Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
151. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any review being carried out into the merits of increasing the grant payment available to support the purchase of battery-powered electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1402/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting the transition to zero-emission transport and the ambitious target to have 30% of private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
There is a suite of incentives currently in place from Zero Emission Vehicle Ireland, and where applicable with support from taxation incentives through the Department of Finance, to support the continued transition to EVs and for the rollout of EV charging infrastructure, including purchase grants for electric vehicles and home chargers, VRT relief and a low rate of annual motor tax.
There are also grants available from a business perspective, including the eSPSV Grant Scheme for taxi drivers, which had a record-breaking response in 2025; and the ZEHDV Grant Scheme for HDVs to bridge the gap between a zero emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle. My Department also introduced a fleet assessment scheme in 2025 which helps businesses explore the transition to EVs.
The EV grant system and the possibility of introducing additional incentives is continually reviewed to optimise increase EV purchasing and replacing older, polluting vehicles. However, it should be noted that decisions on financial incentives, including EV grants, must be taken in the context of overall financial sustainability and greatest impact.
Government’s aim is to create an optimum environment to keep up with demand for EV charging and make it possible for anyone who wants an EV to have one. We will continue to take a balanced approach, ensuring that our incentives and policy measures are both ambitious and deliverable within our current environment.
