Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
123. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if a taxi driver who has secured the purchase of an electric vehicle on foot of the Government announcement in February 2022 can avail of the electric vehicle taxi scheme; if not, if they must hold off to register the car until the scheme is reactivated later in the year, meaning that they can neither drive the car nor work in the meantime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25659/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aim of the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme is to support the greening of the SPSV sector. It is aimed at improving air quality in urban areas, reducing the CO2 emissions of a sector which typically has very high mileage, and also can positively influence the uptake of zero emission passenger cars by improving general perception and awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles.
The Scheme is available nationwide to persons applying for new SPSV licences and existing SPSV licence holders who wish to upgrade their current vehicle with a replacement EV. As per the terms and conditions of the scheme, it is important that an EV is not purchased prior to acceptance of a Grant Offer Letter by the Approved Applicant.
The SPSV industry is regarded as a champion in the normalisation of electric vehicle use. The Scheme is funded by the Department and administered by NTA acting as agents of the Department with delegated authority and as the licensing authority for SPSVs. €15m was allocated in 2022 to support SPSVs to switch to electric.
The scheme is kept under continuous review and is currently paused to allow for the drawdown and payment of provisional grant offers which usually have a time limit of three months. In addition, applicants can apply for a further three month provisional grant offer extension if they have a letter from their dealer stating that the vehicle will be delivered within this timeframe. I anticipate the scheme will reopen for applications in the second half of the year.
