Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
222. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport when he expects a report on the EV Commercial Fleet Trial to be published; the measures his Department is taking to incentivise and support small-to-medium businesses in electrifying their commercial fleet; whether his Department plans to introduce new measures following the final report on the trial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14654/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government of Ireland have set down ambitious targets to be achieved in the transport sector: a 51% reduction in emissions across the transport sector by 2030 and a target of almost a million electric vehicles (EVs) on Irish roads by 2030.
When combined with policies that support increased active and multi-modal travel, EVs represent a viable pathway for the decarbonisation of the transport sector.
Commercial fleets contribute to the transport emissions in Ireland. There is an opportunity to significantly reduce emissions in the transport sector by encouraging the electrification of commercial fleets. The Government provides a wide range of supports to encourage businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles including:
• Accelerated Capital Allowance
• Benefit in Kind
• eSPSV grant
• A grant support for the purchase of new N1 category electric vehicles for business and public entities.
• AFHDV grant scheme
• The SEAI EV Dealership Awards which recognise and reward excellence in the promotion and sales of electric vehicles in Ireland.
I launched the EV Commercial Fleet Trial on 21 July 2022 to afford businesses the opportunity to test an EV free of charge for a minimum period of 3 months. This trial will allow businesses real world experience of having an EV on their fleet and showcase the benefits, savings and the suitability and viability of EVs in a commercial setting.
To ensure as positive an experience as possible, ZEVI in conjunction with SEAI have made the decision to install charge points or ensure an operational charging strategy is in place for each business prior to delivery of trial EV.
The participating businesses span a host of different industries and are made up of large industry, public sector and SMEs.
The trial is running in four blocks of 50 businesses. and will be fully complete in June. SEAI will undertake the data analysis and a report compiling of the full data set collected. It is anticipated that the findings will be published in Q4 2024. My department will study the report findings and make any further policy decisions thereafter.
