The Department of Transport has paused the eSPSV25 Grant scheme due to a "record number of applications".

The scheme is now fully subscribed, according to the Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) will temporarily pause the scheme to review and process the eligible applications received.

Following the assessment of the initial applications, the scheme may reopen later in the year.

The 2025 eSPSV Grant Scheme (eSPSV25), which was launched in early February, has seen "an unprecedented level of interest" from taxi, hackney and limousine operators across Ireland.

With a budget of €12.5m, the scheme has been designed to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in the small public sector vehicle industry and support those who are scrapping older, more polluting, or high mileage vehicles to make the switch to electric.

Reflecting on the response, Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien said: “The sheer volume of applications received is a strong endorsement of the EV transition, particularly among high-mileage taxi, hackney and limousine drivers who are eager to embrace a cleaner, more efficient technology.

“The surge in interest highlights not only the attractiveness of the grant offering but also the significant shift in the market towards greater EV adoption.”

“The overwhelming response to eSPSV25 is a clear indication that Ireland's taxi, hackney and limousine industry is ready for change.

“High-mileage drivers, at the forefront of daily operations, have shown strong support for transitioning to EVs.

“This move not only helps reduce carbon emissions but also positions the small public sector vehicles as leaders in the nation’s broader environmental initiatives.”

Since its inception in 2018, the scheme has helped over 2,800 small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators make the switch to electric.

The success of the scheme, according to the Department, highlights the shift within the small public sector vehicle industry, with environmental and operational benefits supporting both drivers and passengers across Ireland.

In a statement to BusinessPlus.ie, the Department of Transport said: "As the NTA reviews the current applications, stakeholders and industry participants can look forward to further developments over the coming month to support the transition to a cleaner, greener transportation future.