Government launches electric vehicle grant scheme

Energy minister Pat Rabbitte today announced the opening of the government's electric vehicle grant scheme. Eligible vehicles can receive a grant of up to €5,000.

Qualifying vehicles sold after 1 January 2011 will be eligible, and a total of €5m has been allocated for the scheme.
 
“This scheme puts in place the foundation for greener transport," Minister Rabbitte said. "Electric vehicles will reduce Ireland’s reliance on imported fossil fuels in the transport area and will also in future play an important role in reducing our transport sector emissions.”
 
The government aims to have 10% of vehicles (approximately 220,000) powered or part-powered by the electricity grid by 2020. New lithium-ion battery powered cars offer ranges of up to 160km, the department said.

The grants will be offered through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in addition to the VRT reliefs and accelerated capital allowances currently available for electric vehicles.

The government plans to roll out 1,500 charge points for such vehicles by December 2011. Further information is available from SEAI.