Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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253.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered the possibility of making greater incentives available for the switch to EVs in areas where alternative public transport or active travel options are simply not available, for example, through cheaper public charging rates, lower motor tax, higher toll concessions, and more reserved parking in commercial towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35008/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years and supporting the continued transition to electric vehicles.

In 2024 over €115 million has been allocated for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. Current direct incentives 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 BEVs;

•     Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles, including wheelchair accessible vehicles;

•     Zero-Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle (ZEHDV) grant scheme – a grant scheme for heavy duty vehicles 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 rapid EV charging network to stay ahead of demand. This is consistent with our Climate Action Plan targets and EU regulatory requirements whereby we move Exchequer supports for fleet electrification towards building out EV charging infrastructure. This change also aligns with similar polices in European nations, where countries including Norway, Germany and France have begun to taper vehicle subsidies and shift government investment towards infrastructure.

The Government is committed to regularly reviewing all measures and grants to ensure they support our decarbonisation objectives.