New EV Scrappage Scheme May Help Members Switch to Electric

Members thinking about changing to an electric vehicle may be interested in the new ICE2EV scrappage scheme, which is expected to open in early July 2026.

Under the scheme, people with petrol or diesel cars from 2013 or older may be eligible for grants of up to €8,500 towards the purchase of a new electric vehicle. This includes a €5,000 scrappage payment for an eligible internal combustion engine, ICE, vehicle, along with the existing €3,500 SEAI EV grant.

The measures were announced by Minister Darragh O’Brien on Wednesday, 3rd June, and also include a change to the price cap for a new M1 passenger battery electric vehicle, BEV, to €50,000.

The aim of the ICE2EV scrappage scheme is to help remove older, higher-emission passenger cars from Irish roads and support the move towards new electric vehicles.

The scheme will apply only to the purchase of a new grant-eligible electric vehicle. Grants for electric vehicles without scrappage remain available as normal.

Some of the key eligibility criteria include:

• The vehicle being scrapped must be a petrol or diesel car from 2013 or older.
• Battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles are not eligible for scrappage under this scheme.
• The vehicle must have been owned by the customer for at least 12 months before being scrapped.
• The car must be taxed and insured at the time of application.
• The NCT must be valid at the time of application or expired no more than 6 months before the application date.
• Scrappage will only apply when purchasing a new grant-eligible EV.
• Applications will be made by SEAI-registered EV dealers on behalf of customers.
• The dealer will deduct the scrappage amount and the relevant EV grant from the cost of the new private EV.

The total budget for the scheme is €10 million, and once the funding has been allocated, the scrappage scheme will close.

For members considering a greener vehicle, Naomh Breandan Credit Union’s Green Car Loan may help support the purchase of an electric or hybrid car. Whether the aim is to reduce fuel costs, lower emissions or plan ahead for a new car, Naomh Breandan Credit Union is here to help members explore finance options that suit their needs.

Further information on eligibility, EV grants, charger grants and the ICE2EV scrappage scheme is available on the SEAI website.

Click here to learn more: https://www.seai.ie/grants/electric-vehicle-grants