Oct 11, 20232 min read

Motoring Specific Budget Highlights

The 'Budget 2024', announced by Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, contains some measures specific to motoring which we feel the need to highlight on behalf of SIMI.

Budget Measures

VRT – no increases in VRT for EVs or ICE vehicles.

VRT Relief on EVs – this was due to expire at the end of this year, but has been extended for a further two years out to the end of 2025. This means EVs with a value of €40,000 will continue to pay no VRT, while the tapering relief between €40,000 and €50,000 also remains in place.

Benefit-in-Kind

The €10,000 deduction applied to Original Market Value Deduction for certain categories of vehicles is extended for 2024.
Extension of EV tapering mechanism applied to BIK relief for Electric Vehicles of €35,000 to 31/12/2025, €20,000 in 2026 and €10,000 in 2027
When the two extensions above are combined the 0% threshold for BIK on EVs will be:
- €45,000 in 2024 (the same as 2023)
- €35,000 in 2025
- €20,000 in 2026
- €10,000 in 2027

Other motor related taxes

Excise on petrol/diesel – extension of reliefs due to expire on Oct 31st
Increase will now be - 50% on April 1st 2024; 50% on Aug 1st 2024.
Increase in Carbon Tax from Oct 11th as scheduled
Accelerated Capital Allowances on EVS – extended for 3 years

Commenting on Budget 2024, SIMI Director General Brian Cooke:

“SIMI welcomes the measures announced in today’s Budget, in particular the extension of the current VRT and Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) reliefs for Electric Vehicles. In addition, the retention of the current VRT regime allied with the EV reliefs provides stability and clarity to the Motor Industry and motorists at a time of great uncertainty. The EV supports underline the Government’s commitment towards the electrification of the national fleet, which is of critical important as we strive to meet our emissions’ reduction goals. We still await clarification of the ongoing investment in both the charging infrastructure and the SEAI purchase grants, which are also vital to the ongoing success of the EV project.”