The Government has announced it is to make available a €5,000 grant to encourage the public to buy electric cars. The new grant forms part of the Government’s plan that 10pc of all Ireland’s vehicles will be electric by 2020.
As part of the incentive scheme to incentive the use of electric cars, Irish buyers of electric vehicles will also be exempt from Vehicle Registration Tax. The ESB will also provide charging infrastructure in the homes of the new owners of electric cars.
Renault-Nissan agreement
The Government has also struck an agreement with the Renault-Nissan alliance to supply electric cars to Ireland from 2011.
Nissan will supply its all-electric, five-seater LEAF hatchback to Ireland in early 2011, while Renault will launch its light commercial electric vehicle, Kangoo ZE, later in the year.
By the end of 2011, Renault will also supply 100 pre-production Fluence ZE s for a pilot project in Ireland. Fluence Z.E., an electric sedan for both private and professional use, will go on sale in Ireland in 2012.
Transforming the Irish transport sector
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan TD described today’s announcement as on-the-ground delivery of Government policy: “The Programme for Government announced our intention to transform the Irish energy and transport sectors. We have made great strides in renewable energy, energy efficiency and now we begin the electrification of our transport fleet.”
Also under the Government’s plans for electric cars, the ESB will roll out 3,500 charge points nationwide by December 2011. The rollout has already begun in Dublin and charging points will also be installed in Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick. The ESB also plans to install 30 fast charge points across Ireland by the end of 2011, with nine expected to be set up by the end of this year.
Ireland ideal for electric cars
“Ireland will be one of the first countries in the world to have a nationwide electric charging network which will offer opportunities for enterprise and job creation, as well as the obvious environmental benefits of ultimately having a decarbonised transport fleet,” said ESB chief executive Padraig McManus.
Commenting on Renault’s involvement in the Irish electric car plan, Philippe Klein, executive vice-president of planning and control at Renault SAS, said: “The Renault-Nissan Alliance’s commitment to the global mass marketing of electric vehicles requires the close co-operation of many partners around the world. Thanks to Ireland’s determination to be a leader in electric mobility transport, the necessary conditions – including incentives and infrastructure – are being put in place in this country to allow for the successful adoption of electric vehicles in the near future.”
“Due to its relatively small size, Ireland is ideally suited for the introduction of electric vehicles and as a pilot for the rest of Europe. As the population of Ireland is predominantly centered around the major urban areas of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford, and with the average vehicle covering approximately 75 km per day, electric vehicles are ideally suited to address the everyday needs of both private and business use,” added Eric Basset, managing director of Renault Ireland.
“Nissan Ireland is delighted to be part of such an historic occasion for the motor industry in Ireland and Europe. We look forward to delivering a new and emission-free driving experience to Irish customers,” said Gerard O’Toole, chairman of Nissan Ireland.
Photo: Energy Minister Eamon Ryan TD
Article courtesy of Businessandleadership.com
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