What May be Ahead for Motorists in Budget 2025?
A new tax strategy paper published this week on Energy and Vehicle Taxation outlines what may be included in Budget 2025 writes Geraldine Herbert 1. Phasing Out the Diesel Excise Gap The Diesel Excise Gap refers to the lower tax rate on diesel compared to petrol in Ireland. Various bodies, including the Climate Change Advisory Council and the European Commission, have advocated for equalizing these rates due to environmental and...
The introduction of E10 Fuel
There is a huge amount of confusion around the switch to E10 and staff in service stations nationwide are dealing with daily questions on the issue writes Geraldine Herbert What is E10 and is it compatible with my car? E10 is a biofuel made from 90% regular unleaded and 10pc ethanol. It will replace E5 as the new standard grade of petrol next month in order to reduce carbon emissions from cars. Ethanol is manufactured from plants,...
Electric power to people…
Electric models dominated Frankfurt, but SUVs will still play a crucial role for carmakers, writes Geraldine Herbert The doors opened last week in Frankfurt to one of the biggest motor shows in the world. Once a feast of polished new metal spread across countless halls, the biennial show this year was a more muted affair with more than 19 major car brands skipping the event. The remaining manufacturers, including Mercedes, BMW and VW,...
Car Chat with Dr. Lara Dungan
EcoEye presenter Dr Lara Dungan talks to Geraldine Herbert about her plan to go electric, her first car ‘Max’ and bad driving habits Your current car? I currently drive a very old, but very reliable Toyota Corolla. I’ve been living in a house with no driveway and that’s really stood in the way of me going electric. We’ve just bought a new house with a driveway so I’m finally taking the plunge. I can...
Fresh charge is needed to boost EV sales
Ireland is a long way from where it needs to be in terms of reducing emissions, writes Geraldine Herbert CO2 emissions fell by less than 2pc last year, according to the latest figures released this week by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Given that a reduction of 16pc is needed to meet its EU 2020 target, the state is likely to face sanctions. Transport is a significant contributor to Ireland’s carbon footprint, as...
