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.
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 processElectric vehicles (EVs) are powered totally or partially by electric power from batteries charged on the electrical network.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
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.
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:
There are four types of charging options:
Note: Due to different types and battery sizes of electric cars, these times may vary.
Yes, VRT relief is available for certain electric vehicles.
For more information: Revenue website