Electric car charging in Ireland
Unlock the potential of your electric vehicle with our home charging guide. Learn about costs and savings, EV charger installation, and choosing the right charger.
Owning an electric vehicle in Ireland
Although electric vehicle (EV) sales in Ireland have slowed in the last year, fully electric, hybrid electric and plug-in electric hybrids still accounted for 44% of the new sales market in August 2024.
The Government is continuing to support EV take-up with grants and tax incentives and has a target for 945,000 electric vehicles to be on Irish roads by 2030.
To support this goal, it recently announced a new €21m scheme to boost the EV charging infrastructure across Ireland’s roads
This includes the delivery of 131 new fast and ultra-fast charging points, delivering 150kW chargers or higher, by the end of 2025.
Charging your electric vehicle at home
Whether you’ve bought the latest Tesla Model S or opted for a more budget-friendly Smart EQ ForTwo there are several important things you’ll need to consider before installing a home charger.
They include:
- charging equipment costs
- installation costs
- type of charger required
- locations for your wall box
- electricity tariffs for EV owners
If you’re unsure where to start, talk to a qualified electrician or reputable EV installer who can help you choose the most suitable option for your needs.
What charging equipment is needed?
To charge an electric car at home, you need to have a home charging point installed close to where you park your vehicle. A couple of options are available, which are either wall-mounted or portable.
Wall-mounted charging points
Wall-mounted charging stations, also known as wall boxes, are the most popular home charging options. These units are fixed to a wall or post and provide a dedicated charging point for your electric vehicle.
Portable charging cables
Portable charging cables, also known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) or charging leads, are another at-home option.
These cables allow you to connect your car to a standard electrical outlet. One end attaches to your vehicle, and the other end has a plug that fits into a standard domestic socket.
Types of electric car chargers
One of the most important considerations for electric car users is how quickly and cost-effectively you can power up your vehicle.
Usually, EV chargers in Ireland come with three different kWh power ratings, although rapid chargers are typically only available on travel routes.
- Slow chargers (AC Level 2): These chargers provide a charging power up to 7kW and typically use a Type 2 (Mennekes) connector. Most homes can deliver a maximum of 7.4kW. They’re suitable for overnight home charging or long-stay parking.
- Fast chargers (AC Level 3): Fast chargers are typically found in public areas, shopping centres, and on travel routes. They offer charging power up to 22 kW. Fast chargers allow for quicker charging sessions, ideal for topping up whilst shopping or workplace charging.
- Rapid chargers (DC Level 3): This type is the fastest charging option, ideal for quick top-ups and long-distance journeys. Often found on travel routes, they use Direct Current (DC) rather than AC, enabling charging of 50 kW or higher.
How long does it take to charge an EV at home?
Think of your electric car like a mobile phone; give it the main charge overnight while you’re sleeping and top up on the go if you need to.
Depending on the model of the car and the type of connector it could take you anywhere between 4 and 22 hours to charge your car at home. Typically you can fill your EV from empty to full within 8 hours.
More powerful cars with greater ranges take the longest, and the cheaper, smaller models are the fastest.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
Electric vehicles are around 60% cheaper to run than petrol or diesel vehicles.
EV drivers may pay between €7.00 and €30.00 to fully charge their EV at home on a standard tariff, depending on the make and model of the car.
Based on a 45kWh useable battery size, it’ll cost on average €16 to charge an EV from full to empty on a standard electricity tariff. However, switching to a time-of-use tariff and charging an EV overnight will halve the cost to around €8.00.
For the best savings, shop around for a supplier that offers tariffs designed for electric car drivers or smart plans that offer cheaper night rates.
What kind of EV tariffs are available for car charging?
Despite the current energy crisis, the good news is that you don’t have to pay sky-high prices to charge your electric car. Some suppliers offer incentives to charge your car within specific time bands when electricity is cheapest.
As electric motoring becomes more widespread and the government encourages motorists to go electric, more tariffs are coming on the market.
Here’s some of the EV-friendly plans available in Ireland:
| Supplier | Plan | Off-peak night rates per kWh | EV or Night Boost rates per kWh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bord Gáis | EV Smart Dual Fuel | 20.93c | 7.07c (2am - 5am) | |
| Energia | Energia Smart Drive | 33.86c | 7.54c (2am - 6am) | |
| Electric Ireland | Home Electric + Night Boost EV | 17.83c | 10.47c (2am - 4am) | |
| Pinergy | EV Drive Time | 37.03c | 5.45c (2am - 5am) | |
| SSE Airtricity | Smart Night Boost | 18.89c | 7.29c (2am - 5am) |
- Rates are based on a supplier’s discounted rates (inc VAT), fixed for 12 months. Correct as of October 2024 but may change.
If you don’t want to change supplier, consider switching your plan to get a better rate with time-of-use options.
Smart meter plans often come with an app so you can choose when to charge your car and view your usage data. This allows you to be in control of spending and save money on future bills.
You could save hundreds of euros a year by charging an electric car on the right discounted tariff instead of staying on your standard variable rate plan.
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How much do car chargers cost to install?
The cost of installing a car charger in Ireland can vary depending on several factors, including:
- the type of charger
- the location of the charging point
- any additional electrical work required
The installation of a home charging point typically costs around €1,200 to €1,600 according to SEAI.
To get an accurate estimate, contact several installers or local electricians who can provide you with a detailed quote based on your requirements.
Government grants of up to €300 are on offer to install a home charger unit for new and second-hand BEVs or PHEVs. To receive payment, you must use a Safe Electric Registered Electrical Contractor.
Pros and cons of charging your EV at home
Although there are lots of advantages to installing a home charger, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Here are the pros and cons of charging your EV at home.
Pros
Cons
Tips for successful home charge installation
Installing an EV charger at home involves several factors that need careful consideration.
Make sure you hire a qualified, licenced electrician with experience installing EV chargers. They can assess your specific situation, provide guidance on the requirements, and ensure a safe and compliant installation.
Are there grants for EV home charger installation?
Yes, the Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant, worth €300, is provided by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), based within the Department of Transport. SEAI operates the scheme on behalf of ZEVI.
The SEAI grant provides funds towards the purchase and installation of a home charger point and is open to all homeowners whether they own an electric vehicle or not, so tenants (or visitors) can use a charging point in rental accommodation.
You must use a Safe Electric Registered Electrical Contractor to qualify for payment.
Where can you buy home charging equipment?
In Ireland, electric vehicle (EV) home charging equipment is available from outlets online and in-store.
Some energy suppliers have partnered with car manufacturers to provide free home charge points and may offer a discounted EV home charger installation service.
Here are some popular options:
- EVBox: EVBox offers a range of home charging solutions, including wall-mounted charging stations. Their products are known for their reliability and user-friendly features.
- Pod Point: Pod Point provides smart home charging units with features like smartphone connectivity and energy monitoring. They offer both tethered and untethered options to suit different EV models.
- EO Charging: EO Charging offers compact home charging equipment with customisable features.
- MyEnergi: MyEnergi manufactures home charging units such as the Zappi, which has the ability to utilise surplus renewable energy from solar panels to charge your EV.
These are just a few examples; other brands are also available in Ireland. Research your options, compare prices, and check customer reviews to find the best charging equipment to suit your EV and budget.
Popular questions
Is home charging cheaper than public charging?
Although you’ll need to pay more upfront for equipment and installation, the charging cost will be lower compared to charging your EV at a public station.
Public charging points are often quicker but cost up to 60% more, especially for rapid DC charging. There may still be some free charging points around the country, but supermarkets have started to introduce pricing. Apps like Plugshare and eStation have up-to-date information and locations of public charging points.
Once set up, charging your electric vehicle at home is the most cost-effective way, and you can make it even cheaper by signing up for an electricity plan designed for EVs.
Where can I find public charging stations in Ireland?
There are several websites and mobile apps listing charging stations in Ireland. Here’s a couple to try.
Can I get an EV charger grant for my rented apartment?
The Apartment Charging Grant helps apartment residents and owners who need to install home chargers for electric vehicles.
Private and commercial landlords, owners’ management companies, housing associations and local authorities can apply.
The grant is designed for bulk installation of chargers at a single location and supports infrastructure, labour, and construction costs.
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