Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government has committed significant funding to support zero and low emitting vehicles through the National Development Plan, which currently includes an allocation of almost €500 million for the period 2021-2025 and additional support from the Climate Action Fund, the Shared Island Fund and the EU Just Transition Fund.

€115.8m has been allocated in 2024 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure.

This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.

Current financial supports from ZEVI, and where applicable with support from the Department of Finance, for the transition to electric vehicles and for the roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure include:

• A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) of up to €3,500;
• A Home Charger purchase grant scheme - up to €300;
• VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;
• Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;
• eSPSV grant scheme – a generous grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to Wheelchair Accessible EV’s of up to €25,000;
• ZEHDV grant scheme – a grant scheme for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
• Low rate of annual motor tax;

These and related infrastructure supports will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and accessible rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand.

Additionally, ZEVI is preparing to publish a Universal Design Guidance document which will establish best practice for the design of EV charging spaces and equipment to ensure that any users are able to efficiently, safely and comfortably park and charge their vehicle at public charging locations.

The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme provides a range of tax reliefs linked to the purchase and use of specially constructed or adapted vehicles by drivers and passengers with a disability.

Anyone considering purchasing an electric vehicle can apply for the above listed grants and incentives provided that the criteria are met. There are currently no plans to create additional dedicated grants for persons who drive adapted vehicles.