Brexit tariffs to hinder used EV trade in Ireland

The new tariffs on car imports in the wake of Brexit are threatening Irish businesses, and are likely to have major implications for meeting the nation’s climate change targets.

Since 1st January 2021, imported vehicles from Britain have been subject to new procedures and fees, including a customs duty of 10% on most vehicles, with the prospect of a VAT payment of 21% as well. VRT is also payable on top of these additional charges, depending on the emissions of the vehicle.

One of those affected by the Brexit regulations is Simon Acton. His business, NextEcoCar, has been importing electric and low-emission vehicles into Ireland since 2017 and has relied on the wide range of used electric cars in the UK to meet growing demand in Ireland.

Brexit and its impact on EV imports 

However, the additional costs and bureaucracy around car imports post-Brexit is threatening his livelihood.

Mr. Acton, who is also the Chairman of the Irish EV Owners Association, said: “We are calling for clarity on these new Brexit regulations, as advice from the Revenue has been inconsistent and it is not clear how long these tariffs will be in place and exactly which vehicles they apply to.”

“These additional fees are threatening many businesses in Ireland, but also mean that second-hand electric cars are less affordable than they would have been just a month ago – which has major implications for people who want to drive more sustainable vehicles.

The Irish government has set a target to have 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030 in order to meet its emissions targets, with the transport sector currently accounting for 20% of the nation’s emissions according to the CIE.

Tom Spencer, Editor of consumer advice site IrishEVs, said: “Having access to a wide range of affordable second-hand electric cars is essential to help Ireland address the Climate Crisis and reduce our reliance on highly polluting diesel vehicles.”

“As very late adopters of electric vehicles, Ireland is reliant on imports to meet this demand for those who cannot afford a brand new EV – and, due to Ireland’s need for right-hand drive vehicles, these can only come from the UK. It is essential that we have clarity on the import tariff issue, and we hope to see the Irish government incentivise the import of zero-emissions vehicles in line with their climate commitments.”

Despite the harsh economic climate caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, electric vehicle sales rose by 16% in 2020 compared to the previous year, bucking the overall car-buying trend, which saw the sale of new vehicles in Ireland fall by 25%.

About NextEcoCar

Next Eco Car was founded by Simon Acton in 2017 and has since become Ireland’s premier electric and hybrid vehicles sales, and sourcing, specialist.

Since 2017, they have imported hundreds of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to Ireland from the UK to meet the growing demand for second-hand electric vehicles.

About IrishEVs

IrishEVs is an independent consumer advice website dedicated to tackling the myths around electric cars in order to promote their adoption as a means of tackling climate change and improving public health.

IrishEVs offers a range of guides to help make the adoption of electric vehicles the obvious and easy choice, covering everything from available grants, to how and where to charge, and how to convert your existing petrol or diesel car into an EV.

The website has been created by Tom Spencer who has spent the past decade working in electric motorsport and with EV manufacturers in the UK, the USA, and China.

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