ICE2EV Scheme & SEAI Purchase Grant Change

ICE2EV Scheme

The Irish government today announced the ICE2EV Scheme, which'll launch on July 1. A scrappage scheme targeting old, high mileage non-plugin petrol & diesel vehicles is something we've previously called for.

Under the scheme, you'll receive an additional €5,000 toward the purchase of a new passenger BEV when scrapping a qualifying ICE vehicle. What's a qualifying ICE vehicle?

1. A private passenger ICE vehicle registered in 2013 or earlier;
2. Registered in your name within the State for at least 12 months before the ICE2EV application;
3. Valid NCT, or one that's expired within six months of date of application;
4. Valid Motor Tax & Insurance on date of application;
5. Vehicle log book available.

It's also a pilot scheme, with an initial €10m funding allocated. It has been repeated that funding covers 2,000 vehicles - 65% of which are for rural purchasers (amounting to 1,300 vehicles), & the other 35% for urban purchasers (amounting to 700 vehicles).

The scheme itself will be administered by the SEAI, & the new BEV being purchased must also be SEAI Purchase Grant eligible & thus will be paid directly to, & applied for by, the dealer, speaking of which...

SEAI Purchase Grant Change

The ICE2EV Scheme is in addition to the SEAI Purchase Grant, i.e. you could be eligible for €8,500 of support when purchasing a new BEV (assuming you've a qualifying ICE vehicle), along with any VRT Relief. However, change was also announced today impacting this.

The maximum value for SEAI Purchase Grant eligibility will now be reduced from €60,000 to €50,000, & this change will come into effect for new applications received after 31 July 2026. Applications approved / submitted prior to then will continue to be based on the current €60,000 maximum value.

For the complete rules on ICE2EV see SEAI.