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Everything you need to know about ZEVI electric vehicle grants administered by SEAI; their value, how to apply, and additional incentives to help get you plugged in.

Value of electric vehicle grants

 

Vehicle CategoryPrivateDemoCommercial
M1 - Passenger Car€3,500€2,700N/A
N1S - Small Van€3,800€3,800€3,800
N1L - Van 3.5t weight€7,600€7,600€7,600
L1e-B - 50cc/45km/h or below€500€500€500
L3e - More than 50cc/45km/h€1,000€1,000€1,000

Privately bought EVs

A maximum grant of €3,500 is available for qualifying new M1 (passenger car) battery electric vehicles (BEVs) when purchased privately. Approved EVs with a full price of more than €60,000 and less than €15,000 will not receive a grant. The full price of the vehicle to the customer includes all optional extras, paint, delivery and any other chargers but excludes any incentives such as grants or rebates.

For Private applications, the vehicle must be registered and taxed as Private and remain registered as Private for 6 months after the date of the grant offer. If the vehicle is transferred into another registration category (e.g. Company), the grant offer will be rescinded and not paid to the EV dealer.

Commercially bought EVs

SEAI provides grant supports towards the purchase of new N1 (light commercial vehicle) category electric vehicles for business, public entities and private individuals.  N1 category vehicles are typically small goods carrying vans with a technically permissible maximum mass of less than 3500kg. For the purpose of the grant SEAI will classify these as N1S vehicles.

A maximum grant of €3,800 is available for qualifying N1S category BEVs.  Approved BEVs with a list price of over €60,000 or less than €15,000 will not receive a grant. It should be noted that these grants apply to new vehicles only and cannot be claimed on second hand vehicles.

Large Panel Vans

Applications can now be made for large panel van which SEAI will classify as N1L. The grant amount for these vehicles is €7,600. The grant will be for new large panel vans (BEV only) with a technically permissible maximum mass of exactly 3500kg (N1 category vehicle). Large Panel Vans with a price, excluding all grants, rebates, incentives and inclusive of all optional extras, delivery charges, metallic paints etc. of €90,000 or less will be eligible for this grant.

Read the full criteria for vans

Important to note

Any applications made for an N1L vehicle that have an N1S vehicle registered will have the grant application cancelled and no grant will be paid out.

Accelerated Capital Allowance

Electric Vehicles and electric vehicle charging equipment may qualify for Accelerated Capital Allowances (ACA).  For further information, click here.

Commercial purchases and De Minimis Funding

EV Scheme grants are classed as de minimis state aid and therefore are subject to the 3 year €300,000 ceiling. Dealers will be asked to complete a de minimis declaration within the grant application form.

Electric Motorcycle Grants

Eligible for Private and Commercial purchase

SEAI provides grant supports towards the purchase of new electric motorcycles for business, public entities and private individuals. There are two motorcycle grant categories.

  • L1e-B - A Moped capable of no more than 45km/h.
  • L3 - A Motorcycle capable of exceeding 45Km/h

A maximum grant of €500 is available for qualifying category L1e-B

A maximum grant of €1,000 is available for qualifying category L3.  

It should be noted that these grants apply to new vehicles only and cannot be claimed on second hand vehicles. Only approved EVs with a full price of less than €60,000 will receive a grant. This is the full non-discounted price in the absence of VRT relief or grant support.

Do you want to know more about Micro Mobility, but not sure where to start? Find the Department of Transports guide to the specifications, requirements, and restrictions for e-scooters, e-bikes & e-mopeds here.

Micro Mobility. Specifications, requirements, and restrictions.

How to apply

  1. Choose a make/model of EV. Our comparison tool can help you make your choice.
  2. Head to your nearest dealer to take a test drive. The dealer will answer any performance and specification queries you may have.
  3. When purchasing a vehicle the dealer will apply for the grant for you. The grant amount is deducted from the total price agreed for your new Electric Vehicle.

As with any purchase we recommend contacting a number of dealers to obtain the best price for your vehicle.

*Please note that SEAI grants are not available for used EVs.*

View grant eligible vehicles Electric Vehicle Privacy Notice

Additional financial incentives

Direct CO2 emission values are used to calculate the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and annual Motor Tax bands for vehicles.

  • Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) have no tail pipe emissions of CO2

VRT

VRT is paid whenever a car is registered for the first time in Ireland. Electric Vehicles receive VRT relief separately to SEAI grant support depening on the cost of the vehicle. VRT relief for BEVs is in place until the end of 2025. 

The VRT rate for a category B commercial vehicle with CO2 emission of more than 120 grams per kilometre.

The VRT rate for a category B commercial vehicle with CO2 emissions less than 120 grams is 8%. Find about more about VRT.

Motor tax

The current motor tax for a BEV is €120 per annum.

Benefit in Kind

Benefit in Kind relief is in place for BEVs tapering off annually until the end of 2027. Find out more about Benefit in Kind.

Contact us

Email [email protected]