Ireland EV scrappage grants up to €8,500 but lower income drivers still priced out

independent.ie

by retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 points

Ireland's new EV scrappage scheme offers up to €8,500 in grants for drivers who scrap old petrol or diesel cars and buy new electric vehicles. The pilot program includes a €5,000 scrappage grant that can be combined with the existing €3,500 EV grant. Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien has acknowledged Ireland will miss its 2030 emissions target and faces EU fines of €8bn to €26bn. Critics point out that even with maximum grants, a medium EV costs around €30,000, leaving buyers to find over €20,000 plus home charger costs. Sinn Fein notes one in eight approved EV grants are never drawn down. The article also highlights the ongoing shortage of charging points across Ireland as a major barrier to adoption.

5 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

8.5k off a 30k car still leaves a big gap for most people. The 1 in 8 grants not drawn down is telling. People start the process, do the math, and walk away.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

The charging infrastructure piece is the real bottleneck. You can throw grants at buyers all day but if they cant charge where they live or park, it doesnt matter.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Ireland missing its 2030 target and facing billions in EU fines is the backdrop nobody wants to talk about. These grants are a drop in the bucket compared to what transport emissions need to drop.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The editorial calls for lower income incentives but doesnt propose how. Means testing adds admin cost. A voucher for used EVs or subsidized leasing might work better than new car grants.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Home charger cost is the hidden barrier. If you rent or live in an apartment you cant install one. Public charging is sparse and often broken. That kills the value prop for many.