ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 55 In the wake of Ireland's rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the need for a robust en-route EV recharging infrastructure becomes paramount. As of December 2023, approximately 57,730 Battery Electric Vehicles registered in Ireland, signaling a clear shift towards sustainable transportation. To meet the demands of this growing trend, the Department of Transport and Zero Emission Vehicle Ireland (ZEVI) have unveiled the Draft National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan 2023-2030. Powering the Future: The Purpose of the Grant Scheme The primary objective of the grant scheme is to fortify Ireland's electric vehicle recharging infrastructure, with a particular focus on light-duty vehicles traversing the motorway network. The surge in EV popularity aligns with the Climate Action Plan's foresight of substantial growth in the coming years. ZEVI, in collaboration with the Department of Transport, has laid out ambitious targets to deploy EV recharging infrastructure across the nation, building upon the minimum requirements outlined in the European Union's Regulation for the Deployment of Alternative Fuels Infrastructure (AFIR) in September 2023. To ensure not only compliance but a proactive approach, ZEVI conducted modeling scenarios, guaranteeing that AFIR targets are not merely met but that the infrastructure is suf cient to support the burgeoning number of EVs on Irish roads. This ZEVI EV Charging Infrastructure LDV En-Route Grant Scheme ‒Accelerating EV Adoption: Understanding the Purpose of the Grant Scheme. Industry News Industry News grant scheme emerges as a strategic initiative to facilitate the development and accessibility of EV recharging points, catering primarily to light-duty vehicles along the motorway network. Future iterations of the scheme are anticipated to extend support to other parts of the road network, aligning with Ireland's climate targets and the ongoing trajectory of EV growth. Navigating Competition: Why a Competitive Process is Essential The grant scheme introduces a competitive process to maximize available support for operators while adhering to State Aid rules, including EU regulations. Aiming to incentivize and expedite the development of high-power recharging pools across Ireland, the competition is structured to ensure transparency, nondiscrimination, and value for money. The scheme adheres to the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) State Aid rules, necessitating a competitive bidding process. Notably, the aid granted to any single bene ciary shall not surpass 40% of the scheme's budget, aligning with the principles of proportionality and fairness. As Ireland propels towards a future dominated by electric vehicles, this grant scheme emerges as a critical enabler, fostering a charging infrastructure that meets the demands of the current EV landscape while adhering to stringent regulations and ensuring a fair and competitive landscape. The competition sets the stage for operators to play a pivotal role in the nation's sustainable mobility journey, ultimately steering Ireland towards a greener and electri ed future. What is the timeline for the scheme? The scheme has just been launched on February 14, 2024; Applicants shall prepare their proposals and make their submission before the closing date at noon on April 10, 2024; The new infrastructure is due to be online by December 2025. Where can I find more information? The scheme brochure summarises key information and can be downloaded from tii.ie. The scheme documentation includes all detailed information and can be downloaded from the eTenders website: www.etenders.gov.ie Where can I apply? Submission to be made through the eTenders website: www.etenders.gov.ie
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