From home charging grants to vehicle tax cuts, the Irish government’s EV strategy is accelerating adoption across towns, cities and rural roads. Here’s how the support works — and what every driver should know before they switch.
Why State Support Matters for EV Growth
Electric vehicles are no longer a niche technology — but they still need the right support to reach scale. Incentives help bridge the gap between early adopters and everyday drivers, encouraging investment in home charging, grid upgrades and nationwide coverage.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Department of Transport lead most schemes, designed to make EV ownership easier and more affordable.
Key Grants and Incentives Available in 2025
- SEAI Home Charger Grant: Up to €600 towards the installation of an approved home charger for private or company car users. The scheme now supports smart charging units with integrated load balancing.
- VRT Relief: Exemption from Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) up to €5,000 for qualifying battery electric vehicles (BEVs) under €50,000 in value.
- Low Motor Tax: Full-electric vehicles enjoy the lowest annual motor tax band at just €120 per year — around half of a typical petrol car’s rate.
- Company Car Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) Relief: Extended BIK exemption up to €45,000 for fully electric vehicles until at least 2027, offering major savings for business users and company car drivers.
- Public Charger Infrastructure Fund: Ongoing SEAI and Zero Emission Vehicle Ireland (ZEVI) programme to deliver over 9,000 new charge points by 2026, including fast chargers on regional routes.
These measures combine to make EVs more attractive both financially and practically — helping Ireland reach its target of nearly one million EVs on the road by 2030.
How the Grants Work in Practice
Applying for an SEAI home charger grant is straightforward: homeowners or renters apply online before installation, select an approved installer, and submit proof of completion. The grant covers both hardware and installation, reducing upfront costs substantially.
Meanwhile, BIK relief has made a visible impact in the corporate sector. Fleet transitions accelerated after 2023 when the exemption extended beyond early company car schemes — saving employers thousands per vehicle.
What’s Changing in 2025
Recent policy updates have expanded support for apartment dwellers and shared car parks. New legislation enables landlords and management companies to install shared charging infrastructure and recover costs fairly among users.
Additionally, rural-specific incentives are emerging: ZEVI is trialling co-funded local charging hubs across smaller communities, ensuring no region is left behind in the electrification rollout.
How ONEEV Complements Government Support
- Roaming access: ONEEV connects drivers to thousands of chargers across Ireland and the UK — beyond the grant-funded home network.
- Transparent pricing: All tariffs are displayed per kWh before you charge, helping drivers make informed cost comparisons.
- Rewards programme: ONEEV Rewards lets drivers earn perks simply by charging, turning government incentives into everyday benefits.
- Business tools: For company car drivers, ONEEV’s transaction history simplifies reimbursement and sustainability reporting.
Learn more about integrating government grants with your charging routine via ONEEV Insights or start using our app today on ONEEV.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the SEAI home charger grant?
Any Irish resident with an eligible EV and off-street parking at their home address can apply. Renters may also qualify with landlord consent.
Can businesses claim the same incentives?
Yes. Businesses and company car drivers benefit from 0% Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax up to €45,000 and may access SEAI workplace charger grants.
Are used EVs covered by grants?
Used imports no longer qualify for the main SEAI grant, but other incentives such as reduced motor tax and free toll access apply regionally.
