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eTransport

ESB Networks has a central role in enabling the electrification of transport. The Government’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) calls for nearly 1 million Electric Vehicles (EVs) on Irish roads by 2030.

Facilitating the electrification of transport at a domestic level, while ensuring reliability and customer continuity of supply will change the way we control, operate and design the low voltage network.

How is ESB Networks enabling the electrification of transport?

  • ESB Networks is enabling the electrification of transport by connecting at least one million EV's to the distribution system by 2030. The distribution network has considerable capacity to accommodate electrified transport.  However, there will be areas of the network which are already heavily loaded or where clusters of EV's emerge that will require the deployment of smart solutions or reinforcement.
  • To deliver on our commitment we are:
    • actively supporting the development of governmental, national body and local authority standards, policies and various code of practice arising in this space
    • developing and implementing standards and design for EV recharging
    • developing forecasting tools that will support our decision making process for system reinforcement to accommodate additional EV recharging points
ecar home charger

EV recharging infrastructure connection screening 

In our newly published Networks for Net Zero Strategy | PDF 12 MB we committed to deliver the electricity network for Ireland’s Clean Electric Future through continued collaboration with our customers, stakeholders and business partners.  

In this regard, and in response to customer feedback, we have defined a specific connection screening process for EV recharging infrastructure developers. 

See connection screening process

Frequently asked questions

What is an Electric Vehicle (EV)?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered totally or partially by electric power from batteries charged on the electrical network.

What types of Electric Vehicles are there?
  1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are vehicles powered by one or several electric engines, supplied by electrical energy stored in batteries that have been charged by the electrical network.
  2. Range- Extended Vehicles (REXs) are vehicles of similar characteristics to BEVs where traction is only electrical. However, they also include an internal combustion engine functioning as a generator to charge batteries, increasing the vehicle's autonomy.
  3. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are vehicles that combine an internal combustion engine (ICE), batteries and an electric motor. The vehicle is powered by fuel for the engine or electricity for the batteries to run the motor.
Is there a grant for purchasing EVs*?

Grants are available for the purchase of certain EVs. The grant is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. For more information on the grant scheme, please visit the SEAI website.

What is the driving range of an EV?

The driving range differs for each EV's battery size and battery technology is improving every year. Currently, typical EV ranges go from 100km up to 500km.

Are EV charging points part of ESB Networks infrastructure?

ESB Networks do not own, install, operate or maintain any public or private EV charge points. We are solely responsible for providing a safe and reliable connection for the EV charge points to the electricity network, everything beyond that is the responsibility of the installer and operator.

Where can I charge my EV?

ESB Networks supports the connection of EV charge points to the network. These include home charge points up to 7kW, standard public charge points up to 22kW, fast public charge points up to 50kW and high-power charge points from 150kW and above.

Domestic Charging: When a domestic customer is looking to install an EV charge point up to 7kW at home, where the use of the charge point will not cause them to exceed their standard 12kVA Maximum Import Capacity or MIC, there is no requirement for them to apply for an upgrade to their connection. This assessment should also take into account any other low-carbon technologies, such as heat pumps, installed at the same time as the EV charge point.

If a domestic customer has a standard 12kVA MIC connection and if it is determined that a larger connection is required after the connection of an EV charge point, they should upgrade to an enhanced 16kVA MIC connection by applying online.

Application:

Changing your level of supply

The requirement to upgrade can be determined by employing the services of an electrical contractor.

Grants are available for a home charger unit. The grant is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Details of the grant scheme can be found on SEAI’s website.

Public Charging: There is an extensive network of public charge points available throughout the republic of Ireland in locations such as on-street, shopping centres, car parks, service stations etc. These include standard public charge points up to 22kW, fast charge points up to 50kW and high-power charge points from 150kW and above.

For more information on EV public charging networks:

Visit irishevassociation.ie

Is there a grant for the installation of a home charger unit?

The Government currently offers a grant towards the installation of a home charger unit. The grant is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Details of the grant scheme can be found on SEAI’s website.

Do I need to inform ESB Networks when installing an EV charger?

In many cases a customer's standard Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) of 12kVA, will suffice.

Your electrical contractor will be able to advise you on your demand connection requirements. If customers need to increase their supply they will need to contact ESB Networks.

More information:

Changing your level of supply

How long does it take to charge an EV?

There are four types of charging options:

  • Home charging (7kWh) - 6-8* hours
  • On street public charging (22kWh AC) - 2-6* hours
  • Fast public charging (50kWh DC) takes as little as 30* minutes to achieve an 80% charge.
  • High power public charging (150kWh and above) takes as little as 20 minutes to achieve 80% charge

Note: Due to different types and battery sizes of electric cars, these times may vary.

What is the motor tax charge on an EV?

Details on the motor tax charged on EVs:

Visit gov.ie

Visit motortax.ie

Is there any VRT relief for EVs?

Yes, VRT relief is available for certain electric vehicles.

For more information: Revenue website