchair accessible vehicle. The Scheme is administered by the NTA and the SPSV driver applies directly for the grant. The NTA then carries out a vehicle suitability check and once approved, processes and pays the grant. Further information can be found at https://www.nationaltransport.ie/taxi/.
In addition, the Electric Vehicle (EV) Purchase Grant Scheme, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), currently provides up to €5,000 in grant support for the private purchase of a new electric car and up to €3,800 for the commercial purchase of a new electric van. The vehicles in question may be battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or plug in electric hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).
Currently, the grant is paid directly to the dealerships who apply for the purchase grant on behalf of the customer. The grant is passed on directly to the customer in the form of a reduced price at the time of purchase. Further information is available at https://www.seai.ie/grants/electric-vehicle-grants/.
