Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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163. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of electric SPSVs in operation to date in 2020; the number of hybrid SPSVs in operation to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42958/20]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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164. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications for electric vehicle grants for SPSVs in 2019 and to date in 2020; the number of individual grants awarded in both years; the value awarded in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42959/20]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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165. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle grants for SPSVs in 2019 and to date in 2020; the number of individual grants awarded in both years; the value awarded in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42960/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 163, 164 and 165 together.

An efficient and low emitting public transport system is a key priority of my Department, and the transition of the Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) sector (which includes taxis, hackneys and limousines) to low emission vehicles has been a particular focus in recent years. This reflects the fact that, despite representing less than 1% of the registered vehicle fleet, SPSVs can have a disproportionately high impact on transport emission levels, particularly in urban areas. This is due to the high mileage travelled by these vehicles, the stop/start and idling nature of their work, as well as the predominance of fossil fuels within the sector.

Using 2015 data it is estimated that carbon dioxide emissions from the SPSV sector amounted to 112 kilotonnes or 28% of total public passenger (bus, hackney & taxi) emissions for that year. This calculation assumes an average annual vehicle kilometres for SPSVs of 38,000km (in 2019 the average annual kms were estimated at just over 39,000km).

The transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero-emission and zero-emission capable vehicles therefore has an important role to play in effecting a substantial reduction in transport carbon dioxide and of air pollutant emissions, particularly in Irish towns and cities. Additionally, increasing the uptake of EVs in the SPSV sector can have a strong leadership and demonstration effect on the public, introducing more people to low/zero emission mobility options.

Following recommendations by the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce in 2018, my Department established an Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme, which is administered on behalf of the Department by the National Transport Authority (NTA). The Grant offers up to €10,000 towards the purchase of an eSPSV, with a further €2,500 available to convert the vehicle to a wheelchair accessible model. It also provides support of up to €5,000 for the purchase of plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) SPSVs. The eSPSV Grant Scheme can also be used in conjunction with other incentives for EV drivers, including VRT relief, lower rates of motor tax, and a reduction in road toll charges.

Since the launch of the eSPSV Grant in 2018, 94 SPSV drivers around the country have availed of the grant and changed to an electric vehicle, including 11 who drive PHEV eSPSVs. This is in addition to the 2,696 conventional hybrid SPSVs currently in operation on Ireland’s roads. In 2019, just over 11.5% of the SPSV fleet were hybrid or zero and low emission vehicles, compared to just under 2% of the fleet in 2015. The 94 electric cars in operation in 2019 also represents a significant increase, albeit from a low base, from the 4 electric SPSVs that were in service in 2015.

In 2019, 115 applications were made for electric vehicle grants under the eSPSV Scheme, with 35 individual grants awarded. The total value of grants awarded under the Scheme in that year was €187,000. In the same year, 31 applications for eSPSV grants for PHEVs were made, with 7 individual grants awarded, and grant funds to a total value of €13,000 awarded to support PHEV SPSVs.

Despite the significant negative impact that the Covid-19 crisis has had on the eSPSV sector, since 01 January 2020, 80 electric vehicle grant applications were made to the Scheme, with 20 individual grants awarded. The total value of grants awarded to date this year is €159,000. Twenty-five (25) applications for PHEV eSPSV grants were made since January, with 4 individual grants awarded, and grant funding to a total value of €19,000 awarded to support PHEV SPSVs.