Support Programme for Electric Vehicles Launched
12th April 2010
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan today launched a support programme for electric vehicles (EVs), and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ESB, Renault and Nissan to ensure availability of first production models of electrical vehicles (EVs) to the Irish market.
What is the support programme?
The programme, to be administered by SEAI, will provide financial supports to consumers buying qualifying models from any manufacturer so long as they meet specific standards of performance and safety. The programme will incentivise the purchase of up to 6,000 electric vehicles onto the Irish market from January 2011 until the end of 2012.
How much are the grants?
Full battery electric cars will qualify for up to €5,000, and plug in hybrid for up to €2,500, depending on the vehicle cost.
What are the qualifying criteria for vehicles?
The support scheme will apply to vehicles which meet certain safety and performance criteria such as speed, endurance per charge, emissions and warranty. The specific criteria will be clearly defined in consultation with interested parties through 2010 ahead of the programme commencement.
Who is eligible for the support?
The subsidy will apply at the retail level, and will be paid directly to dealerships on the completion of a sale. Dealerships will be required to register with SEAI as authorised sales outlets.
How do I register with SEAI?
If you are a consumer you don’t need to register with SEAI. If on the other hand you are a dealer / distributor then SEAI will be setting criteria for registration later in the year with details to be posted on our website www.seai.ie
When can I claim for the support?
The programme will commence in January 2011.
What are the benefits of EVs?
Electric cars are significantly more efficient and cheaper to run and maintain than conventional fossil fuel cars. It is estimated that running an electric car costs €0.03c per mile, as opposed to €0.15c per mile for a conventional petrol car. The environmental benefits are enormous as all full EVs have zero exhaust emissions. EVs enable us to increase our penetration of renewable energy, reducing our dependence on imported fuel.
Are there charging points for EVs in Ireland?
Most charging will be carried at home or at work but public charge facilities will also be available. Currently there are four public charging points in Dublin with plans to install further charge points in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Portlaoise in the coming months. In 2011 there will be 1,500 on-street charge points throughout the country.
Do I pay to use a public charge point?
Public on-street charging is free until the end of 2010, after which a payment system will be in place.
Are there EV targets for Ireland?
The Government has set ambitious targets for the introduction of Electric Vehicles in the coming years.
10% of all vehicles to be electric by 2020
2000 EVs by end of 2011
6,000 EVs by end of 2012
What is the MoU with Renault and Nissan?
The MoU with ESB, Renault and Nissan, will ensure the early availability of cars into the Irish market. Car manufacturers are now moving from demonstration models to full production vehicles, and it is important that Ireland maintains its early mover position in this area. The grant scheme will underpin this early market, and further support the charging infrastructure rollout announced recently. Further MoUs with car manufacturers are expected before the end of this year.