Switching To Electric With Ireland’s EV Incentives

The electric revolution has arrived in Ireland, and we all need to do our part to ensure a more sustainable future for our country.

Electric vehicles are better for the environment and can be more cost-effective than traditional fuel vehicles. Ireland has invested in green energy and electric charging infrastructure, supporting private citizens and businesses in starting their EV journey. Several bursaries and grants are available to get you up to speed with building Ireland’s sustainable future, so apply today and do your part.

Together we will build a better future for our country.

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Ireland’s EV Incentives For Business

Several grants and EV incentives are available for corporate customers. These grants are intended to support you financially in establishing your corporate fleet or business vehicles, which may, over time, save your business money or establish new sources of income.

Electric vehicles usually have lower running costs than traditional fuel vehicles. Electric cars typically have lower maintenance costs than traditional fuel cars and may make your employees exempt from congestion charges due to zero emissions. EV’s also contribute to leveraging your company’s CSR initiatives and promoting a strong, positive brand image for your organization.

Your employees can charge their EVs at your workplace, or separate grants are available for home installation.

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Ireland’s EV Incentives For Private Drivers

There are also EV incentives available for private drivers. Again, these grants are intended to support your electric vehicle purchase, saving you money over time.

Electric vehicles tend to be lower maintenance than standard fuel vehicles, meaning fewer trips to the garage. Electric cars are exempt from congestion charges and can travel long distances on a single charge. Electric vehicles are also better for the environment, and with the ever-increasing number of EVs being produced today, you’ll have access to some of the most up-to-date technologies on the market.

There are over 1,350 public EV charging points across Ireland, or you can apply for a grant and have a charging point installed at home. SEAI grants do not need to be repaid and are non-taxable.

Home Charging Grants

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You can apply for a home charging grant through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) so long as you:

  • Have off-street parking
  • Your property has not previously been associated with an EV home charge point grant payment
  • You do not commence work before you received your Letter Of Offer

There may be other criteria depending on your building type. However, you can follow the link here to learn about electric vehicle grants.

Apartment Charging Grants

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SEAI can also support residents and owners of apartment blocks or multi-unit developments to install a home charger for their EVs.

The grant is designed for the bulk installation of chargers at a single location and supports the labour, infrastructure, and construction costs associated with this project.

FAQ

How do I claim an EV grant?

You can apply for an EV grant through SEAI’s website. They offer an easy-to-fill, web-based form and grant eligibility checkers to see if you qualify for government support.

How much is BIK on an electric car?

Certain Benefit in Kind (BIK) exemptions and discounts are available where the car made available to your employee is an electric car.

2023 to 2025 extension of exemption:

You may choose to make an electric car available to your employee for private use in the future. Partial relief will apply in respect of cars made available between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2025. This relief applies by reducing the OMV of the vehicle. The reduction which applies is as follows:

  • €35,000 in respect of cars made available during 2023
  • €20,000 in respect of cars made available during 2024
  • €10,000 in respect of cars made available during 2025

Where the relief reduces the OMV to nil, a BIK charge will not arise. Any OMV in excess of the reduction is liable to BIK in the usual manner. For more detailed information on BIK please click here

How do I avoid BiK on a company car?

To avoid paying Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) on a company car in Ireland, there are a couple of options you could consider:

  • Choose an electric car with low emissions – the BIK rate for electric cars is determined based on their CO2 emissions. Therefore, choosing an electric car with low or zero emissions is key to reducing your BIK liability.
  • Consider a hybrid car – if you do not want to go fully electric, a hybrid car may be a good alternative. The BIK rate for hybrids is lower than that for petrol or diesel cars, but still higher than that for electric cars.

It’s important to note that tax laws and regulations are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to consult with a tax advisor or accountant to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Is insurance cheaper on electric cars?

Depending on your location, they may be more expensive. However, this is related to the relative cost of the vehicle as opposed to how the car is powered, and the savings acquired through using an electric vehicle will reduce this expense.  

Can I claim mileage on electric cars in Ireland?

Talk to your employer about how to claim back mileage on an electric car. With our eStation app, the process is quick and easy.

Can I write off the cost of an electric car?

You can claim the full value of an electric car as a tax-deductible expense within year one, as long as it is a pure zero-emissions car.  

Get The Best Value EV Charging Solutions

With so many EV incentives for green energy, there’s never been a better time to switch to electric. Contact us today to discuss your EV options.