Due to overwhelming demand applications for the EV Commercial Fleet Trials are now closed. Applications are being assessed and we will be in contact with all applicants in the coming weeks.

EV Commercial Fleet Trials

The EV Commercial Fleet Trial is a pilot scheme run by SEAI on behalf of Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland to give businesses an opportunity to trial a battery electric vehicle (BEV) for a maximum of one year. This trial will allow businesses real world experience of having an EV on their fleet and showcase the cost and emission savings that EVs represent.

How the trial works

  • SEAI will cover the cost of leasing 50 battery electric vehicles, 30 M1 category vehicles and 20 N1 category vehicles for a period of 12 months.
  • Each business will receive one EV for 3 months minimum and potentially up to 12 months.
  • SEAI will track vehicle data analytics of participating vehicles - consent is required for tracking the EV data, however this is not live tracking.
  • Participants must insure the vehicles for the duration the vehicle is in their use.
  • SEAI will offer a charging unit to participants and a contribution of either 80% of the installation costs or €1000, whichever comes in less. To avail of this participants must agree to an SEAI nominated installer and to cover the remaining installation costs.
  • If a participating business does not wish to avail of an SEAI charge point, evidence of an operational charging strategy must be provided. If a participant wishes to source and install a charge point themselves, SEAI will not contribute towards the costs incurred.
  • If a participant is providing their own operational charging strategy, access must be provided to SEAI for monitoring purposes for the duration of the trial period of EV.
  • SEAI will administer surveys throughout this trial.

Who should apply

  • Businesses from all sectors can register their interest including small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), public sector bodies and large business.
  • Businesses are not required to have a fleet to participate.
  • Each applicant will be asked to nominate the category of vehicle they are interested in trialling.
  • Once the vehicle has been returned from placement with a participating business, SEAI will gather the vehicle data. This data will inform and provide examples of savings made during the trial. No location or personal information will be collected. Please note this is a key part of the trial.

 

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Benefits of commercial EV fleets

1. Financial Savings

  • Purchase grants for N1 light commercial EVs
  • Home charger grants
  • Motorway toll incentives
  • Lower rate of motor tax
  • Lower rate of VRT
  • Accelerated Capital Allowances (ACA)

2. Environmentally friendly

  • No emissions from the tailpipe

Why SEAI are running this trial

The Government of Ireland have set down ambitious targets to be achieved in the transport sector: a 51% reduction in emissions across the transport sector by 2030 and a target of almost a million electric vehicles (EVs) on Irish roads by 2030.

When combined with policies that support increased active and multi-modal travel, EVs represent a viable pathway for the decarbonisation of the transport sector.

Commercial fleets contribute to the transport emissions in Ireland. There is an opportunity to significantly reduce emissions in the transport sector by encouraging the electrification of commercial fleets.

   EV Trial Terms and Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Applications are currently closed.

The vehicles will be assigned as close as possible in line with the split between the following sectors.

  • 50% SME,
  • 30% public sector
  • 20% large industry

Applications will be reviewed by SEAI on a first come first served basis against a list of criteria to ensure a good spread of locations and business types.  Applying does not guarantee a vehicle and you don’t have to accept a vehicle.  There will be a waiting list created if needed.

This will depend on demand. The minimum period will be 3 months with the maximum of 1 year. 

  • 0-50 applications – 12-month placement
  • 51-100 applications – 6-month placement
  • 101-200+ applications – 3-month placement

The aim is to give as many businesses as possible the opportunity to drive an EV so only one vehicle per business is initially planned.  

No branding is allowed on the vehicle.

No. The vehicle will be delivered and collected at an arranged date and time with the vehicle provider.

No, you don’t however you will need to provide a charging strategy to SEAI and associated data from this i.e. you will need to ensure you have an operational charging strategy in place for the duration of the trial period, capture and provide charging data to SEAI.

SEAI will cover the full cost of the physical charge point and 80% of the installation costs up to a maximum of €1,000. Any costs above this will be paid by the business directly to the installer. By submitting an expression of interest, the business is agreeing, if selected, to cover 20% of installation costs and all installation costs over the SEAI contribution of €1,000 if applicable.

If you purchase and install your own charger SEAI will not contribute financially in any form for this charger. You will also need to provide monitoring information to SEAI at your own cost.

Yes, SEAI will install another charge point for you under the same rules already set out.

No. SEAI will only monitor use during the trial.  Once this is over it will be between the business and the charger point installer to agree what type of monitoring (if any) you want and SEAI will have no access to this data.  Your business will be responsible for the costs associated with monitoring the charge point after the trial period has ended.

Contact us

For all queries please email evgrantscheme@seai.ie or call 01 808 2100