Your questions answered: Ireland's €8,500 EV scrappage scheme

Thinking about scrapping your old petrol or diesel car to go electric? Here's everything you need to know about the Irish government's EV scrappage scheme - and how Kearys can help you make the switch.
How old does my car need to be?
Your vehicle must be 13 years old or older to qualify for the scrappage grant. So if your car was first registered in 2012 or earlier, you're in the right bracket.
Does the car need to be in my name?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered in your name for a minimum of 12 months before you apply. This is to ensure the scheme benefits genuine owners who are making a real switch, rather than anyone buying up old cars purely to claim the grant.
Does my car need a tax or NCT?
Your car needs a valid NCT dated within the last 6 months to be eligible. Motor tax must also be in order at the time of application.
If your NCT has lapsed or is overdue, you'll need to get that sorted before proceeding — your car will need to pass (or have recently passed) before you can avail of the grant.
Does the scheme apply to used electric vehicles?
No. The €8,500 grant applies to brand-new electric vehicles only. The idea is to put a new, zero-emission car on the road in place of an older, more polluting one — so used EVs don't qualify under this scheme.
The good news is that Kearys stock a wide range of qualifying new EVs, and our team can help you find the right one for your budget and lifestyle.
How do I apply?
This is the easy part — we handle it for you. When you choose your new EV at Kearys, our team will manage the scrappage application process from start to finish. You won't need to chase paperwork or deal with the scheme directly yourself.
Here's how it works in practice:
- Come in and choose your new EV from our qualifying range
- We confirm your eligibility and take care of the application
- Your old car is collected and scrapped at an authorised treatment facility
- The €8,500 is deducted straight off the price of your new vehicle.
Simple as that.
Which Kearys electric vehicles qualify?
A wide range of models across our range are eligible under the scheme — from compact city cars to premium SUVs. Here's the full list:
- BYD Dolphin Surf
- BYD Dolphin
- BYD Atto 3
- XPENG G6
- Renault 5 E-Tech Electric
- Renault 4 E-Tech Electric
- Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric
- Renault Scenic E-Tech ElectricHyundai Inster
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Hyundai IONIQ 5
- Hyundai IONIQ BMW iX1
- BMW iX2
- MINI Cooper Electric
- MINI Countryman Electric
- Nissan Micra EV
- Nissan LEAF
- Nissan Ariya
Not sure which one is right for you? Our team can help you find the best fit for your budget and lifestyle.
Ready to make the switch?
If your car is 13 or more years old and you've been thinking about going electric, this scheme is one of the best incentives available right now. With €8,500 off a brand-new EV and Kearys handling all the paperwork, it's never been easier.
Talk to the EV Experts at Kearys
If you are unsure whether your current vehicle qualifies for the scrappage scheme or would like help choosing the right electric vehicle, the team at Kearys is here to help.
Our EV specialists can guide you through the available models, explain grant eligibility and help you maximise the value of your trade in.
Visit your local Kearys dealership today and discover how much you could save when switching to electric.
Gallery
