The Irish government will reopen its 2025 Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV25) Grant Scheme on Monday, 23 June, offering financial support of up to €25,000 per vehicle to accelerate the shift to electric mobility in the country’s taxi, hackney, and limousine sectors. The Department of Transport confirmed that nearly €5 million in funding remains available for the latest application phase.
The scheme was initially reopened in early 2024 with a €12.5 million budget. Since then, demand has surged, with nearly €7.5 million already allocated to successful applicants. According to the Department of Transport, this reflects growing momentum among SPSV operators in transitioning to zero-emission vehicles.
Grants are split into two main categories. Standard battery-electric SPSVs are eligible for up to €10,000 in support, or €12,500 for wheelchair-accessible versions. Operators who scrap older, high-mileage, or polluting vehicles as part of the transition can receive double the amount—€20,000 and €25,000, respectively.
“The overwhelming response to eSPSV25 is a clear indication that Ireland’s taxi, hackney and limousine industry is ready for change,” said Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien. “High-mileage SPSV owners, who are at the forefront of daily operations, have shown strong support for transitioning to EVs. This move not only helps reduce carbon emissions but also positions small public service vehicles as leaders in the nation’s broader environmental initiatives.”
The eSPSV scheme, first launched in 2018, has supported over 3,200 SPSV operators in purchasing electric vehicles, making a significant contribution to Ireland’s national emissions reduction targets outlined in the Climate Action Plan.
Applications will be handled by the National Transport Authority (NTA), with full guidelines available from 23 June on the agency’s website. The scheme is open to both new and existing SPSV licence holders. New applicants may apply for electric wheelchair-accessible taxi or hackney licences, as well as limousine licences. Current operators can apply to upgrade existing internal combustion engine vehicles to electric models.
Approved applicants will have two months to complete their purchase and register the new vehicle. The NTA has advised operators that vehicle delivery delays may affect eligibility, as extensions will not be guaranteed. A cancellation list will be maintained for oversubscribed cases, offering additional funding opportunities should resources become available later in 2025.
Source: gov.ie
