Electric Vehicle Chargers Ireland are becoming more and more popular, as people make the switch to electric vehicles. While there are many benefits to owning an EV, one of the main concerns for people is how much it will cost to charge their vehicle. In this blog post, we will take a look at the cost of charging an EV, and compare outlet charging with dedicated charging points.
Are EV charging stations free in Ireland?
The short answer is no, EV charging stations are not free in Ireland. However, there are many different pricing models that you will encounter, depending on the provider and the location of the charger. Some providers may charge per kWh, while others may have a set fee for using their charger. In most cases, you will be able to find a price list for the charger before you use it.
How much does it cost to charge an EV in Ireland?
Ireland is committed to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, and as a result, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road is steadily increasing. With more EVs on the road, the demand for charging stations is also growing. However, there is still some confusion about how much it costs to charge an EV in Ireland. The cost of charging an EV depends on the type of charger, the electricity tariff, and the vehicle itself. Public fast chargers usually cost between €6 and €10 per charge, while home chargers cost around €0.15 per kWh. However, some electricity providers offer special tariffs for EV owners, which can reduce the cost of charging by up to 50%. If you were to charge your EV at a charger with a per kWh pricing model, it would cost you around €21 to fully charge your vehicle. However, if you were to use a charger with a set fee, it would cost you €14 to use the charger and €0.24 per kWh. This means that it would cost you around €17 to fully charge your vehicle.As you can see, the cost of charging an EV can vary depending on the charger that you use. Ultimately, the cost of charging an EV in Ireland is relatively affordable, especially when compared to the cost of running a petrol or diesel car.
4 Ways to charge your EVs in Ireland
There are many different ways that you can charge your EV in Ireland. Here are four ways you can charge your electric vehicle:
- Connect to a three-pin socket at your home.
Also known as a 'trickle charger', it's the slowest method of charging your electric vehicle. If you're not in a hurry, it's one of the more convenient choices. You can purchase an extension cable that plugs into a standard three-pin plug directly into your EV. If you choose this method, you'll require an outdoor plug or connect a cable through an open window. It's important to know that this technique is not suitable as your primary charging method since standard sockets do not provide massive amounts of power for a long time.
- Install a wall-mounted box on your property.
If you decide to charge your car from home, you're choosing the least expensive option. Various grants are available for those wanting a wall-mounted box at home.
- Connect to a public charger.
In Ireland, on-street and public EV chargers have become standard. There are companies that offer public infrastructures that you can access to plug in and charge your vehicle. In Ireland, there are about 1,900 charging points in 800 locations. In Ireland, the ESB manages 1,350 charging points and the remainder are operated by private companies. ESB offers two charge structures: one for pay-as-you-go customers and another for customers who pay a monthly charge for access to lower charging rates.A lot of these public charging stations can charge EVs quicker, offering either 50kW or 43kW of AC power. These are located at garage forecourts. Charge rates at public charging stations vary, and rapid chargers cost more.
- Utilize charging facilities at the workplace.
Many employers encourage the usage of EVs with charging facilities in their workplaces. It is recommended to check whether these facilities are accessible to you.
Can you plug an electric car into a regular outlet?
Yes, you can plug an electric car into a regular outlet. However, it will take much longer to charge your vehicle this way. It is recommended that you only use a regular outlet if you are in a pinch and need to charge your vehicle quickly.While it is possible to charge an electric car from a regular outlet, it is not advised, as it will take much longer to charge the battery. It is also worth noting that using a fast charger will significantly reduce the lifespan of the battery. For this reason, most electric car owners opt to use a slower charger when possible.
Difference between charging EVs on outlet vs charging points
You can charge electric vehicles with regular household outlets, provided the outlet has an electrical current of 110V or a utility outlet with 220V current. The primary difference between a standard electric outlet and a charging station is in the length of time it charges the EV. It can take 10-20 hours for your car to fully charge. This is great when you leave it to charge for the night, but should you require to use your car in an emergency or for long travel, you might find yourself taking a cab. A car charging station is designed to reduce the time your car needs to be charged. Instead of waiting for 10 to 20 hours for charging, you can wait for approximately 2 hours to either get a full charge or a partial charge based on the location you are traveling to.
EV Charger Grant by SEAI
The EV Charger Grant by SEAI is a government initiative to promote the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in Ireland. The grant provides funding for the installation of home and workplace charging points for EVs. The aim of the grant is to make it easier for people to switch to EVs, by providing financial assistance for the purchase and installation of chargers. The grant provides €600 to assist Irish people in starting their EV lifestyle. To date, over 1,000 chargers have been installed under the scheme, with a target of 2,500 by the end of 2020. With emissions from transport accounting for almost a fifth of Ireland's total emissions, the promotion of EVs is seen as a key part of the country's efforts to tackle climate change. To know more SEAI, read here.
Electric Vehicle Chargers Ireland - Installation by EcoPlex
If you're looking for an electric vehicle charger in Ireland, EcoPlex is the company to call. We are the leading installer of electric vehicle chargers Ireland and have a wide range of options to suit your needs. Ecoplex has years of working with charging points for electric vehicles. We are certified to provide and install commercial, domestic, and workplace charging solutions that meet the highest standards. EcoPlex offers a vast range of off-electric vehicle chargers, including some of the cheapest choices available. We can help you process your government's SEAI grant program that can lower the cost of your charger installation by as much as €600. At Ecoplex, we'll be together with you throughout the entire process. We'll help you understand the grants, assist you with the application process, install your electric vehicle charger, and provide maintenance when you encounter any problems.We understand these needs and work hard to provide the best possible charging experience for our customers. Contact us today to find out more about our chargers and how we can help you make the switch to electric vehicles.