
This detailed guide will cover different aspects of EV charging expenses, starting with the basics of electric car charging in Ireland in both the home and public charging costs.
EV charging costs in Ireland
As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity in Ireland, current and future EV owners want to know the cost of charging them. This detailed guide will cover different aspects of EV charging expenses, starting with the basics of electric car charging in Ireland in both the home and public charging costs.
Electric car charging stations in Ireland
Ireland's electric vehicle adoption has increased notably in recent years. The government has provided grants and incentives to promote the transition from petrol/diesel to electric vehicles, leading to a rapid expansion in EV charging infrastructure.
There is a growing network of public EV charging stations in Ireland, with locations in urban, major motorways, and rural areas, thanks to investment from the Irish government through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support the increasing number of EVs on the roads.
Owning an electric car in Ireland
Ireland has seen a noticeable growth in their EV infrastructure in recent years. The government has established ambitious targets for transitioning to greener transport, aiming to have almost 1 million EVs on the roads by 2030.
By taking the “green road”, there are many benefits to owning an electric car in Ireland. EVs offer savings on running costs compared to traditional vehicles. Maintenance costs are lower due to fewer moving parts. The government provides grants for purchasing new electric vehicles and installing home charging points, making the transition to an EV more affordable. Learn more about electric vehicles with Energia’s Electric Car Reviews.
Charging your electric vehicle at home
Charging an electric vehicle at home is a practical and economical option for keeping your EV fully charged, especially when taking advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours. To facilitate this, a dedicated home charging station, commonly referred to as a wall box, can be set up in your garage or driveway.
How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV at Home?
Charging an electric vehicle at home varies based on the battery size and charger output. Typically, a 7kW home charger can fully charge a 60kWh EV battery in 8-10 hours, making it convenient for overnight charging to have your car ready for the next day.
The time it takes to charge depends on the car model and charger type. Smaller batteries charge faster, while larger batteries may need more time. Choosing a charger with a higher capacity can reduce charging times, but it might come with higher upfront costs.
What equipment is needed?
To charge your electric car at home, you will need the following equipment:
Home Charging Point: A dedicated home charging point, usually with a power output of 7kW, is available from different providers and can be installed by certified electricians. You may be eligible to receive a free EV home charger from Energia and up to 20% off renewable electricity.
Charging Cable: Most EVs come with a standard charging cable compatible with home chargers. However, you may need a different cable for public charging stations.
Smart Meter: Get a smart meter and save money on electricity by monitoring your usage and charging during off-peak hours with our Smart Drive EV Plan.
App or Online Platform: Home chargers typically come with apps or online platforms that allow users to keep track of charging sessions, set up charging schedules, and monitor costs.
Costs of charging your EV
The price for charging an electric car may differ significantly, but it's usually more cost-effective at home if you have your own charging point.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
Charging an electric vehicle at home is easy and cost-effective. Most owners plug in their vehicles as soon as they arrive home. Charging at home often can top up the battery to full capacity, depending on how much it was used that day. To charge during the EV Smart drive charging window (2am-6am) a customer can add up to 30kW of battery power for €2.26 (using a 7.5kW charger). To fully charge a car overnight (with a 60kw battery) on the EV Smart Drive will cost €12.26 (this could provide 325km range for Kia EV3).
How much does it cost to use a public EV charging station?
Public charging infrastructure is still developing with various companies and technologies changing quickly. The cost to charge at public stations can vary based on factors like battery size and time available. On average, charging from empty to near full at a public station can range from €9.00 to €23.00, with an average of €16.00. This is similar to spending €58.00 to €70.00 on petrol. Some situations may only require a small top-up or using your own home charger. Time limits at charge points can restrict full charges.
Can I save money with an electric car?
EVs are more cost-effective to run compared to carbon-fueled cars, even though they have faced issues with charging infrastructures in the past. With over 1,000 public EV charge points currently in Ireland and ongoing additions, the country provides incentives to promote the purchase of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
To reduce costs on EV charging when charging at home, you should consider our smart ev plans tailored for electric car owners that offer lower rates during nighttime hours.
In Ireland, transitioning to electric driving has become easier thanks to government support and better infrastructure. By considering charging costs and taking advantage of incentives, drivers can make informed decisions and benefit from electric cars.