Used EVs and Irish grants: what still applies (and what does not)
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Buying a used electric car in Ireland comes with a common misunderstanding: that the headline EV grants follow the car. They do not. The SEAI purchase grant of up to EUR 3,500 and the EUR 8,500 ICE2EV scrappage are both for new cars only, so a used-EV buyer does not get either one. The good news is that several real supports still apply, and this guide sets out exactly which, with the figures checked against the official sources.
What used EV buyers do NOT get
Two of the biggest-sounding incentives are off the table the moment you buy second-hand.
The SEAI EV purchase grant is up to EUR 3,500 for a new M1 battery-electric car bought privately, only for cars with a full price between EUR 15,000 and EUR 60,000. It applies to new vehicles only and cannot be claimed on a second-hand vehicle.
The ICE2EV scrappage scheme is a grant of EUR 8,500 toward a new EV for people scrapping a petrol or diesel car from 2013 or older. It comes into effect from early July 2026 and is a new-EV scheme, not a support for used purchases.
What still applies to a used EV
Plenty does carry over, because some supports attach to the car or the owner rather than to a new sale.
Low motor tax applies to any battery-electric car, used cars included. A BEV sits in the lowest motor-tax band at EUR 120 per year.
The SEAI Home Charger Grant gives up to EUR 300 toward the purchase and installation of a home charger. You must use a Safe Electric registered contractor and a smart charger on SEAI's register. It is open to homeowners whether or not they own an EV, and the grant offer is valid for 6 months. It is tied to your home, not to buying a new car, so a used-EV owner can use it.
VRT relief matters only in one situation: importing a used EV. The relief is up to EUR 5,000 for a battery-electric car with an Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) up to EUR 40,000, with reduced (tapered) relief for an OMSP between EUR 40,000 and EUR 50,000 and no relief above EUR 50,000. Revenue applies it automatically at registration, and it has been extended until 31 December 2026. An EV that is already registered in Ireland has its VRT settled, so the relief gives you nothing on that car. In practice this is an import consideration, not a saving on a car you buy from an Irish seller.
The figures at a glance
| Incentive | New EV | Used EV | Amount / figure |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEAI purchase grant | Yes | No | Up to EUR 3,500, full price EUR 15,000 to EUR 60,000 |
| ICE2EV scrappage | Yes | No | EUR 8,500, from early July 2026 |
| VRT relief | Yes | Settled if already Irish-registered; applies on imports | Up to EUR 5,000, OMSP up to EUR 40,000, tapering to EUR 50,000, until 31 December 2026 |
| Home Charger Grant | Yes | Yes | Up to EUR 300, conditions apply |
| Motor tax | EUR 120/year | EUR 120/year | Lowest band |
Last verified: 16/06/2026
Grant rules, amounts and dates change. Before you rely on any figure here, confirm the current position on the official pages: the SEAI grant amounts and scrappage scheme, the SEAI Home Charger Grant, and Revenue's VRT relief for electric vehicles.
Where to go next
If you are at the start of the journey, the complete guide to buying a used EV in Ireland covers the whole process. When you are ready to view cars, bring the used-EV buyer's checklist with you, and you can narrow the search by area, for example used electric cars in Dublin.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the SEAI grant on a used EV?
No. The SEAI purchase grant of up to EUR 3,500 is for new battery-electric cars only and cannot be claimed on a second-hand vehicle. Treat any used-car advert that implies a purchase grant with caution.
What is the motor tax on an electric car in Ireland?
A battery-electric car sits in the lowest motor-tax band at EUR 120 per year. That applies to any BEV, used cars included.
Is there a grant for a home charger?
Yes. The SEAI Home Charger Grant gives up to EUR 300 toward the purchase and installation of a home charger. You must use a Safe Electric registered contractor and a smart charger on SEAI's register, it is open to homeowners whether or not they own an EV, and the grant offer is valid for 6 months.
Does VRT relief apply to a used EV?
An EV already registered in Ireland has its VRT settled, so the relief does not give you anything on that car. It matters mainly when importing a used EV, where relief of up to EUR 5,000 applies for an Open Market Selling Price up to EUR 40,000, tapering between EUR 40,000 and EUR 50,000, with no relief above EUR 50,000, extended until 31 December 2026.