Thousands of Irish drivers unaware they're eligible for big €3,500 grant

Some Irish drivers are unaware they are eligible for a €3,500 grant to buy a new car.

The grant offers drivers up to €3,500 off the price of a new battery-powered electric vehicle like a car. The Government have long tried to incentivise the purchase of electric cars because they are better for the environment than regular petrol or diesel motors.

The Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) grant was just one measure introduced to get more low carbon cars on the roads to help Ireland reach its energy targets.

Since 1 July 2023, you can get a grant of up to €3,500 for battery-powered electric vehicles (BEV). This value was actually reduced from €5,000 but still offers a big saving for those buying a new car.

The grant for BEVs only applies to new cars with a full price of between €14,000 and €60,000. The level of the grant depends on the value of the car with only cars valued at over €18,000 eligible for the full €3,500 grant.

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Car dealers will apply for the grant for you, and then deduct the grant amount from the total price of your car, according to the scheme.

A previous grant of €2,500 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) has been removed. 

Applications can now also be made for large panel vans which SEAI will classify as N1L. The grant amount for these vehicles is €7,600. The grant will be for new large panel vans (BEV only) with a technically permissible maximum mass of exactly 3500kg (N1 category vehicle).

Large Panel Vans with a price, excluding all grants, rebates, incentives and inclusive of all optional extras, delivery charges, metallic paints etc. of €90,000 or less will be eligible for this grant.