ELECTRIC CARS Getting your business driving electric

Get your business driving electric

New Government supports from SEAI to help businesses drive electric.

With the rising cost of fuel at the pump, now is an excellent time to consider an electric alternative for your business transport needs. New Government supports have just been launched to help make the switch easier.

Businesses can avail of a new EV Commercial Fleet Trial which was launched on 21st July 2022 as part of the Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland office. This office will oversee Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles.

The aim of this trial is to promote and encourage the electrification of the commercial fleet in Ireland. This trial will afford businesses the opportunity to test an EV free of charge for a minimum period of three months. Its purpose is to show, through real world evidence, the benefits, savings, suitability, and viability of EVs in a commercial setting.

How does the trial work?

This trial is open to all businesses including SMEs, large industry, and the public sector. Interested parties can apply online at www.seai.ie/evcommercialfleettrials and complete a short application form. SEAI will review all applications against a set of criteria. If successful, the business will be offered either an M1 passenger vehicle or N1 light commercial vehicle / van for a minimum period of three months. There is a maximum of 200 slots available and the applications will be reviewed on a first come first served basis. Those taking part will also be offered a free charging unit to be installed at their premises. SEAI will cover 80% of the cost of installation up to a maximum of €1,000. This charge point will remain in place after the trial. As part of the trial SEAI will record analytical data from both the vehicle and the charge point during the trial only. Taking part in this trial will give businesses an opportunity to experience EV driving without having any upfront capital costs.

Other EV benefits for business

SEAI understands that the initial cost of purchasing an EV is higher than a petrol or diesel alternative, but when you consider the total cost of ownership of the vehicle EVs more often than not will save you money over the lifespan of the vehicle.

Lower costs

The fuel costs on an EV are significantly lower, up to and beyond 80% annually, which can really save money. Save even more when you recharge your vehicles on night rate electricity tariffs. This ensures you maximise the savings with electricity rates close to half of a standard daytime rate.

The servicing/maintenance costs will be less as there is a substantially lower number of moving parts in an EV when compared with a petrol or diesel vehicle.

Positive brand image

Company vehicles play a part in your brand image. So, moving to electric vehicles can offer a strong message to your customers. An electric vehicle shows your organisation’s commitment to reducing energy consumption and helping the environment.

Grants and supports

A grant of €3,800 is available towards the purchase of an N1 vehicle. An EV dealer will apply for this on behalf of the business and pass this reduction onto the customer. Check out the variety of vehicles available and compare their running costs on www.seai.ie/drivingelectric

Other incentives include

• VRT relief is available for fully electric vehicles with a price of up to €50,000.

• There is currently 0% Benefit in Kind on the first €50,000 of an EV. This will reduce over the next few years to 2025.

• Reduced tolls for EVs – save 50% on tolls. Save 75% on

M50 toll during off peak times. This is capped at €1,000 per year for goods/commercial vehicles.

• Accelerated Capital Allowance – this is a tax scheme that promotes investment in energy efficient equipment on

SEAI’s Triple E register. Cars and charging equipment come under this programme. You can claim back some of the capital cost of a new EV in year of the purchase.

Now is the time to consider going electric. Find out more at

www.seai.ie

WAVIN IRELAND UNVEIL NEW EV FLEET

Wavin Ireland were very proud recently to unveil its new fleet of fully electric vehicles for their commercial Sales Team. The move to EVs is a key component of their corporate sustainability objectives and an integral part of Wavin’s purpose of Building Healthy Sustainable Environments.

The company have a clear ambition to lead the industry in sustainability by 2025 and as part of this they have a clear commitment to help reduce emissions in the built environment. In line with government targets, they aim to be Carbon Net Zero by 2050. Their car fleet globally will be 100% sustainable by 2025.

Wavin have a commitment to -

• Reducing carbon in their products, manufacture and distribution.

• Moving towards a fully electric car fleet. • 40% of forklift fleet using Bio LPG.

• Transporting products in the most sustainable way.

• Managing the full life cycle of products with around 30% of products currently manufactured from recycled material.

• Commitment to using a minimum of 30% recycled plastic in all packaging by April 2022.