Become a Trial Driver
Bí i do Thiománaí Trialach.pdf (size 42 KB) (Click on the link to download a copy of this web page in Irish)
The Year 1 Trial got underway in January 2011. We will be seeking an additional 8 drivers (Trial Users) for Year 2 and then Year 3. Applicants must be resident on the island and have the permission of the home owner to install the Smart Charge Point at the residence. The Application process for Year 2 Trial Users is expected to begin in September 2011 with details available on this website. All details submitted will be treated confidentially.
Please note the exact Criteria and Terms for the scheme are subject to change each year so the following information is provided as general guidance for Year 2 and 3 prospective drivers. All costs indicated are for Year 1 Trial Users and may be subject to some change for Year 2 and 3. Exact details will be confirmed ahead of the opening of the scheme for applications in September 2011.
Criteria
Applicants will be assessed mainly according to the following criteria:
- Suitability of car parking space and distance of vehicle to wall
- Distance to Consumer Unit (ie the electrical fusebox)
- Annual Mileage
- Drivers must be aged between 25 and 70 years of age (note that more than one driver may be nominated on an application)
- Drivers must have no penalty points on their licence
- Age of property (as indication of electrical standard and insulation levels)
- Participation in SEAI Home Energy Savings or Greener Homes Schemes (energy efficient dwellings will be viewed as preferred host sites for the EVs)
- Electrical consumption levels and installed electrical equipment on property
- Quality of application
- Clear readable copies of Drivers Licences, electricity bills, images of dwelling and fuseboxes together with a sketch of the proposed parking, plug location and fusebox location will be required with each application
Submitting an Application
Once the application process reopens, an Application Guide explaining the terms for participation for the scheme and an Application Form will be available to download from this website. Applicants are advised to read the Guide first and then complete and submit a completed application form to SEAI. Applications may be submitted electronically or by post.
Process
SEAI will create a short list of applicants following review of all applications. Participants in Year 1 will be allowed to apply for Year 2 but priority will be given to applicants with no previous experience subject to the suitability of their application.
Following qualification on the short list, the applicant will be contacted by SEAI and invited to participate in an electrical survey of their property by a RECI (Registered Electrical Contractors of Ireland) Inspector.
Following a review of each site and the consequent RECI report, the final list will be prepared. A Letter of Offer to participate in the scheme will be issued to each Trial User. The User will sign and return indicating his/her commitment to participate in the scheme.
Following receipt of this confirmation, an Electrical Contractor will contact the Home Owner about arranging a time to install the Smart Charger Unit. The Trial User must agree to this installation and pay a total cost of 400euro for this work. All of this equipment will remain the property of the Home Owner following completion of the trial.
Following completion of the installation, the property will be surveyed again by RECI to ensure all work has been performed to the appropriate standards.
Merrion Fleet Management will contact the Trial User and arrange a time to deliver the vehicle to their property and provide training with respect to operation and charging of the vehicle including contact details in case of repairs or accidental damage. The User will sign a Rental Agreement with Merrion and pay a refundable deposit of400euro to Merrion including an annual rental fee of 12euro.
The Trial User is then free to use the vehicle for a year. Data will be collected by Merrion and remotely via the Smart Charging Unit to allow SEAI to gauge the performance of the Electric Vehicles.
