EV Charging in Ireland

Charging Networks

Ireland has 6+ major charging networks. The largest include Ionity, Tesla Supercharger.

Practical Tips

• Download the ESB ecars app before you arrive. ESB operates the largest public charging network in Ireland, including most motorway fast chargers.
• Ionity stations are present along key motorway routes, including the M1 (Dublin to Belfast), M7, and M8. These offer 350 kW charging.
• Many hotels, shopping centers, and supermarkets offer destination charging. Dunnes Stores, Lidl, and Circle K locations increasingly have chargers.
• Applegreen and Circle K motorway service stations are common fast charging stops. Check for ESB or Ionity branding at these locations.
• Northern Ireland uses a separate charging network (EasyGo and ESB). Your ESB account works in both jurisdictions.

How to Pay

ESB ecars chargers accept app-based payment and RFID cards. Contactless bank card payment is available at newer ESB fast chargers. Ionity requires the Ionity app or a roaming partner. Some older chargers may need a specific ESB charge card, which can be ordered online. Roaming via Shell Recharge or Plugsurfing covers many ESB chargers.

Charging Costs

Home charging is significantly cheaper than public DC fast charging in Ireland. If you have access to a home charger or workplace charging, use it for daily needs and save DC fast charging for road trips.

See charging costs by vehicle model

EV Incentives for Businesses

Reduced BIK rates for EVs. VRT relief up to 5,000 EUR for battery electric vehicles. Accelerated capital allowances for EVs.

Tax incentives change frequently. Verify current rates with your local tax authority.

Road Trips

Ireland's motorway network radiates from Dublin, with chargers along the M1, M4, M6, M7, M8, and M9. Spacing is typically every 50-80 km on major routes. The Wild Atlantic Way and western coastal routes have fewer fast chargers, so plan stops carefully and charge to a higher percentage before heading into rural areas. Cross-border travel to Northern Ireland is seamless, with chargers available on both sides.

Useful Apps

Download these before you travel. Having the right apps installed saves time at the charger.

• ESB ecars
• Ionity
• Shell Recharge

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not head into western Ireland without a full charge and a plan. Charger gaps of 80-100 km are possible on rural routes.
• Do not assume contactless card payment works everywhere. Many ESB chargers still require the app or RFID card.
• Do not forget to register for M50 tolling if driving around Dublin. Unpaid tolls result in fines.
• Do not rely on hotel chargers being available without booking. Popular hotels may have only one or two charge points shared among guests.

Good to Know

• ESB historically offered free public charging in Ireland, but all chargers now require payment. Some drivers still remember free charging and may be surprised by the change.
• Weather in Ireland is mild but wet. Rain does not affect charging safety, but windswept coastal locations can make the experience less pleasant.
• The toll on the M50 (Dublin ring road) is electronic only (eFlow). No toll booths. Register your car or pay online within a few days.
• Charging infrastructure in the west (Galway, Mayo, Kerry) is improving but still less dense than the east coast.

Explore by Vehicle

See country-specific charging costs and winter range estimates for your vehicle in Ireland.