Scheme to encourage green taxis

THE Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has announced a new €500,000 grant scheme to support the increased uptake of electric vehicles in Ireland’s SPSV (Taxi/Hackney/ Limousine) industry.

Open to applicants from February 1, 2018, the ‘electric SPSV grant scheme’ will offer grants, nationwide, for the purchase of new and secondhand electric vehicles. Grant monies of up to €7,000 will be available for battery electric vehicle (BEVs), and up to €3,500 for plug in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). Fully hybrid vehicles and vehicles older than 6 years will not qualify for grant support under this scheme. Applications should be made through the National Transport Authority, who will administer the scheme on the Department’s behalf. Further details will be made available through the SPSV industry newsletter and NTA website.

Who can avail of the electric SPSV grant scheme: • Existing SPSV drivers who operate under a standard vehicle licence and wish to replace their vehicle • Existing SPSV drivers who operate under a WAV licence and wish to replace their vehicle with an electric WAV • New SPSV driver entrants who operate under a wheelchair accessible licence and wish to drive an electric WAV