Dublin, Ireland – Ireland is poised to become a European leader in electric transport, following a comprehensive partnership of the Irish government, the Renault-Nissan Alliance, and ESB, the nation’s largest electricity utility, and announcements of tax credits.
The agreement includes the development of a nationwide electric car charging infrastructure by ESB, a supply of electric cars from Renault-Nissan from 2011, and government policies and incentives to support the widespread adoption of the vehicles. Those who purchase electric cars will be eligible for a €5,000 grant, and will be exempt from the vehicle registration tax.
The Irish government has a target of 10 per cent of Ireland’s vehicles to be electric by 2020. The agreement is expected to see 2,000 electric cars on Irish roads by 2011, with 3,500 charging points available nationwide by December of 2011. ESB also plans to install 30 fast-charge points across Ireland by the end of 2011, with nine expected to be set up by the end of this year.
Nissan will supply the Leaf hatchback in early 2011, while Renault will launch its Kangoo ZE light commercial electric vehicle later in the year. By the end of 2011, Renault will also supply 100 pre-production Fluence ZE electric sedans for a pilot project in Ireland. The model is expected to go on sale in 2012.
