Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I was saying, the regional and local EV network plan is very important. Departmental officials have been engaging actively with local authorities to develop their own regional charging plans. We are now looking at ranges averaging 400 km, which will cover most daily driving. Most EV charging happens at home. Nevertheless, I agree that we need to improve the EV charging infrastructure throughout the country, and this strategy will focus in particular on our regional areas. I can also confirm that in line with the programme for Government, a new EV infrastructure strategy will be developed this year, covering 2026 onwards. A key consideration in that will be addressing the specific EV challenges of rural communities, which I acknowledge.

Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, ZEVI, offers a generous suite of financial supports to drivers for the transition to electric vehicles, including a purchase grant for battery electric vehicles, a home charger purchase grant, vehicle registration tax, VRT, relief of up to €5,000 and a low rate of annual motor tax.

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