Greens propose single €4,500 EV grant to boost uptake and close the 2030 gap

The Green Party has said today that while it welcomes the Government’s continued investment in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, the recent admission by Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien that the Government will miss its 2030 EV targets is yet another sign of drift and a lack of urgency on climate action.

Greens recently proposed a single standardised, increased EV grant of €4,500 in their alternative Budget, which would replace the current tiered grant system that disproportionately benefits higher-income earners. This measure would also simplify the scheme and offer increased benefits to lower-income buyers, at a cost of €12.5m to the Exchequer.

Cllr. Feljin Jose, Spokesperson for Transport, said:

“EVs are an important part of the transition from fossil fuels in transport, but grants must be fair and designed to reach people on ordinary incomes, not just those able to buy high-end models. What the Green Party have proposed is a streamlined and cost-effective way to hit the accelerator on our 2030 targets. If the Minister is looking for 'measures which will accelerate and bridge that gap', this one is an easy win."

Cllr. Michael Pidgeon, Spokesperson for Finance, added:

"Grants get the job done. EVs are already the best choice for many, but a smarter grant scheme would make it a no brainer for the vast majority of the country.

"The transport sector is electrifying, the only question is how fast. Ministers need to put their money where their mouth is and do everything they can to get this country off fossil fuels and on to cheap, green, clean renewable energy."