When you're driving electric in Ireland, your EV charger becomes an essential part of your daily routine. But what happens when the power goes out? Whether due to storms, grid issues, or local maintenance, power cuts aren’t uncommon, especially in rural areas. So, it’s natural to ask: Can you still charge your EV during a power outage? Here’s everything Irish homeowners need to know.
Short Answer: No, EV Charging Doesn’t Work During a Power Cut
Electric vehicle chargers are directly connected to your home’s electrical supply. If the grid goes down, so does your ability to charge, regardless of whether you have a smart charger, a solar setup, or a basic plug-in charger. That’s because EV chargers aren’t designed to run independently of the main power supply, and for safety reasons, they automatically shut off when electricity is lost.
Why Chargers Shut Down in a Power Cut
It may sound inconvenient, but this safety feature is deliberate. EV chargers (like the Zappi or Ohme Home Pro) are built to protect your car, your home, and the grid. If power is unstable or interrupted, the charger stops transferring electricity to avoid:
- Overloading circuits
- Sending electricity back to the grid unexpectedly
- Causing surges or electrical faults
So, even if your EV is plugged in during a blackout, it won’t charge until power is restored.
Does Solar Power Help During an Outage?
Solar panels can reduce your electricity bills and power your EV with renewable energy. But not necessarily during a power cut. Most Irish homes with solar PV systems are still grid-connected, meaning when the grid fails, the inverter shuts down as well.
However, there are two exceptions where solar can help during an outage:
- If you have a solar battery storage system
- If you have an off-grid or hybrid inverter setup
These setups can allow your home to operate in “island mode,” providing backup power from stored solar energy.
How Home Battery Storage Can Keep You Charging
A home battery system stores excess solar energy generated during the day. When the power goes out, this stored energy can automatically take over.
Here’s what a home battery can do during a blackout:
- Provide backup power for essentials like lights, fridges, routers, and even heating controls.
- Power your EV charger though this depends on the battery size and current demand.
It’s important to note that charging an EV requires a large amount of energy, so while a home battery might not be able to fully charge your car during an outage, it can top up your range or provide emergency mileage, especially with a lower-powered charger.
For example, a 13.5 kWh battery could give you roughly 40–50 km of range in an efficient EV if fully available. That's not a full charge, but it might be enough to get you through until the grid is back online.
Key Considerations:
- You’ll need a compatible hybrid or off-grid inverter setup.
- The system must be configured to allow backup use.
- Some EV chargers can throttle the charge rate to match available energy.
If you're planning to invest in solar and want energy security, pairing your setup with battery storage is one of the best ways to make your home more resilient.
What About Generators or Backup Power?
Some homeowners consider generators as backup power during outages. While it’s possible to run a generator that powers parts of your home, most are not designed to handle the sustained power draw of an EV charger.
EV charging typically requires 3.6kW to 7kW (for standard home chargers), and that’s a heavy load for a small backup generator. You’d need a powerful generator with a stable output and a proper changeover switch, making it expensive and complex. In most Irish homes, this is overkill.
Tips for EV Drivers in Ireland During Power Cuts
Power outages are thankfully infrequent and usually short. Still, if you rely on your EV daily, it helps to plan ahead:
- Charge your EV overnight regularly, even if you’ve only used a small amount of range.
- Don’t wait until your battery is nearly empty to recharge, treat 20–30% as your new “empty.”
- Monitor the weather and ESB alerts for any scheduled outages, especially in winter months.
- Consider a solar battery or blackout-friendly system if energy independence is important to you.
Will EV Charging Change in the Future?
The EV charging landscape is evolving quickly in Ireland. As solar and storage adoption increases, more homes may be equipped with systems that offer partial or full functionality during outages. Plus, some next-generation EVs may eventually allow vehicle-to-home (V2H) or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging, essentially turning your car into a battery backup for your home.
These technologies are still in early stages here, but they’re worth keeping an eye on, especially as Ireland’s energy infrastructure modernises and more people make the switch to electric.
In Summary
EV chargers in Ireland do not work during a power cut unless your home has a specially configured solar battery or off-grid system. But while blackouts can interrupt charging, they’re usually brief and manageable. The key is keeping your EV charged regularly and exploring solar battery options if energy independence matters to you.
Want to Make Your EV Setup More Resilient?
At WattCharger, we can guide you through smart, solar-compatible charging and backup storage options for your home in Dublin, Cork, and across Ireland. Whether you're planning for energy security or just smarter charging, we’re here to help.
Blog Author: Rowan Egan