There are approximately 41,000 electric vehicles (EV) on Irish roadways. In September 2021, nearly 14% of new car sales were electric or plug-in hybrids which paved the way for the existence of EV charging stations in Ireland.It is reasonable to say that we are now beginning to embrace this environmentally friendly and clean method of transportation with enthusiasm in Ireland. This is good news since under the government's climate action plan, the goal is to bring 950,000 electric vehicles onto Irish roads in the year 2030. It's about one-third of the cars currently in use. To make this happen, the country will need an extensive charging infrastructure in place. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is working with local authorities and private companies to achieve this. As of September 2020, there were 1,464 public EV chargers in operation around Ireland. This is a good start but not enough to meet the needs of an ever-growing number of electric vehicle owners. The government has committed to investing €515 million in electric vehicle infrastructure by 2030. This should help to ensure that everyone who wants to switch to an electric car will be able to do so.
What is an EV charging station and how does it work?
An EV charging station is a piece of equipment that connects electric vehicles (EV) to an electrical source to charge electric vehicles as well as electric vehicles in the neighbourhood and plug-in hybrids. Some charging stations are equipped with advanced features like smart meters, cellular capabilities as well as a network connection, whereas others have more basic features. The charging stations may also be referred to as electronic automobile supply equipment (EVSE) and are located in public parking spaces by electric utility companies, or in retail shopping centers owned by private companies. They have special connectors that are compatible with the various electrical charging connectors.
How many EV charging stations are in Ireland and where are they located?
It's good to know that there is a fairly extensive network of EV charging stations in Ireland. As of now, the ESB has more than 1,350 charging stations across Ireland. Nearly 1,000 of these are located in the Republic. There are also 400 charging points operated by private companies. There is a plan to offer additional multi-car charging points as an element of the Climate Action Plan, but it is believed that there will not be enough to satisfy the demand if a third or more of vehicles driving around are electric.Already in the past, the popular quick charge points along with the motorway network which allows electric vehicle drivers to obtain an 80% charge within 30 minutes, are prone to waiting lines and queues when there is a rush. However, the pressure is for all parties to ramp up charging for cars over the next few years.
How much do public electric vehicle charging stations cost?
The typical electricity cost at night is approximately €0.095 per kWh for Ireland at the night (consumer cost). Suppose your electric vehicle has an empty battery with about 40 kWh of capacity, based on the way you drive, your car is likely to travel between 280 km and 325 km on one charge. Charging your electric car will cost you a total of times 40 x 0.095 = €3.80. That means that energy consumption per 100 km is about €1.24 to €1.28.
What are the benefits of using an EV charging station instead of home chargers?
One of the greatest advantages that come with the EV charging station is the fact that they do not have high upfront costs since a particular business has already purchased the station and set it up and you only need to pay charges for electricity and usage on the spot.Another benefit that could be derived from the public EV chargers is that they may include charging stations with fast charging speeds that aren't affordable for the majority of homeowners to pay for. This is why some public EV chargers are more suitable for situations when you are in a hurry and have to recharge your vehicle fast.
Is it profitable to open an EV charging station in Ireland?
The European Commission aims to have 30 million EV charging stations in Ireland that are in circulation by 2030. It estimates that 3 million charging stations will be required to help with the charging. Ireland would require 100,000 charging points for public usage. With the growing demand for EV charging stations, it would be a great move for you to install a charger at your business. You could avail of the SEAI grant, which gives up to 50% towards the cost of installation and equipment. It's the best time to get involved in the sustainability trend and put in the next business charging station for electric vehicles. Your business will gain from all the new customers that are coming to your site. You will also be able to show your customers that you are concerned about the environment which is an effective marketing method. EcoPlex Energy Solutions can help you with the EV charging station installation. From design and installation to paperwork and grant applications, we will assist you. We’re a team of energy experts dedicated to improving the way you create and use power. So if you’re thinking about pursuing an EV charging station installation, get in touch with us today. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have.
