Guide To… EV Grants

Some of the language around the grants can be confusing, and it can be difficult to find all the necessary resources in one area, so we’ve compiled all the key information you need to know:

• The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is offering grants of up to €5,000 for battery electric vehicles purchased and registered in Ireland – you will often see that this is included in the selling price from the manufacturer, so be sure to check

• In addition, SEAI offers VRT relief of up to €5,000 for electric vehicles, which can be accessed through the dealer

• For those who are interested in adding a home charger - and this is recommended - the SEAI also offers up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of your home charger unit. Owners of both new and second-hand EVs are eligible for this grant.

• Due to car tax bands relating to the CO2 emission created by a vehicle, battery electric vehicles cost just €120 per annum for motor tax – this compares to €514 per annum for Ireland’s most popular car, the Toyota Corolla

• There are also a number of additional potential refunds or discounts for tolls (up to €500 per annum) and parking depending on your location in Ireland

For more information on the grants and subsidies available to you, visit SEAI.

Be aware that some manufacturers, such as Tesla, may include two prices on their website for the same car – one depicting the total cost, and one showing the cost after savings.

The latter includes the amount of money you will be save on average each month when spend on fuel and insurance is taken into account. This is a better reflection of the net spend you’ll make, but be aware that a larger figure will be deducted from your bank account each month.

Public Charger Grants

In addition to the grants available for purchasing an EV and installing a single charger at a private residence, there are also grants available for the installation of public charge points – which is particular great news for people who live in urban areas, or flats and high-rise buildings.

The SEAI offers local authorities funding to install charge points on public streets or public car parks which provide overnight parking for local residents. These can range from 22kW charging posts, which would give you plenty of power by the morning, as well as 3-7kW lamppost chargers, which will be good for an overnight top-up.

While councils are not obliged to secure this funding, local residents are entitled to request that they seek support from SEAI to increase the provision for EV charging, with the following grants available to local authorities:

• Up to €5,000 per single charge point, covering up to 75% of the total cost of the charger an installation

• Where the charge point offers two plugs, a total of €10,000 is available per post to cover the cost of purchase and installation

Any councils who are interested in receiving this grant funding to support EV adoption in their local area can contact evgrantscheme@sea.ie or see the SEAI Electric Vehicle Public Charge Point Grant website for more information.

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