Led by the Department of Transport and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the Commercial Fleet Trial will see 200 businesses utilise an EV for three months at no cost to them, along with the option to install an EV charger.
Speaking as he launched the trial, Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, said: "Ireland's Climate Action Plan sets down ambitious targets for Electric Vehicles on Irish roads by 2030 to help reduce our emissions. An important component in achieving this target is the electrification of the commercial fleet sector. Businesses up and down the country are already telling us that they are keen to make the switch to more sustainable practices, but they also need to know that the switches they want to make are going to be good for their bottom-line. The findings from this trial will give us real-world feedback and provide us with the evidence to encourage even more businesses to switch to electric. Innovative trials like this are more important than ever in finding solutions for reducing our emissions and ensuring that Irish business continues to thrive."
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William Walsh, CEO of SEAI, added: "Electric vehicles are a great option for businesses across a wide range of industries. Given the increased costs of business they can help reduce fuel costs, have lower maintenance costs and lower tolls. They also allow businesses to operate with reduced emissions and show customers that they are contributing to a cleaner more sustainable environment. This trial will showcase the financial and emissions savings achieved by a variety of different businesses by switching to electric."
Approximately 14 business across Sligo, Limerick, Louth, Wexford, Dublin, Wexford, Cork, Waterford and Galway will receive their cars by the end of this month.
The trial will be co-ordinated by Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland, an office of the Department of Transport and SEAI.
