Irish taxi drivers offered grant worth up to €25,000 to move to electric wheelchair accessible cabs

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, has today announced the expansion of the Electric SPSV (eSPSV) Scheme for Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs) such as taxis and hackneys.

The scheme has increased massively from €1million in 2020 to €15million 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 fully battery electric taxi 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 taxi 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.”

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.