Electric Vehicle (EV) sales in Ireland rise as Diesel Declines

According to The Society of the Irish Motor Industry, EV sales jumped by 49.2% in the first quarter of 2023.

In the first three months of 2023, 16% of all new cars licensed for the first time were electric compared with 13% in the same period in 2022 (CSO).

With the world becoming more environmentally conscious, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are quickly growing in popularity in Ireland.  They offer a greener and more sustainable mode of transport, offer an excellent option for drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint, and with battery life and range improving all the time, it is easy to see why EV sales are on the rise here.

Electric Vehicles produce Zero Emissions, making them much Cleaner and Greener than traditional Petrol or Diesel options.

As EVs are powered by an electric motor that uses a rechargeable battery instead of a traditional combustion engine, they produce zero emissions, making them a preferred cleaner and greener choice for a lot of Irish motorists.

Battery electric vehicles ( BEVs)  deliver emission-free driving from the tailpipe,

Plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs) deliver emission-free driving when driving exclusively on the electric motor.

Compared with diesel and petrol engines, these ICE vehicles (Internal Combustion Engines) vehicles are powered by fossil fuels and will always release emissions as a by-product of the combustion process.

ZEVI Electric Vehicle Grants in Ireland

Electric vehicle grants make it more affordable to switch to an EV.

ZEVI (Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland) is an office within the Department of Transport established as a dedicated office charged with supporting consumers, the public sector, and businesses to continue to make the switch to zero-emission vehicles.

Grants are available to assist with the purchase of new Electric Cars. ZEVI electric vehicle grants are administered by SEAI.

Value of Electric Vehicle Grants

A maximum grant of €5,000* 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 €14,000 will not receive a grant. SEAI grants are not available for secondhand EVs.

* Note: The current maximum grant remains in place until 30 June 2023. The maximum grant for a private M1 (passenger car) will change to €3,500 from the 1st of July 2023.

You can read the changes to grants for privately purchased vehicles here —> https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e0766-changes-to-grants-for-privately-purchased-electric-vehicles/

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.

Charging an Electric Vehicle at Home

One of the most significant advantages of owning an electric vehicle is the ability to charge your EV at home. You can charge your EV using a standard household socket, but this can take several hours.

Alternatively, you can install a dedicated EV charging point, which will charge your car much faster. There are EV Home Charger Grants available for Homeowners or those Living in rented accommodation

Another Reason to switch: EVs have 90% fewer moving parts than ICE vehicles

EVs have fewer moving parts than ICE vehicles they don’t need regular oil changes or other regular maintenance associated with ICE engines, so it’s another reason for Irish motorists to consider the switch!

The key components of a Battery Electric Vehicle are:

• Electric motor
• Inverter
• Battery
• Battery charger
• Controller
• Charging cable

With the ability to charge your Electric Vehicle at home along with low maintenance, low road tax, grants for EV charging units, and to purchase electric cars,  now may be a good time to consider the switch to electric!

You can read more about EV Home Charging Grants here.