Questions around charging are some of the most common we hear at Nevo from people considering an EV. Chief among them: where will I charge if I buy one? It’s a fair question, especially if you’re new to electric motoring, but the reality is far more reassuring than the myths. Ireland’s charging network isn’t perfect, but it’s more widespread and reliable than many give it credit for, and it’s improving rapidly. With insights from the EV experts at Nevo, here’s what you need to know.

It’s worth remembering that charging is not like refuelling a petrol or diesel car. With EVs, you don’t usually “fill up” from empty to full in one go at a public charger. Instead, you top up whenever it’s convenient, often while you’re doing something else. The real question isn’t how long a charge takes, but how much time it takes out of your day, and in most cases, it’s just the seconds it takes to plug in and unplug.

Home Charging

The vast majority of EV charging in Ireland happens at home. Most drivers with driveways or garages install a wallbox charger, typically providing 7.4 kW on Ireland’s single-phase domestic supply. That’s good for 40–50 km of range per hour, meaning even large batteries are topped up overnight. For those with solar panels, smart chargers like the Zappi or Ohme can divert excess solar into the car or schedule charging for cheaper night-rate electricity. A full charge on a 60 kWh car such as the Renault Megane EV can cost as little as €9–€10 on night rates, compared with €30–€35 on public fast chargers.

Car Parks, Workplaces, and Towns

AC chargers are now common in shopping centres, supermarkets, and town car parks. They usually deliver between 7 kW and 22 kW, though most cars only draw 7–11 kW. These chargers are designed for topping up while you’re busy, gaining around 100 km of range during a trip to the cinema, for example. They’re not intended for full charging sessions but are an excellent way to keep topped up. Networks such as ESB and EasyGo remain dominant, while more private businesses and local authorities are rolling out chargers to meet demand. Apps like PlugShare and Zapmap remain the best way to locate and check availability.

DC Fast Charging

For long journeys, DC fast chargers are the go-to. These are found along motorways, at service stations, and in strategic hubs. Standard units charge at 50 kW, adding 150–200 km in around 30 minutes, but more and more 150 kW and 200 kW units are being installed, with some sites offering ultra-rapid 350 kW charging. Cars such as the Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5 can take advantage of these speeds, charging from 10–80% in under 20 minutes.

The ESB network has expanded significantly, while EasyGo has rolled out rapid chargers at SuperValu stores and other key sites. Tesla’s Supercharger network, once exclusive, is now open to many non-Tesla drivers, offering Ireland-wide coverage. IONITY continues to grow too, particularly along major inter-urban routes.

Final Words

Ireland’s charging landscape is almost unrecognisable compared with just a few years ago. While home charging remains the cheapest and most convenient option, public charging continues to expand and diversify, with faster hubs and more reliable infrastructure than ever. If you’re considering an EV, the experts at Nevo recommend checking charging apps for your local area or regular routes. With a little planning, charging becomes just another part of daily life, and for most drivers, it’s far easier and cheaper than expected.

Discover more EV insights, comparisons, and expert advice on Nevo.ie to help you make the switch with confidence.