EV Charging Costs: How Much Will It Add to Your Electricity Bill?

As more Irish drivers make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), one of the most common questions we hear is: “How much will charging my EV at home add to my electricity bill?” It’s a good question and the answer depends on your driving habits, your electricity tariff, and how (and when) you charge.

In this guide, we break down the real costs of EV charging in Ireland, compare home charging to public charging, and show how smart strategies can keep your electricity bills manageable, even with an EV in the driveway.

The Basics: How Much Energy Does an EV Use?

The average electric vehicle consumes around 15–20 kWh per 100 kilometres. If you’re driving 1,000 km per month. A typical amount for many Irish commuters, you’ll use between 150 and 200 kWh of electricity for EV charging each month.

What That Means in Euros

Electricity prices in Ireland vary, but as of 2025, the average residential rate is around €0.35 per kWh. That means:

• 150 kWh/month = €52.50
• 200 kWh/month = €70.00

That’s the ballpark range for most Irish households, around €50–€70 per month added to your bill for regular EV use.

What Affects EV Charging Costs at Home?

1. Your Electricity Tariff

Are you on a smart tariff, Day/Night rate, or standard flat rate? Charging at night can dramatically reduce your costs. Some off-peak tariffs offer rates as low as €0.15/kWh, nearly half the daytime cost.

2. How Often You Drive

A commuter doing 1000–1500 km per month will pay more than someone who drives locally a few times a week.

3. Charger Type and Efficiency

WattCharger home chargers are designed for efficient charging, but energy loss still happens. Most Level 2 home chargers (like the ones we install) are about 90–95% efficient.

4. Solar Panels and Battery Storage

If you’ve installed solar panels with a home battery, you can charge your EV with your own clean power, significantly lowering (or eliminating) charging costs.

Home Charging vs Public Charging

Public EV chargers in Ireland (especially fast or rapid chargers) are much more expensive than home charging:

As you can see, charging at home, especially on a night rate or smart tariff is significantly cheaper.

How to Reduce Your EV Charging Costs

✅ Switch to a Smart Tariff

Some energy providers in Ireland now offer EV-friendly tariffs with cheap night rates. If your car and charger support scheduled charging, you can plug in at night and wake up to a full battery, for a fraction of the price.

✅ Schedule Charging Off-Peak

WattCharger installations include smart scheduling features. Set your charger to run during off-peak hours to cut your charging costs.

✅ Consider Solar

With solar PV panels, your EV can run on clean, home-generated power, often at no extra cost. If you work from home or charge during the day, solar is an excellent long-term investment.

✅ Track Your Usage

EV apps and home energy monitors can help you stay on top of your energy use. Knowing when and how much you charge gives you better control over costs.

Real-Life Example: A 1,200 km/Month Driver in Dublin

• EV Efficiency: 16 kWh per 100 km
• Monthly Driving: 1,200 km
• Total Energy Needed: 192 kWh/month
• Night Rate Electricity: €0.15/kWh
• Monthly Charging Cost: €28.80

Even with a standard rate of €0.35, the cost is just €67.20/month, still far cheaper than petrol or diesel.

Charging Costs vs Fuel Costs

Let’s compare with a petrol car doing 6.5L/100km:

• 1,200 km/month × 6.5L = 78L
• Petrol price in 2025: ~€1.80/L
• Monthly Petrol Cost: €140+

So, switching to an EV can cut your “fuel” bill by 50–75%. That’s not only better for the planet, it’s great for your wallet, too.

Are EV Chargers Expensive to Run?

Not at all, EV chargers themselves don’t add much to your bill. The real cost is the electricity, and with smart management, you can keep that affordable. Most WattCharger customers see a manageable monthly increase and enjoy the convenience of safe, fast charging at home.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. Even with rising electricity prices, charging an EV at home in Ireland remains much cheaper than fuelling a petrol or diesel car. And when you add in options like off-peak rates and solar power, your savings only grow.

With the right setup and an efficient home charger from WattCharger, you can take full control of your EV running costs and charge smarter.

Need Help Installing a Home Charger?

We’re here to help! Whether you’re in Dublin, Cork, or anywhere across Ireland, WattCharger can advise you on the most cost-effective, SEAI grant-approved home charging solutions.