Ireland’s ICE2EV Scheme: €10 Million Funding to Help Drivers Switch to Electric Cars
The Irish Government has announced a major new support scheme to help more drivers move from older petrol and diesel cars to electric vehicles. The ICE2EV Scheme is backed by €10 million in funding and is designed to accelerate the switch from older internal combustion engine vehicles to cleaner battery electric cars.
For Irish drivers who own an older petrol or diesel car and are thinking about changing to electric, the scheme could make the move more affordable. The support is aimed at replacing older, higher-emitting cars with new battery electric vehicles, helping reduce transport emissions and improve air quality.
This guide explains what the ICE2EV Scheme is, who it may help, how much support is available and how to start comparing electric cars in Ireland.
Start your search here:
Search electric cars on Bargaindigger
Search all cars on Bargaindigger
Search automatic cars on Bargaindigger
What Is the ICE2EV Scheme?
The ICE2EV Scheme is an Irish Government scrappage support scheme designed to encourage drivers to replace older petrol or diesel cars with new battery electric vehicles.
ICE stands for internal combustion engine. This includes petrol and diesel cars. EV stands for electric vehicle.
The idea is simple: remove older, more polluting cars from the road and help households move into cleaner electric cars.
The scheme is administered by SEAI and is targeted at private car owners with older vehicles.
Key ICE2EV Scheme Details
The ICE2EV Scheme includes several important points:
- Funding of €10 million
- Launch date of 1 July 2026
- Support for replacing older petrol or diesel cars
- €5,000 scrappage support for qualifying vehicles
- Support must be used towards a new battery electric vehicle
- Can be combined with the existing SEAI EV purchase grant
- Total support may reach up to €8,500 per qualifying vehicle
- Applies to qualifying ICE vehicles registered in 2013 or earlier
- Funding is limited and subject to eligibility
The scheme is designed to make electric cars more accessible, especially for households that may find the upfront cost of switching difficult.
Who May Be Eligible for ICE2EV?
To qualify for the ICE2EV Scheme, applicants must meet specific requirements. The older petrol or diesel car must meet the scheme rules.
The qualifying ICE vehicle must:
- Be registered in 2013 or earlier
- Be registered in the applicant’s name in Ireland for at least 12 months before application
- Have a valid NCT, or an NCT expired by no more than six months
- Have been taxed and insured for road use during the six months before application
- Be permanently removed from the road
- Be replaced with a new battery electric vehicle
Drivers should always check the latest SEAI guidance before applying, because grant rules and application processes can change.
How Much Support Is Available?
Eligible applicants may receive €5,000 under the ICE2EV Scheme for scrapping a qualifying older petrol or diesel car.
This can be combined with the existing SEAI electric vehicle purchase grant of up to €3,500, bringing total possible support to up to €8,500 per vehicle.
This means the scheme could make a new electric car significantly more affordable for eligible drivers.
However, not every electric vehicle will qualify. Buyers must check:
- Vehicle price eligibility
- Grant rules
- Application process
- Dealer participation
- Vehicle type
- Registration timing
- Funding availability
Do not assume a car qualifies until the grant has been confirmed.
Why the ICE2EV Scheme Matters in Ireland
Transport is one of Ireland’s major sources of emissions. Older petrol and diesel cars can be less efficient and more polluting than newer vehicles, especially when compared with battery electric cars.
The ICE2EV Scheme aims to help Ireland:
- Reduce transport emissions
- Improve local air quality
- Support cleaner private transport
- Help households move away from older petrol and diesel cars
- Encourage EV adoption
- Remove older high-emitting vehicles from the road
- Support rural and urban drivers
The scheme is also important because the upfront cost of buying an electric car remains a barrier for many households.
Why the Scheme Targets Older Petrol and Diesel Cars
The ICE2EV Scheme focuses on older internal combustion engine vehicles because they often produce higher emissions than newer cars. Many older cars are also less fuel-efficient and may cost more to maintain over time.
Older petrol and diesel cars may have:
- Higher fuel costs
- Higher emissions
- More maintenance needs
- Older safety technology
- Poorer fuel economy
- Higher repair risk
- Lower resale value
Replacing these vehicles with new electric cars can reduce fuel use, cut tailpipe emissions and modernise Ireland’s private car fleet.
ICE2EV and Rural Drivers
A large portion of the funding is intended to support rural applicants. This matters because many rural households depend heavily on private cars for work, school runs, shopping and healthcare access.
For rural drivers, switching to an EV can make sense if:
- Daily mileage is predictable
- Home charging is possible
- Regular routes are within EV range
- Public charging is available nearby
- The driver wants lower fuel costs
- The household is replacing an older petrol or diesel car
However, rural buyers should carefully check charging access before switching.
Useful links:
Search electric SUVs on Bargaindigger
Search electric cars in rural locations on Bargaindigger
What Cars Could Suit ICE2EV Buyers?
The scheme applies to new battery electric vehicles, but buyers can still use the wider Irish market to compare prices, models and running costs before deciding.
Popular EV types include:
- Compact electric cars
- Electric hatchbacks
- Electric family cars
- Electric SUVs
- Premium electric cars
The right electric car depends on your driving habits, budget, charging access and family needs.
Compact Electric Cars
Compact electric cars are ideal for city driving, short commutes and local journeys. They are usually easier to park and may have lower running costs than larger EVs.
Examples include:
- Nissan Leaf
- Renault Zoe
- Peugeot e-208
- Opel Corsa Electric
- Fiat 500 Electric
- Mini Electric
- Volkswagen ID.3
Compact EVs may suit:
- City drivers
- Commuters
- Small households
- First-time EV buyers
- Drivers with home charging
- Lower annual mileage
Useful links:
Search Nissan Leaf cars on Bargaindigger
Search Renault Zoe cars on Bargaindigger
Search Volkswagen ID.3 cars on Bargaindigger
Search electric hatchbacks on Bargaindigger
Electric Family Cars
Electric family cars offer more space, better comfort and longer range than many small EVs. They can work well for commuting, school runs and longer journeys.
Examples include:
- Tesla Model 3
- BMW i4
- Hyundai IONIQ 6
- BYD Seal
- MG4 Electric
- Cupra Born
- Volkswagen ID.3
Electric family cars may suit:
- Small families
- Commuters
- Business drivers
- Drivers moving from petrol or diesel hatchbacks
- Buyers needing better range
- People who want lower running costs
Useful links:
Search Tesla Model 3 cars on Bargaindigger
Search BMW i4 cars on Bargaindigger
Search BYD Seal cars on Bargaindigger
Search electric cars under €30,000 on Bargaindigger
Electric SUVs
Electric SUVs are popular with Irish families because they offer a higher driving position, more space and practical boot capacity.
Examples include:
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Tesla Model Y
- Hyundai IONIQ 5
- Kia EV6
- Kia Niro EV
- BMW iX1
- Audi Q4 e-tron
- Mercedes-Benz EQA
- BYD Sealion 7
- Skoda Enyaq
Electric SUVs may suit:
- Families
- Rural drivers
- Drivers moving from diesel SUVs
- People needing more boot space
- Buyers wanting a higher driving position
- Longer-distance commuters
Useful links:
Search electric SUVs on Bargaindigger
Search Volkswagen ID.4 cars on Bargaindigger
Search Tesla Model Y cars on Bargaindigger
Search Hyundai IONIQ 5 cars on Bargaindigger
Search BMW iX1 cars on Bargaindigger
ICE2EV and the SEAI EV Purchase Grant
ICE2EV can be combined with the existing SEAI electric vehicle purchase grant, meaning eligible drivers may receive more support when switching to a new battery electric car.
Important points:
- ICE2EV provides €5,000 for qualifying scrappage
- SEAI EV purchase grant may provide up to €3,500
- Total support may reach up to €8,500
- The EV must meet scheme requirements
- The car must be a new battery electric vehicle
- Applications are subject to available funding
- The eligible vehicle price threshold is changing
Buyers should confirm grant approval before committing to a purchase.
EV Price Threshold Change
The maximum eligible vehicle price threshold for the SEAI EV purchase grant is being reduced from €60,000 to €50,000 for new applications after 31 July 2026.
This means buyers should pay close attention to the price of the EV they are considering.
Before choosing a car, check:
- Vehicle list price
- Grant eligibility
- Dealer paperwork
- Application date
- Whether the vehicle qualifies under the current rules
- Whether ICE2EV funding is still available
This price threshold makes it especially important to compare practical and affordable EVs.
Useful links:
Search electric cars under €50,000 on Bargaindigger
Search electric SUVs under €50,000 on Bargaindigger
Search electric cars under €40,000 on Bargaindigger
New EV or Used EV?
The ICE2EV Scheme is aimed at supporting the purchase of new battery electric vehicles. However, some buyers may still want to compare used EV prices before deciding.
A new EV may suit you if:
- You may qualify for grants
- You want full warranty cover
- You want the latest battery technology
- You want a new vehicle with dealer support
- You plan to keep the car long term
A used EV may suit you if:
- You want a lower purchase price
- You do not qualify for new EV grants
- Your budget is limited
- You can check battery health
- You want to avoid the highest new-car depreciation
Useful links:
Search new and used electric cars on Bargaindigger
Search electric cars under €20,000
Search electric cars under €30,000
Why Home Charging Matters
Switching to an EV is much easier if you can charge at home. Home charging usually offers the most convenient way to start each day with a usable battery level.
Home charging may suit you if:
- You have a driveway
- You have private parking
- You can install a wallbox
- You do regular daily mileage
- You want predictable charging costs
- You want less reliance on public chargers
If you cannot charge at home, check public chargers near your home, workplace and regular routes before switching.
EV Running Costs in Ireland
Electric cars can have lower day-to-day running costs than petrol or diesel cars, especially when charged at home. They also have fewer engine-related maintenance items.
EV ownership costs to compare include:
- Home charging cost
- Public charging cost
- Motor tax
- Insurance
- Tyres
- Servicing
- Battery warranty
- Finance cost
- Depreciation
- Repairs after warranty
Electric cars can be cheaper to run, but the total cost depends on your charging habits, mileage and the model you choose.
What to Check Before Switching from ICE to EV
Before replacing your petrol or diesel car with an electric vehicle, ask yourself:
- Does my current car qualify for ICE2EV?
- Is my car registered in my name long enough?
- Does it meet NCT, tax and insurance requirements?
- Do I want a new EV or a used EV?
- Can I charge at home?
- What range do I need?
- Do I drive long distances regularly?
- Are public chargers available on my routes?
- What insurance quote can I get?
- What is the total cost after grants?
- Is the EV eligible for support?
- Is funding still available?
Do not scrap or commit to a vehicle purchase until you understand the rules and have confirmed the process.
What to Check Before Buying an Electric Car
Before buying any EV in Ireland, check:
- Real-world range
- Battery size
- Charging speed
- Home charging options
- Public charging compatibility
- Warranty cover
- Battery warranty
- Service history, for used EVs
- NCT status, for used EVs
- Tyre condition
- Brake condition
- Charging cable
- Charging port condition
- Insurance cost
- Motor tax
- Grant eligibility, for new EVs
For used EVs, ask for a battery health report where possible.
Where to Find Electric Cars in Ireland
Bargaindigger helps Irish buyers search for electric cars by make, model, price, body type, transmission and location. Whether you are comparing compact EVs, family electric cars, electric SUVs or premium EVs, Bargaindigger can help you explore available options across Ireland.
Useful starting points:
Search all electric cars on Bargaindigger
Search electric SUVs on Bargaindigger
Search automatic electric cars on Bargaindigger
Search electric cars under €50,000 on Bargaindigger
Search electric cars under €30,000 on Bargaindigger
Brand searches:
Search Tesla cars on Bargaindigger
Search Volkswagen electric cars on Bargaindigger
Search Hyundai electric cars on Bargaindigger
Search Kia electric cars on Bargaindigger
Search BMW electric cars on Bargaindigger
Search Audi electric cars on Bargaindigger
Search BYD electric cars on Bargaindigger
Location searches:
Search electric cars in Dublin
Search electric cars in Galway
Search electric cars in Limerick
Tips for Using ICE2EV Wisely
If you think you may qualify for ICE2EV, take time to compare your options before applying.
Useful tips:
- Check your vehicle’s age and registration date
- Confirm NCT, tax and insurance status
- Review SEAI application rules
- Compare eligible new EVs
- Check the EV price threshold
- Calculate total cost after grants
- Get an insurance quote
- Check home charging options
- Compare real-world range
- Confirm delivery timelines
- Do not rely on the grant until approved
- Keep all paperwork
The scheme is limited, so timing and eligibility matter.
Final Thoughts
The €10 million ICE2EV Scheme is an important step in helping Irish drivers move from older petrol and diesel cars to cleaner electric vehicles. With €5,000 scrappage support and the possibility of combining it with the SEAI EV purchase grant, eligible drivers may receive up to €8,500 towards a new battery electric car.
The scheme is especially relevant for households with older ICE vehicles registered in 2013 or earlier. However, eligibility rules are specific, funding is limited and buyers should confirm all details before making a decision.
For drivers ready to switch, now is a good time to compare electric cars, check charging options and understand the full cost of EV ownership.
Start your search today at www.bargaindigger.ie and compare electric cars available across Ireland.
FAQ: ICE2EV Scheme in Ireland
What is the ICE2EV Scheme?
The ICE2EV Scheme is an Irish Government scrappage support scheme that helps eligible drivers replace older petrol or diesel cars with new battery electric vehicles.
How much is the ICE2EV grant?
The ICE2EV Scheme provides €5,000 for the permanent removal of a qualifying older ICE vehicle. It may be combined with the SEAI EV purchase grant, bringing total support up to €8,500.
When does ICE2EV launch?
The scheme is due to launch on 1 July 2026 and will be administered by SEAI.
What vehicles qualify for ICE2EV?
The petrol or diesel vehicle must be registered in 2013 or earlier and must meet ownership, NCT, tax and insurance requirements.
Can ICE2EV be used for a used electric car?
The scheme is aimed at supporting the purchase of a new battery electric vehicle. Buyers should check current SEAI rules before applying.
Can ICE2EV be combined with other EV grants?
Yes, ICE2EV can be combined with the existing SEAI EV purchase grant, subject to eligibility.
Is funding unlimited?
No. The scheme is backed by €10 million in funding, so support is limited and subject to availability.
Where can I compare electric cars in Ireland?
You can search for electric cars in Ireland on Bargaindigger by filtering listings by fuel type, make, model, price, body type and location.
