Government expands zero emission HDV grants in major boost for Irish logistics sector

Irish businesses are set to benefit from expanded Government support to help cut costs and accelerate the move to zero-emission transport.

Changes to the Zero Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle (ZEHDV) grant scheme will make it easier and more flexible for companies to invest in electric trucks and buses, with grants of up to €500,000 per year now available.

Speaking at an industry working group event, the Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, Sean Canney TD outlined new measures to support fleet expansion, including a rolling funding model that allows companies to plan and invest with greater certainty.

"Decarbonising transport is a national priority but is also a major commercial opportunity" the Minister said. "These changes will help remove some of the cost and certainty barriers and give businesses the confidence to transition their fleets in a way that aligns with their operational needs and growth plans".

The updated scheme allows businesses to phase investment over time, rather than relying on a one-off funding opportunity, helping companies manage cash flow while modernising their fleets.

Alongside the vehicle purchase support, businesses can also access grants of up to €300,000 under the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Grant Scheme (ZEHDV-I) to install depot charging infrastructure and support charging logistics hubs and urban locations.

The Government is also supporting businesses at the planning stage through the EV Fleet Assessment Grant, which offers fully funded expert assessment to help companies understand how electric vehicles can operate within their existing fleets. Assessments cover routes, vehicle suitability, charging needs and total cost of ownership providing a clear roadmap to electrification.

"With rising fuel cost, tightening emissions and regulations growing customer expectations around sustainability, the transition to zero emission vehicles is becoming an increasingly strategic business decision. Government support is there to help Irish businesses cut emissions, reduce long term operating costs and stay ahead of regulatory change".

The Minister was speaking at the HDV Electrification Pathway Working Group, established by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) to support the electrification of the heavy-duty fleet in Ireland.

The Group is represented from across the sector including the road transport and logistics sector, charge point operators, vehicle manufacturers, motor industry representatives, academia and public policy officials.

For further information on the schemes and supports available visit https://www.zevi.ie

ZEHDV

The Zero-Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle Purchase Grant Scheme (ZEHDV) opened in February 2024. The Scheme awards grants to assist companies and enterprises who wish to buy zero-emission heavy duty vehicles (ZEHDV) which are supported by the Scheme instead of buying the diesel equivalent. The Zero-Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle (ZEHDV) Purchase Grant Scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

For more information visit: https://www.tii.ie/en/roads-tolling/alt-fuel-projects-unit/zero-emission-heavy-duty/

ZEHDV-I

The Zero-Emission Heavy Duty Infrastructure Grant Scheme (ZEHDV-I) opened in October 2024. The Scheme awards grants to assist companies and enterprises who wish to install their own depot charging points, and also facilitates charging around logistics hubs, and in urban nodes. The Zero-Emission Heavy Duty Infrastructure Grant Scheme (ZEHDV-I) is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

For more information visit: https://www.tii.ie/en/roads-tolling/alt-fuel-projects-unit/zehdv-i/

EV Fleet Assessment

Vehicle Assessment

Site assessments will be supported to evaluate current electrical capacity, identify potential upgrades to transformers and substations, and plan for smart energy management systems to avoid excessive demand charges and grid constraints.

The EV Fleet Assessment Grant is a government-funded support scheme that helps businesses explore the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The scheme offers financial support for an independent fleet assessment carried out by a qualified energy advisor.

The assessment provides:
• A detailed review of your existing fleet, including mileage and fuel consumption
• Identification of routes and vehicles suitable for electrification
• A tailored EV charging plan to support your transition
• Guidance on the type and scale of charging infrastructure required

This support is available to large enterprises, SMEs, and semi-state bodies seeking to decarbonise their fleet but unsure where to begin.

Eligible businesses can receive up to €4,000 for fleets of 5-50 vehicles or up to €8,000 for fleets of 51+ vehicles.

Infrastructure Assessment

Site assessments will be supported to evaluate current electrical capacity, identify potential upgrades to transformers and substations, and plan for smart energy management systems to avoid excessive demand charges and grid constraints.

For more information visit: https://www.seai.ie/plan-your-energy-journey/for-your-business/ev-forbusiness/grants-and-supports/ev-fleet-assessment-grant