Taxi drivers in Ireland could land grants worth over €35,000 when they shift to an electric cab
FREENOW has welcomed the extension of the eSPSV Grant, a scheme designed to help taxi drivers in Ireland switch to electric vehicles (EVs). The initiative offers financial support for replacing fossil fuel taxis with cleaner alternatives, easing the financial burden of transition.
The scheme allows drivers to apply for up to €20,000 to scrap an old petrol or diesel vehicle and replace it with an EV. For wheelchair-accessible vehicles, this figure rises to €25,000. Additional incentives include up to €5,000 in Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief and a €300 grant for a home charging unit.
To further support the shift to electric, FREENOW Ireland has extended its partnership with Tesla. Driver partners can now access discounts of up to €5,400 on a new Tesla, bringing the total possible savings on an EV taxi to €35,700 when combined with the eSPSV grant.
Danny O’Gorman, General Manager at FREENOW Ireland, highlighted the importance of financial support in accelerating the transition to electric taxis. He noted that cost remains a key barrier for many drivers and welcomed the Government’s €12.5 million funding allocation for the scheme this year.
FREENOW reports a growing interest in EV adoption among Irish taxi drivers. On average, 16 new battery-powered EVs join its fleet each week. In 2024, 14% of all trips booked through the platform were completed in electric taxis. In Dublin, over half of FREENOW’s fleet now consists of electric or hybrid vehicles, reflecting a 7% rise since 2023.
Ireland’s National Transport Authority has set a target of making 40% of the country’s taxi fleet sustainable by 2030. FREENOW sees the transition to electric as a significant opportunity to reduce emissions and improve urban air quality.
To support drivers further, the company is encouraging the use of the TRACT EV app. The platform helps drivers understand their driving habits, potential fuel savings, and carbon footprint. It also provides tailored recommendations on charging options, making the move to electric taxis more accessible.
With financial incentives and strategic partnerships in place, FREENOW remains focused on increasing EV adoption across Ireland’s taxi sector.
Danny O’Gorman, General Manager at FREENOW Ireland, said: "It's encouraging to see €12.5 million allocated for grants via the eSPSV Scheme this year. One of the main reasons our driver partners hesitate about switching to an EV is the cost of purchasing the vehicle. Government support for taxi drivers is crucial to encouraging the continued electrification of Ireland’s national EV fleet.
“At FREENOW, we continue to support our partner drivers, and we have extended our partnership with Tesla so drivers can save money when switching to EVs. Since we announced the partnership was launched in October 2024, more than 50 of our partner drivers have taken advantage of the discounts provided to switch to an electric taxi, which is very encouraging.”
