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Electric Vehicles

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2022

Thursday, 3 March 2022

Ceisteanna (70)

Brian Leddin

Ceist:

70. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to incentivise and support the use of small and light electric vehicles, including electric bikes and electric cargo bikes, over and above heavier and more carbon intensive electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12113/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The use of e-bikes, including e-cargo bikes, is proving to be an increasingly popular method of travel, whether for commuting or leisure purposes, and is encouraging more people to choose to cycle.

I welcomed the announcement by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, of increased thresholds under the existing Cycle to Work Scheme as part of the 2020 July Stimulus package, as well as the expansion of the scheme to electric bikes, including e-cargo bikes. The changes to the Scheme are in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government. 

The Programme for Government also committed us to legislating for e-bikes. While e-bikes are already provided for in Irish legislation in the Road Traffic Acts, the Road Traffic and Roads Bill, which is currently before the Oireachtas, proposes to clarify the legal definitions for high-powered and low-powered e-bikes. This will act to encourage the growing cohort of e-cyclists in Ireland by giving certainty as to the legal status of their vehicle. In line with European legislation, high-powered e-bikes will be considered to be a kind of light moped or ‘L-category’ vehicle. Accordingly, they will be required to be registered, taxed and insured. Users will require a driver’s licence for L-category vehicles and the relevant rules of the road for mopeds and motorbikes will apply.

Low-powered pedal-assist e-bikes, capable of achieving speeds up to 25 km/h, will continue to be treated in the same way as pedal bicycles under law and the relevant rules of the road for bicycles will apply accordingly. As is currently the case, this type of e-bike will not require registration, taxation, or a licence.

No distinction is drawn in the Road Traffic Acts between cycles (bicycles or tricycles) used for the carriage of persons or the carriage of goods and these rules therefore apply equally to e-cargo bikes.

Providing a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. Electrification will be key to achieving this objective in the transport sector.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most prominent transport mitigation measure in the Climate Action Plan, and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 945,000 EVs on our roads by 2030. This target is challenging but indicates the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to achieve its climate targets in the coming years.

Considerable progress has been made, as a result of the work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, to ensure that conditions and policies are in place to support citizens in making greener vehicle choices. A comprehensive suite of measures is available to EV drivers, including purchase grants for private car owners and taxi drivers, VRT relief, reduced tolls, home charger grants, favourable motor and BIK tax rates, as well as a comprehensive charging network. These measures have collectively contributed to increased take up of EVs in Ireland in recent years, albeit from a low base, to over 50,500 now.

In addition, my Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. The EVPP Working Group comprises senior officials and has considered regulatory, financial, and taxation policies to help drive a significant ramp-up in passenger EVs and electric van sales.  

The recommendations of the EVPP Working Group were approved by Government and the full report is available online.

My Department is acutely aware that the cost of electric vehicles remains an issue for many consumers. To this end, electric vehicle policy is being kept under continuous review to endeavour to make low emission vehicles affordable.

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