reland's public EV charging network is about to get a major upgrade. Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien announced in May 2026 that 53 new high-power charging hubs will be installed across the national road network, delivering 175 new fast and ultra-fast charging points spread across 1,200 km of single-carriageway routes.
This is excellent news for EV drivers planning road trips across Ireland. The new hubs will be positioned along national primary and secondary routes, ensuring you are never more than 60 km from a high-power charger. Most of these new installations will offer charging speeds around 150-250 kW, meaning you can add 100-200 km of range in just 10-15 minutes.
But here is the question on every prospective EV buyer's mind: if public charging is improving so rapidly, do I still need to install a home charger?
The short answer: absolutely yes. Here is why.
The 80/20 Rule of EV Charging
Industry data shows that 80-90% of EV charging happens at home. Public charging infrastructure serves an essential but specific role: topping up on long journeys, emergency charging, and serving drivers without off-street parking.
For the majority of Irish EV owners who have a driveway or garage, home charging remains the foundation of EV ownership. You plug in when you arrive home, and you wake up to a full battery every morning. No apps to navigate, no queues, no detours to charging stations.
RTE reported in January 2026 that home charging is "not only more convenient but also more cost-effective than public charging, especially when using off-peak electricity rates."
The Cost Difference Is Massive
The real reason home charging remains essential is simple: cost.
| Charging Location | Cost per kWh | Full Charge (60 kWh) | Cost per 400 km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home (night rate) | €0.05-€0.10 | €3-€6 | €3-€6 |
| Home (standard rate) | €0.35-€0.40 | €21-€24 | €21-€24 |
| Public AC (slow) | €0.47-€0.52 | €28-€31 | €28-€31 |
| Public DC (fast) | €0.56-€0.68 | €34-€41 | €34-€41 |
| Public ultra-fast (>150 kW) | €0.65-€0.75 | €39-€45 | €39-€45 |
At time of writing, based on major Irish charging networks and electricity suppliers
If you drive 20,000 km per year (typical Irish mileage), here is what your annual charging costs look like:
- Home charging (night rate): €300-€600/year
- Public fast charging: €1,700-€2,100/year
- Petrol equivalent: €2,400-€2,800/year
Home charging saves you €1,500-€1,800 per year compared to relying on public infrastructure. Over five years, that is €7,500-€9,000 in savings. Far more than the cost of installing a home charger.
Even on a standard home electricity tariff (without night-rate discounts), you still save €1,000+ per year compared to public charging.
When Public Charging Makes Sense
The new 53 charging hubs are designed for specific use cases:
Road trips and long-distance travel – If you are driving Cork to Donegal, these high-power hubs are perfect for a 15-minute top-up while you grab a coffee.
Emergency charging – Forgot to plug in at home? Public charging is your backup.
Apartment dwellers without home access – If you cannot install a home charger, public infrastructure is your primary option (though this makes EV ownership significantly more expensive).
The National Road Network EV Charging Plan 2024-2030 explicitly states that high-powered chargers every 60 km along motorways work in tandem with home and apartment charging, not as a replacement for it.
Home Charging: The Smart Foundation
Installing a home EV charger offers benefits that public infrastructure simply cannot match:
Convenience – Charge overnight while you sleep. No planning, no apps, no waiting.
Cost savings – Save €1,500-€1,800 per year with night-rate electricity tariffs.
Solar integration – Smart chargers like the Zappi and Ohme Home Pro can charge your EV using excess solar energy, reducing your fuel costs to near zero.
Smart scheduling – Set your charger to automatically charge during the cheapest electricity hours (typically 11 pm-5 am or 2 am-4 am, depending on your tariff). Learn how to set up off-peak charging here.
SEAI grant support – The Irish government offers a €300 grant towards the cost of a home EV charger installation. Learn more about SEAI EV charger grants.
The Verdict: Public + Home = The Winning Combination
The rollout of 53 new charging hubs across Ireland's national roads is great news. It removes range anxiety, makes cross-country travel easier, and signals government commitment to EV infrastructure.
But public charging was never designed to replace home charging. It complements it.
Think of public charging like petrol stations: essential for long trips, but nobody wants to fill up every day at a service station when they could refuel at home for a fraction of the cost.
If you are considering buying an EV in 2026 and you have off-street parking, installing a home charger is not optional—it is the single most important decision you will make to maximise the financial and practical benefits of EV ownership.
Final Thoughts
Ireland's EV infrastructure is improving rapidly. By the end of 2026, you will have access to over 4,000 public charging points, including these 175 new high-power chargers on national roads.
But the real charging revolution happens at home. With night-rate electricity costing just €0.05-€0.10 per kWh, home charging transforms your EV from an expensive alternative to a money-saving machine.
The new public hubs are there for when you need them. Your home charger is there for everything else.
Ready to Install a Home EV Charger?
WattCharger offers SEAI grant-approved installation of smart EV chargers across Ireland. We handle all the paperwork, grant applications, and electrical certifications, so you can start saving from day one.
Browse our range of smart EV chargers or get in touch for a free consultation.
Blog Author: Rowan Egan