Written answers

Wednesday, 26 January 2022

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Electric Vehicles

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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37. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on introducing an initiative to facilitate the trialling of electric vehicles to improve adoption rates among persons that are car dependent and could contribute to an overall reduction in carbon emissions but have range anxiety. [3719/22]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Providing a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; and this is further reinforced through the implementation strategy set out in Climate Action Plan being published this week. Ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. Electrification will be key to achieving this objective in the transport sector.

In support of this, preparations are under way to establish an Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), as recommended in the EVPP Report; this will play an important role in our transition to zero-emission vehicles. OLEV will co-ordinate measures to support the uptake of EVs and the rollout of charge point infrastructure. This Office will also play an important role in coordinating communications campaigns to encourage EV uptake.

A generous suite of incentives is available to support individuals who wish to purchase an electric vehicle. In addition to this, officials in my Department are actively examining technological innovations which will in time provide more affordable options to the consumer wishing to purchase an EV.

My Department is currently working with the SEAI to develop a commercial fleet trial for companies to trial an electric vehicle. It is anticipated that this program will launch in Q1 2022.

A crucial step in the electrification of Ireland’s national fleet is encouraging the commercial and public sectors to adopt electric vehicles into their fleets. This pilot scheme will afford businesses an opportunity to trial an electric vehicle in real world conditions and showcase the suitability of electric vehicles in the commercial sectors. Businesses will be exposed to the real-life performance, savings and benefits of electric vehicles without the initial capital outlay.

Most vehicles in the commercial sector operate on a 3/4 year service period. Once this service has been completed, the vehicles tend to move into the second-hand market in Ireland and provide a viable, affordable option for consumers who are unable to purchase new electric vehicles.

Overall, the expedition of electric vehicles take up is a key priority for my Department. To this end, electric vehicle policy and expenditure is kept under continuous review to endeavour to make low emission vehicles a realistic option for individuals purchasing a vehicle.

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