As Ireland accelerates toward electrification, more households are pairing EV chargers with smart meters to unlock savings and smarter energy use. But how exactly do these two technologies work together? And what should Irish EV drivers know before making the switch?
In this guide, we’ll explain how smart meters impact EV charging, what benefits and tariffs are available, and how to future-proof your home with the right setup.
What Is a Smart Meter?
A smart meter is a digital electricity meter that records your energy usage in real-time and sends it automatically to your energy supplier. Unlike traditional meters, you don’t need to take manual readings, and your electricity bill reflects your actual usage, not estimates.
In Ireland, smart meters are being rolled out by the ESB Networks as part of a national upgrade. By 2025, every home is expected to have one installed (if not already).
Why Smart Meters Matter for EV Owners
Smart meters allow you to switch to time-of-use tariffs. Energy plans where the cost of electricity varies depending on the time of day. These are especially valuable for EV owners because they can:
- Charge overnight during off-peak hours, when electricity is cheapest
- Use smart EV chargers that automatically sync charging schedules to low-rate periods
- Monitor and adjust your charging habits in real-time through apps
This makes running an EV significantly more affordable.
What Are Time-of-Use Tariffs?
Ireland now offers Smart Tariffs, which divide the day into three usage periods:
- Day (e.g. 8am–11pm)
- Night (e.g. 11pm–8am)
- Peak (usually a short evening window with the highest rates)
Some suppliers offer further customisation or even EV-specific plans. By shifting your charging to Night hours, you can benefit from the lowest electricity rates, sometimes less than half the peak price.
How EV Chargers Integrate with Smart Meters
Smart EV chargers like the Ohme Home Pro, Zappi, or ePod are designed to communicate with your smart meter or energy app. That means:
- You can set charging to only happen during cheap-rate windows
- Some chargers can dynamically adjust based on grid load or renewable availability
- You gain better insight into energy usage and costs over time
What If You Don’t Have a Smart Meter Yet?
If you haven’t had one installed yet, you’ll likely receive a notice from ESB Networks when your area is scheduled. You can also request a smart meter directly through your supplier or the ESB if you're ready to make the switch.
Until then, you can still benefit from night-rate tariffs with a Day/Night meter, though they lack the full benefits of smart metering.
Benefits of Combining Smart Meters and EV Chargers
Here’s why this pairing is becoming a must for Irish drivers:
- Lower running costs: Shift your EV charging to off-peak hours
- Automated savings: Let the charger manage your schedule for you
- Future-proofing: Smart meters and smart chargers will integrate better with future energy policies and tariffs
- Grid support: As V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) technology matures, smart chargers may one day help support Ireland’s energy grid — and earn you money
How to Get Set Up in Ireland
- Install a Smart Meter
Most homes in Ireland will receive one for free as part of the national rollout. You can also request one if you’re eager to access smart tariffs. - Choose a Smart Tariff
Contact your electricity supplier and ask about their EV-friendly or smart plans. Compare day/night/peak rates. - Install a Smart EV Charger
Choose a charger compatible with smart scheduling. WattCharger can help you pick the best one for your needs. - Use a Mobile App
Use the charger’s app (like Ohme or Zappi) or your energy supplier’s dashboard to manage charging sessions.
What About SEAI Grants?
The SEAI home charger grant (up to €300) is available whether or not you have a smart meter. However, choosing a smart charger now sets you up to maximise your long-term energy savings.
Conclusion: Smarter Charging, Smarter Living
Combining an EV charger with a smart meter is one of the easiest ways to reduce your charging costs and manage your home’s energy better. In the Irish energy landscape, where prices fluctuate and sustainability matters, it’s a smart move.
If you’re installing an EV charger, now’s the time to go smart.
Blog Author: Rowan Egan