Electric Vehicles

Ireland is leading the charge towards sustainable transportation with ambitious targets to have almost 1 million electric vehicles on our roads by 2030. With government support, expanding charging infrastructure, and attractive incentives, there's never been a better time to make the switch to electric.

EV Grants & Incentives in Ireland

The Irish government offers generous incentives to encourage EV adoption, making electric vehicles more affordable than ever.

Purchase Grants
  • €5,000 for new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
  • €3,500 for new Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
  • Administered by SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland)
Home Charger Grant
  • €600 towards home charging unit
  • Covers installation costs
  • Must use approved installer
VRT Relief
  • Up to €5,000 VRT relief on BEVs
  • Up to €2,500 VRT relief on PHEVs
  • Reduces upfront purchase cost
Motor Tax
  • €120 annual motor tax for BEVs
  • Significantly lower than petrol/diesel
  • Fixed rate regardless of value
Toll Discounts
  • 50% discount on toll roads
  • Available for BEVs and PHEVs
  • Register via eFlow
Company Car BIK
  • Preferential BIK rates for electric company cars
  • Significantly lower than conventional vehicles
  • Great for business users

EV Charging Infrastructure in Ireland

Ireland's charging network continues to expand, making it easier than ever to charge your EV at home, at work, or on the go.

ESB ecars Network

Ireland's largest public charging network with over 1,200+ charge points nationwide, offering reliable charging infrastructure across the country.

  • Standard 22kW chargers
  • Fast 50kW chargers
  • High-power 150kW+ chargers
Fast Charging Corridors

Major routes across Ireland are equipped with fast charging stations, enabling long-distance travel with minimal charging time.

  • M1, M4, M7, M8, M9 motorways covered
  • Strategic placement every 60km
  • Rapid charging capability
Destination Charging

Charge while you shop, work, or relax with charging points at shopping centers, hotels, and tourist attractions nationwide.

  • Shopping centers
  • Hotels and accommodation
  • Restaurants and cafes
Home Charging Solutions

Most EV charging happens at home. Install a dedicated home charger with the SEAI grant and enjoy the convenience of charging overnight.

  • Charge overnight at off-peak rates
  • 7-8 hours for full charge
  • Lowest cost per km
Charging Apps & Payment Systems

Access Ireland's charging network with these popular apps:

ESB ecars App

Pay-as-you-go or subscription

Ionity

High-power charging network

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla owners network

Zap-Map Ireland

Find all charge points

Popular EV Models in Ireland

These are some of the best-selling and most popular electric vehicles among Irish drivers, chosen for their range, practicality, and value.

Model Type Price (after grants) Range Best For
Volkswagen ID.4 BEV From €40,000 Up to 520km Families, SUV lovers
Hyundai Kona Electric BEV From €35,000 Up to 484km Compact SUV, urban driving
Tesla Model 3 BEV From €42,000 Up to 629km Tech enthusiasts, long range
Nissan Leaf BEV From €32,000 Up to 385km Budget-conscious, proven tech
Kia e-Niro BEV From €37,000 Up to 460km Family crossover, value
Renault Zoe BEV From €28,000 Up to 395km City driving, affordability
Toyota RAV4 PHEV PHEV From €42,000 75km electric + petrol Long journeys, hybrid option
Skoda Enyaq BEV From €41,000 Up to 537km Spacious families, comfort
Note: Prices shown are approximate and after SEAI grants. Final prices may vary depending on model variant, dealer, and available promotions. Visit dealers for test drives and exact pricing.

Benefits of EVs in Ireland

Lower Running Costs

Electricity is significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel. Charging at home overnight can cost as little as €3-€5 for 100km compared to €12-€15 for a conventional car.

  • Up to 70% cheaper per km
  • Off-peak charging rates available
  • Predictable energy costs
Reduced Maintenance

EVs have fewer moving parts than traditional cars, meaning less can go wrong and servicing is simpler and cheaper.

  • No oil changes required
  • Brake pads last longer (regenerative braking)
  • Fewer fluids to replace
Environmental Benefits

Reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to Ireland's climate action goals. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions.

  • Zero emissions driving
  • Cleaner air in urban areas
  • Support renewable energy grid
Government Support & Future-Proofing

With Ireland's commitment to phasing out fossil fuel vehicles, investing in an EV now ensures you're ahead of the curve.

  • Generous grants and incentives
  • Expanding charging infrastructure
  • Higher resale values expected

Making the Switch to EV: A Practical Guide

Consider your daily driving habits:
  • Daily commute: Most Irish drivers cover less than 50km per day, well within any EV's range
  • Long journeys: With 300-500km+ ranges available, EVs handle most trips easily
  • Charging access: Do you have off-street parking for home charging?
  • Vehicle size: From compact city cars to large SUVs, there's an EV for every need
Tip: Track your current driving for a week to understand your real needs vs. worst-case scenarios.
Consider all costs over 4-5 years:
EV Advantages:
  • Purchase grants (€3,500-€5,000)
  • VRT relief (€2,500-€5,000)
  • Lower motor tax (€120/year)
  • Cheaper fuel (electricity vs petrol/diesel)
  • Lower maintenance costs
  • Toll discounts (50% off)
Consider:
  • Higher upfront cost (offset by grants)
  • Home charger installation (€600 grant available)
  • Insurance (often similar or cheaper)
  • Potential battery warranty coverage
Savings: Many EV owners report saving €2,000-€3,000 per year on running costs compared to petrol/diesel vehicles.
Getting behind the wheel:
  • Dealerships: Most major brands now have EV specialists at Irish dealerships
  • Test drives: Essential to experience instant torque and regenerative braking
  • EV shows: Attend EV expos and showcases to compare multiple models
  • Research: Read Irish-specific reviews and join EV owner forums
Useful Resources:
  • Drive.ie - Irish car reviews and comparisons
  • Irish EV Owners Association forums
  • Carzone.ie - New and used EV listings
  • DoneDeal.ie - EV marketplace
Installing your home charger:
  1. Check eligibility: Must have off-street parking (driveway or private parking space)
  2. Choose installer: Use SEAI-approved installers to qualify for grant
  3. Apply for grant: €600 grant available through SEAI
  4. Installation: Usually takes 2-4 hours, minimal disruption
  5. Smart features: Many chargers offer app control and scheduling
Important: Arrange installation before or shortly after EV delivery. Some dealers include installation in the purchase package.
Official resources to help your EV journey:
SEAI EV Purchase Grants

Apply for purchase grants and learn about eligibility criteria
Home Charger Grant

Information on home charging installation grants
Government Climate Action Plan

Ireland's commitment to sustainable transport
ESB ecars Network

Find charging points and register for public charging

Latest EV News & Updates

Stay informed with the latest electric vehicle news, reviews, and developments.

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