Written answers

Wednesday, 22 November 2017

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Electric Vehicles

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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227. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the incentives in place to encourage the sale of electric and hybrid cars and to encourage drivers to switch from petrol and diesel powered cars. [49649/17]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I am very supportive of the transition of the car fleet away from conventional fossil fuels towards low/zero emissions technology, especially electric vehicles (EVs).  The Deputy may be aware that my Department and the Department of Communication, Climate Action and Environment, have jointly convened an interdepartmental Low-Emitting Vehicles (LEV) Task Force to consider a full suite of potential measures to expedite the deployment of low carbon technologies under a commitment outlined in the "Programme for a Partnership Government". 

The wide ranging work of the Taskforce has been divided between three working groups addressing: Market Growth Stimuli and Visibility; Infrastructure, Energy Regulation and Pricing; and Planning Legislation, Building Regulations and Public Leadership.

Working Group 1 of the LEV Taskforce, which is chaired by my Department, includes the examination of existing and potential fiscal support measures; developing business related incentives such as the accelerated capital allowance scheme and BIK scheme; as well as the consideration of other incentives including free parking and free tolls for EV drivers.  

Based on the recommendations of the LEV Taskforce presented to the Minister of Finance in advance of this year’s Budgetary and Estimates Process, a suite of tax and expenditure measures have been agreed that clearly indicate the Government's commitment to a low-carbon electric vehicle (EV) future.

I am pleased to announce that resources were secured to continue the current valuable and generous VRT reduction and SEAI purchase grants; the introduction of a new grant to support installation of home charger points for buyers  of new and second-hand EVs; a new grant to stimulate take-up in the Taxi /Hackney/Limousine (SPSV) sector; a new EV toll incentive regime; a new EV Public Awareness Programme to include driver experience opportunities; public sector and commercial fleet trials allowing public bodies and business to trial EVs; a new Benefit in Kind (BIK) 0% rate to incentivise EVs without mileage conditions as well as rules to ensure that there is no BIK liability associated with recharging EVs in workplaces.

It may also interest the Deputy to know that my Department developed the National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland to support the deployment of alternative fuels for transport in Ireland and assist in removing any barriers that exist towards greater uptake of low emissions vehicles (LEVs). This plan was published in May and can be viewed on our Department’s website or by clicking on this link: www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/public-transport/english/npf-picture/6186npfalternative-fuelsengv5.pdf.

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