ELECTRIC CARS A REALITY FOR IRELAND
• Government announces €5,000 incentive for electric vehicles
• ESB to roll out 3,500 charge points and 30 fast charge points
• Renault-Nissan Alliance to provide Ireland with electric cars
DUBLIN (April 12, 2010)--The Irish Government, the ESB, the nation’s largest
electricity utility, and the Renault-Nissan Alliance today announced a
comprehensive partnership to position Ireland as a European leader in electric
transport.
Today’s Definitive Agreement includes the development of a nationwide electric
car charging infrastructure by ESB, the supply of electric cars by the Renault-
Nissan Alliance from 2011, as well as Government policies and incentives that will
support the widespread adoption of such vehicles.
Those who purchase electric cars can avail of the €5,000 grant, which the
Irish Government announced today. Irish buyers of electric vehicles will
be exempt from Vehicle Registration Tax.
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan
described today’s announcement as on-the-ground delivery of
Government policy. “The Programme for Government announced our
intention to transform the Irish energy and transport sectors. We have
made great strides in renewable energy, energy efficiency and now we
begin the electrification of our transport fleet.
The Irish Government’s target is for 10% of Ireland’s vehicles to be
electric by 2020. Today’s Agreement with Nissan-Renault will see 2,000
cars on Irish roads by 2011. This keeps us firmly on track to achieve, if
not exceed, our goals.
Those purchasing an electric vehicle will be grant aided by the
Government to the tune of €5,000 and exempt from VRT. The ESB will
provide the charging infrastructure in the homes of the new owners of
electric cars.
Irish motorists can look forward to the cash, cars and charging points
that will make the electric car the smart choice for the Irish motorist.”
Under the agreement, ESB will roll out 3,500 charge points