EV grants in Ireland (SEAI): what's available and how to apply

EV grants in Ireland (SEAI) – what's available and how to apply for Ireland. Costs, grants, and practical guidance.

EV Charging · Updated 21 Jun 2026
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EV grants in Ireland (SEAI): what’s available and how to apply

Electric vehicle grants in Ireland can reduce the upfront cost of buying an EV by several thousand euro. The vehicle grants are funded by ZEVI (the Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland office) and administered by the SEAI. This guide explains which grants are available, who qualifies, how much you can claim, and the complete application process. Figures below were checked against the SEAI website in June 2026 — always confirm the current amount on seai.ie before you buy, as grants change.

At a glance

  • Private car (BEV) grant: up to €3,500 for a new battery electric M1 passenger car with a full price between €15,000 and €60,000
  • Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): no purchase grant — the PHEV grant has been discontinued
  • Small electric van (N1S): €3,800
  • Large electric van (N1L, 3.5t): €7,600
  • Electric motorcycles: €500 (moped, L1e-B) or €1,000 (motorcycle, L3e)
  • Home charger grant: up to €300 towards a home charger (separate apartment charger grant also available)
  • ICE2EV scrappage scheme: from early July 2026, up to €8,500 towards a new EV when you scrap a 2013-or-older petrol/diesel car
  • Application process: vehicle grants are handled by your dealer at purchase; the charger grant by your installer

What EV grants are currently available?

The SEAI operates several grant schemes targeting different vehicle categories. Grant amounts and eligibility are reviewed regularly, with changes typically announced in the October budget.

Private car grant (BEV)

A maximum grant of €3,500 is available for a qualifying new M1 (passenger car) battery electric vehicle (BEV) bought privately. Key points:

  • The grant is a flat €3,500 — it is no longer tiered by price.
  • The vehicle’s full price (including options, paint, delivery, and any other charges, but excluding grants or rebates) must be €15,000 or more and €60,000 or less. Cars priced over €60,000 or under €15,000 get no grant.
  • A reduced demo grant of €2,700 applies to qualifying dealer demonstration cars.
  • The car must be registered and taxed as Private and stay registered as Private for 6 months after the grant offer, or the grant is rescinded.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)

There is no SEAI purchase grant for plug-in hybrids. The PHEV grant was withdrawn for private buyers, so only fully electric (battery electric) vehicles qualify for the private car grant today.

Electric van grants (commercial)

SEAI supports new N1 category electric vans (battery electric only, new vehicles only — not second-hand):

  • N1S (small van): €3,800. Available for private, demo and commercial buyers. List price must be €15,000–€60,000.
  • N1L (large panel van, 3.5t): €7,600. For new large panel vans with a price of €90,000 or less. Note: if an N1S vehicle is registered against an N1L application, the grant is cancelled.

EVs and EV charging equipment may also qualify for Accelerated Capital Allowances (ACA) for businesses. EV grants are treated as de minimis state aid (subject to the 3-year €300,000 ceiling).

Electric motorcycle grants

Available for private and commercial buyers, new vehicles only, full price under €60,000:

  • L1e-B (moped, ≤45 km/h): up to €500
  • L3e (motorcycle, >45 km/h): up to €1,000

Other financial incentives

  • VRT relief: BEVs receive VRT relief (up to €5,000), separate from the SEAI grant. This relief was legislated to run until the end of 2025 — check whether it has been extended before relying on it.
  • Motor tax: a BEV pays the lowest band, €120 per year.
  • Benefit-in-Kind (BIK): BIK relief for BEVs is tapering off annually until the end of 2027.

ICE2EV scrappage scheme

From early July 2026, drivers with a petrol or diesel car from 2013 or older can get a grant of €8,500 towards a new EV under the new ICE2EV scrappage scheme. See SEAI for the full criteria once the scheme opens.

Home charger grant

Installing a home charging point qualifies for separate grant support:

  • Grant amount: up to €300 towards the purchase and installation of a home charger
  • Typical installation cost: €1,000–€1,500 before the grant
  • Requirement: off-street parking (a driveway or private parking space)

The home charger grant is claimed separately from the vehicle grant, and you don’t need to already own an EV to claim it. Residents and owners of apartments and multi-unit developments have a separate apartment charging grant instead.

Who qualifies for EV grants?

Private car grant eligibility

  • Buying a new vehicle — never previously registered anywhere — registered in Ireland for the first time
  • The model must appear on SEAI’s approved/grant-eligible vehicle list
  • Full price €15,000–€60,000
  • Fully electric (BEV); PHEVs and regular hybrids don’t qualify
  • Registered and taxed as Private, and kept registered as Private for at least 6 months

Commercial van grant eligibility

  • Registered businesses, sole traders, public bodies or private individuals
  • New N1 category electric van, first registered in Ireland
  • N1S list price €15,000–€60,000; N1L price €90,000 or less

Used or imported EVs do not qualify for any SEAI grant, regardless of age or mileage.

How much can you actually save?

Grants are the starting point — VRT relief, lower running costs and reduced maintenance add up over time. A simple illustration for a private buyer:

New family BEV (€35,000 full price)

  • Vehicle price: €35,000
  • SEAI BEV grant: €3,500
  • Home charger: ~€1,200 installed, less €300 grant = ~€900
  • Upfront SEAI support: ~€3,800

Annual running-cost savings (versus an equivalent petrol car):

  • Fuel savings: roughly €1,500
  • Maintenance savings: roughly €400
  • Lower motor tax (€120/yr band)

Over five years, the running-cost savings typically outweigh the higher purchase price for drivers covering 15,000 km or more a year. If you’re scrapping a pre-2013 petrol/diesel car from July 2026, the ICE2EV €8,500 grant changes the maths considerably.

The complete application process

Most buyers never deal directly with SEAI — your dealer handles the vehicle grant as part of the purchase.

Standard vehicle grant application

  1. Choose a qualifying vehicle. Check the approved vehicle list on seai.ie and confirm the model and price fall within the grant limits.
  2. Buy from a registered dealer. Buy from a dealer registered with the SEAI EV grant scheme. Ask explicitly if they process SEAI grants.
  3. Dealer submits the application. The dealer applies on your behalf and the grant is deducted from the price you pay.
  4. SEAI pays the dealer. SEAI pays the grant directly to the dealer (typically within a few weeks); you’ve already paid the reduced price.

Home charger grant application

  1. Choose approved equipment from SEAI’s list (most common brands such as Easee, Zappi and Wallbox feature on it).
  2. Use a registered installer. Book an SEAI-registered electrical contractor; ask for their registration number.
  3. Installation and application. The installer completes the work, applies the €300 grant to your invoice, and submits the application. SEAI pays the installer directly.

Required documentation

Keep copies of your purchase agreement/invoice, grant application reference, vehicle registration certificate, and (for the charger) the installation certificate.

How EV grants have changed

Grant schemes are reviewed regularly and updated based on EV adoption, budget allocations and policy priorities.

  • 2020–2021: BEV grant up to €5,000 for vehicles up to €60,000; PHEV grant €2,500.
  • 2022–2023: BEV grant moved to a tiered system and price caps were lowered; PHEV grant began to be wound down.
  • 2024: Home charger grant reduced from €600 to €300; PHEV grant withdrawn for private buyers.
  • 2025–2026: Private BEV grant simplified to a flat €3,500 (price €15,000–€60,000). ICE2EV scrappage scheme (€8,500) announced for July 2026.

EV supports are expected to taper gradually through 2030 as EV prices approach parity with petrol and diesel cars, with support likely becoming more targeted over time.

Combining grants with other savings

  • Solar: install solar panels (up to €1,800 SEAI Solar PV grant) to charge your EV with your own electricity. See solar panel grants in Ireland.
  • Salary sacrifice: some employers offer EV lease schemes with tax savings on top of any grants.
  • Green loans: many lenders offer preferential rates for EV purchases.

FAQ

Can I claim a grant on a used EV?

No. SEAI grants only apply to new vehicles registered in Ireland for the first time. Used EVs, including imports from the UK or Northern Ireland, don’t qualify.

Is there still a grant for plug-in hybrids?

No. The PHEV purchase grant has been discontinued. Only fully electric (battery electric) cars qualify for the private car grant.

How much is the home charger grant?

Up to €300 towards the purchase and installation of a home charger, claimed through your SEAI-registered installer. Apartments have a separate apartment charging grant.

Does the grant affect my motor tax?

No. BEVs pay the lowest motor tax band, €120 per year, whether or not you claimed a grant.

What is the ICE2EV scrappage scheme?

From early July 2026, you can get up to €8,500 towards a new EV when you scrap a 2013-or-older petrol or diesel car. Check SEAI for the full eligibility criteria once it opens.

EV grants reduce the upfront cost of going electric in Ireland. Combined with VRT relief (where it still applies), lower running costs and reduced maintenance, they help EVs compete with conventional cars. Always confirm current grant amounts on seai.ie before purchase, as schemes change.

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