Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD has announced the expansion of the Electric SPSV (eSPSV) Scheme for Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs) such as taxis and hackneys. The scheme has increased from €1m in 2020 to €15m in 2021 with grants of up to €20,000 now available to existing SPSV drivers who scrap older, high mileage vehicles for new full electric models.
As part of the existing scheme, drivers can apply for grants of up to €10,000 towards the purchase of a new full battery eSPSV with a further €2,500 available to convert it to a wheelchair accessible model. Those scrapping older, more polluting, or high mileage vehicles are now eligible for double the normal grant if they make the switch to electric with €20,000 available for a new full electric or €25,000 for a wheelchair accessible new battery electric vehicle.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said: “An efficient and low emitting public transport system is a key priority for my Department. This scheme will play a critical role in helping to reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions while also normalising the use of electric vehicles in Ireland. The overall funding has risen to €15m to help accelerate the greening of the SPSV fleet. It represents a doubling of supports in many instances as we work to support the sector as it moves towards electric vehicles.
Replacing older vehicles can play an important role in effecting a substantial reduction in transport CO2 and emissions, and the changes to the Scheme in 2021 reflect greater levels of support for older SPSVs, or those with high vehicle mileage.”
As part of the support for the SPSV sector, the Department of Transport is investing in the installation of SPSV dedicated recharging infrastructure across the country. Last year, chargers were installed at Dublin (22kW and 2 x 150kW) and Cork (22kW and 50kW) airports, which are both already operational, as well as at Dublin (Heuston), Cork (Kent) and Limerick (Colbert) train stations (2 x50Kw) which will be available to SPSV drivers by March. Further installations at key transport hubs will also be completed in 2021.
Minister Ryan added: “Taxi-drivers have had a difficult time during the pandemic, and while government has provided ongoing support, we realise making an investment in a new vehicle at this time will be a challenge for many. However, we wanted to prepare the ground so that there are increased grants in place as the economy recovers.”
SPSV drivers who make the switch to an electric vehicle 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). This is in addition to the significant fuel savings and lower maintenance costs associated with electric models.
The Electric SPSV (eSPSV) Scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by the NTA. For further information on the grant and how to apply, visit www.nationaltransport.ie .
SPSV drivers that scrap their vehicle AND purchase a BEV or electric wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) (plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or BEV) for use in the SPSV sector will receive a purchase grant that in essence, doubles the 2020 level of supports – going from €10,000 to €20,000 for non-wheelchair accessible vehicles and from €12,500 to €25,000 for wheelchair accessible vehicles.
To be eligible for the enhanced support level 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).
Grants are also available for new SPSV entrants and SPSV drivers that do not qualify for scrapping a vehicle and receiving enhanced supports (see tables below).
Vehicles eligible for the Scheme must meet minimum range and tail pipe emission criteria. A list of vehicles that meet the requirements is available at www.nationaltransport.ie
Grant Levels available under the 2021 EV SPSV Grant Scheme:
| For vehicles eligible for EV Scrappage under the Scheme: | |
| New Battery Electric Vehicle (<3,000kms and <3 months old) | € 20,000 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than one year of age | € 18,000 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than two years of age | € 16,000 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than three years of age | € 14,000 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than four years of age | € 12,000 |
| For vehicles not eligible for EV Scrappage under the Scheme: | |
| New Battery Electric Vehicle (<3,000kms and <3 months old) | € 10,000 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than one year of age | € 9,000 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than two years of age | € 8,000 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than three years of age | € 7,000 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than four years of age | € 6,000 |
| For vehicles eligible for EV Scrappage under the Scheme: | |
| New Battery Electric Vehicle (<3,000kms and <3 months old) | € 25,000 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than one year of age | € 23,000 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than two years of age | € 21,000 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than three years of age | € 19,000 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than four years of age | € 17,000 |
| New Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (<3,000kms and <3 months old) | € 15,000 |
| Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle less than one year of age | € 13,000 |
| Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle less than two years of age | € 11,000 |
| Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle less than three years of age | € 9,000 |
| Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle less than four years of age | € 7,000 |
| For vehicles not eligible for EV Scrappage under the Scheme: | |
| New Battery Electric Vehicle (<3,000kms and <3 months old) | € 12,500 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than one year of age | € 11,500 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than two years of age | € 10,500 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than three years of age | € 9,500 |
| Battery Electric Vehicle less than four years of age | € 8,500 |
| New Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (<3,000kms and <3 months old) | € 7,500 |
| Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle less than one year of age | € 6,500 |
| Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle less than two years of age | € 5,500 |
| Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle less than three years of age | € 4,500 |
| Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle less than four years of age | € 3,500 |
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