Electric vehicles (EVs) as the name implies are run entirely on electricity. They have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. The vehicle emits no tailpipe emissions and does not contain the typical liquid fuel components, such as a fuel pump, fuel line, or fuel tank. The car is charged by plugging it directly to an electric charging system. 

Charging EVs can be done through the National Charging Infrastructure which operates throughout the island of Ireland (both fast and slow charging), through a home charger which can be installed at your home, or by workplace charging. The electricity is stored in batteries within the car that feed an electric motor which propels the wheels and gets you moving. There is no other source of fuel in this car.  

Many organizations are interested in the development, manufacture, sale, charging and use of Electric Vehicles and their components. 

Electric Vehicles (EV) refer to both Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
ESB ecars - have composed this animation which will tell you everything you need to know about electric cars.

Consumer advice about electric vehicles
The SEAI Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's website provides detailed information for the consumer about the types of Electric Vehicles available, grants available, general information on vehicle safety, Motor Tax and VRT, electricity suppliers, infrastructure available and much more.

Where can I buy an electric vehicle?
There is an increasing variety of electric cars coming to the Irish market which will deliver high levels of performance, comfort and economy to suit a variety of needs.

• Click here for grant eligible vehicles
• Click to view a selection of electric vehicle dealer listed in Ireland.

Where electric charging points located?
There are 3 categories of charge points for electric car drivers to use. Home charge points, on-street charge points and fast charge points. ESB ecars have installed electric charge points at the following locations.

Is an electric car for you?
Before you buy any car always do your research and ask yourself the following questions.

• How much is the cost to change?
• What type of car do I require to meet my needs?
• How much mileage am I doing per week/year ?
• What are the running cost of an electric vehicle compared to a conventional petrol or diesel car?
• Can I install a home charging point and where are my nearest charging facilities?
• SEAI have composed a comparative cost calculator, click here to try their cost calculator!

4 February 2021: The Electric SPSV (eSPSV) Grant Scheme supports the uptake of electric vehicles in the Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs) sector (taxis, hackneys, and limousines). Budget 2021: in recognition of the important role played by small public service vehicles (SPSV) in making public transport more sustainable, Minister Ryan committed €15m to assisting the SPSV industry in transitioning to fully electric and zero-emission capable wheelchair accessible vehicles. The means by which this money is being made available to the industry is the Electric SPSV (eSPSV) Grant Scheme 2021. The scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by National Transport Authority (NTA). 

The aim of the Scheme is to increase the uptake of fully electric SPSVs and zero-emission capable wheelchair accessible SPSVs. It is aimed at improving air quality in urban areas, together with influencing the uptake of zero emission passenger cars by improving general perception and awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles. The SPSV industry is regarded as a champion in the normalisation of electric vehicle use. 

The eSPSV23 Grant Scheme is administer by the NTA. For further information visit NTA.

BEV/ FCEV: Up to €10,000
- Wheelchair accessible up to €12,500

PHEV Up to €5,000
- Wheelchair accessible up to €7,500

Further information about the eSPSV Grant Scheme, and how to apply, can be found here. 

The majority of EV customers will charge their vehicles at home overnight and will use the public charging points as a means to top up the vehicles charge when necessary. Fleet customers will generally charge the vehicles at their company premises or at the home of the driver.

SIMI in its annual Budget Submissions to Government have pressed the case for maintaining incentives for Electric vehicles to support the migration toward alternative fuelled vehicles. We also have underlined the importance of low emission vehicles in the national fleet and the need to place no further burdens on the motorist.