Ireland’s Department of Transport has reopened its Electric Small Public Service Vehicles (eSPSV) Grant Scheme for 2026, allocating €7 million to support the adoption of battery-electric vehicles in passenger transport services.
The programme, first introduced in 2018, aims to help operators of taxis, limousines and hackneys transition away from combustion-engine vehicles. Previous funding rounds have allocated a total of about €65 million, supporting the purchase of roughly 3,600 vehicles.
This year’s budget is significantly smaller than the €12.5 million provided in 2025, but Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said the scheme remains an important driver of decarbonization in the sector. “The eSPSV programme continues to make a significant contribution to those who keep our public transport network running every day,” he said. “With €7 million allocated for 2026, we are continuing one of the most impactful programmes for transitioning to electromobility in the country.”
Under the scheme, operators can receive grants of up to €7,500 for purchasing a new battery-electric vehicle capable of carrying up to eight passengers. Higher incentives are available in specific cases, including up to €17,500 when an older high-emission vehicle is scrapped and up to €25,000 for wheelchair-accessible electric vehicles.
The funding is intended for licensed passenger transport operators, including taxi drivers, limousine services and hackney operators — a category that includes professionally licensed ride-hailing drivers working through platforms such as Uber or Bolt.
Officials say the programme is designed to reduce emissions, lower operating costs for drivers and improve passenger experience, while supporting national climate targets. The initiative also aligns with broader European efforts to electrify urban transport and reduce air pollution.