The new scheme will be operated on a pilot basis from July, allowing certain car owners to secure grants of €5,000 for scrappage and a further €3,500 towards a new electric vehicle, on a first-come, first-served basis
The new Government scheme will allow people with petrol and diesel cars that are over 13 years old to get grants of €8,500
A new pilot scheme will enable qualifying motorists to claim grants of €8,500 towards buying a new electric vehicle (EV) through a State scrappage programme.
People with petrol and diesel cars that are more than 13 years old will qualify for the grant, which represents approximately two-thirds of a €10m fund earmarked for rural locations, the Irish Times reports.
The scrappage programme will run on a trial basis from July, allowing owners of petrol and diesel vehicles aged 13 years and over to obtain grants of €5,000 for scrappage plus an additional €3,500 towards a new EV. It will function on a first-come, first-served basis until the €10m fund is exhausted.
The grant can not go towards a second-hand EV or a hybrid vehicle. Those in rural areas will be prioritised, with the Transport Minister saying around 2,000 vehicles will initially be targeted for the scheme.
A source told the publication that should it prove successful, there are aspirations to roll out a wider programme next year.
The price threshold under that initiative, which offers a €3,500 grant to those acquiring an EV, is scheduled to drop from €60,000 to €50,000 from July 31, reports RSVP Live.
The Department of Transport is eager to encourage the acquisition of small and medium-sized vehicles, instead of larger and costlier models.
Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien(Image: Collins Photo Agency)
Through the current initiative, Irish motorists receive a grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) when purchasing a battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) that satisfies particular criteria.
Here’s everything you need to know about that grant and how to apply.
How much can you claim?
You can receive a grant of up to €3,500 for battery-powered electric vehicles (BEV).
The grant for BEVs is only applicable to new cars with a full price ranging from €14,000 to €60,000.
Your car dealer will submit the grant application on your behalf and subsequently deduct the grant amount from the overall price of your vehicle.
The grant of €2,500 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) has been withdrawn.
How to apply
Select a make/model of EV.
Visit your local dealer to arrange a test drive. The dealer will address any queries you may have regarding performance and specifications.
When buying a vehicle, the dealer will submit the grant application for you. The grant amount is deducted from the total price agreed for your new Electric Vehicle.
As with any major purchase, we advise contacting several dealers to secure the most competitive price for your vehicle.
What other grants are available?
From January 1, 2024, you can also apply for the Home Charger Grant Scheme.
This is a government-funded support programme helping residents and homeowners to install an electric vehicle charging point at their property and will provide you with up to €300 towards the installation costs of a home charger.
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