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The Department of Transport has announced the renewal of the eSPSV Grant Scheme for taxis, hackneys and limousines in 2023, with a budget of €15 million allocated. The grant offer period has been amended to be valid for up to nine months, instead of three as in previous years, providing more flexibility for SPSV licence holder to purchase EVs.
The Grant Scheme is designed to assist owners of small public service vehicles (SPSVs) such as taxis in the transition to electric vehicles. Eligible applicants can receive up to €10,000 in grants for the purchase of a new, full battery eSPSV, with an additional €2,500 available for models that are wheelchair accessible.
SPSV owners are eligible for double the normal grant when they scrap an older, more polluting, or high mileage vehicle and switch to electric. The grant can reach up to €20,000 for a new, fully electric SPSV, and €25,000 for a wheelchair-accessible electric vehicle. In addition to these grants, SPSV owners who switch to an EV can also avail of VRT relief (up to €5,000), the Domestic Charger Scheme (up to €600), and annual toll refunds (up to €1,000). These incentives, coupled with fuel savings and lower maintenance costs, make electric models an attractive option.
Since its launch in February 2018, the Electric SPSV Grant Scheme has supported over 1,400 SPSV owners in purchasing electric vehicles. To encourage greater uptake of EVs in the sector, the Department of Transport is funding the installation of dedicated fast-charging infrastructure for the SPSV sector at selected Irish Rail stations nationwide, in addition to maintaining reduced tolls for eSPSV drivers. These measures will improve the sustainability of journeys provided and contribute to Ireland's national emission targets.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said:
“The eSPSV grant provides a win-win situation for both taxi drivers and passengers, not only offering cost savings for the drivers, but also providing an opportunity for passengers to experience electric vehicle technology first-hand. This grant programme is one of the many steps the government is taking to accelerate the transition towards a greener and more sustainable transport system.
"Vehicles grants such as this go hand in hand with the work being done to expand and enhance our current EV charging infrastructure, as set out in the EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy earlier this year. Together, this work continues to boost the uptake of EVs across the country, ultimately contributing towards reducing transport emissions and meeting our national emission targets."
The eSPSV Grant Scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by the National Transport Authority. Eligible persons can find further information on the grant and how to apply at www.nationaltransport.ie.
Grant Levels available under the 2023 eSPSV Grant Scheme:
eSPSV Scheme Grant Levels 2023
The terms of the grant have been amended, making the grant offer valid for up to nine months instead of three as in previous years.
Grants are available for new SPSV entrants and existing SPSV licence holders who wish to upgrade their current vehicle with a replacement EV.
An enhanced level of eSPSV grant support is available to SPSV owners who scrap their vehicle AND purchase a BEV or electric wheelchair-accessible vehicle (plug-in hybrid or BEV) for use in the SPSV sector. The level of support is up to €20,000 for non-wheelchair accessible vehicles and €25,000 for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
To avail of the enhanced level of support, the applicant must be an existing SPSV driver; their vehicle must be registered as an SPSV for the previous three years; and the vehicle must be within three years of its maximum permissible age or have a mileage of 300,000km or greater (as documented on an NCT certificate).
Vehicles eligible for the scheme must meet minimum range and tailpipe-emission criteria. A list of vehicles that meet the requirements is available at www.nationaltransport.ie.