Nissan Leaf the perfect car for taxi drivers. With the 40kwh Leaf now available to order from Wexford Car Centre this Summer from €16,800 ( after grants).

LEAV SV 40kWh Normal RRP €36,800 - Less Taxi Grant €10,000 - Less Taxi Scrappage Grant €10,000 = €16,800

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD recently announced the expansion of the Electric SPSV (eSPSV) Scheme for Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs) such as taxis and hackneys. The scheme has increased from €1m in 2020 to €15m in 2021 with grants of up to €20,000 now available to existing SPSV drivers who scrap older, high mileage vehicles for new full electric models.

As part of the existing scheme, drivers can apply for grants of up to €10,000 towards the purchase of a new full battery eSPSV with a further €2,500 available to convert it to a wheelchair accessible model. Those scrapping older, more polluting, or high mileage vehicles are now eligible for double the normal grant if they make the switch to electric with €20,000 available for a new full electric or €25,000 for a wheelchair accessible new battery electric vehicle.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said: “An efficient and low emitting public transport system is a key priority for my Department. This scheme will play a critical role in helping to reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions while also normalising the use of electric vehicles in Ireland. The overall funding has risen to €15m to help accelerate the greening of the SPSV fleet. It represents a doubling of supports in many instances as we work to support the sector as it moves towards electric vehicles.

Replacing older vehicles can play an important role in effecting a substantial reduction in transport CO2 and emissions, and the changes to the Scheme in 2021 reflect greater levels of support for older SPSVs, or those with high vehicle mileage.”

Minister Ryan added: “Taxi-drivers have had a difficult time during the pandemic, and while government has provided ongoing support we realise making an investment in a new vehicle at this time will be a challenge for many. However, we wanted to prepare the ground so that there are increased grants in place as the economy recovers.”

SPSV drivers who make the switch to an electric vehicle can also avail of VRT relief (up to €5,000), the Domestic Charger Scheme (up to €600) and annual toll refunds (up to €1,000). This is in addition to the significant fuel savings and lower maintenance costs associated with electric models.

To find out more please phone 053 91 92888 to speak with our EV Specialists.