If you’re an EV owner in Ireland, you might be wondering whether it’s better to rely on home charging or public charging stations. The short answer? Home charging is usually the best choice for most drivers. It’s cheaper, more convenient, and supported by SEAI grants. That said, public charging remains essential for long trips and for drivers without access to off-street parking. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option to help you decide what’s right for you.
The Benefits of Home EV Charging
1. Convenience
- Plug in overnight and wake up with a full battery.
- No waiting, queuing, or detours to find a charger.
2. Lower Costs
- Home electricity rates are cheaper than public charging.
- Smart EV chargers let you schedule charging during off-peak hours.
- Adding solar panels can reduce or eliminate charging costs.
3. Control & Predictability
- You decide when and how your EV is charged.
- No worries about charger availability or compatibility.
4. Grants & Incentives
- Homeowners can claim up to €300 from SEAI’s EV Home Charger Grant.
The Benefits of Public EV Charging
1. Flexibility for Long Journeys
- Vital for trips when your home charger won’t cover the distance.
- Fast chargers can recharge most EVs to 80% in 30–40 minutes.
2. No Upfront Installation Costs
- No need to install anything at home, just use public stations.
- A good choice for apartment dwellers or renters.
3. Expanding Network
- Ireland’s EV network is growing, with ESB, EasyGo, and Ionity expanding coverage.
The Downsides of Each Option
Home Charging
- Requires a driveway or off-street parking.
- Upfront cost for installation, even with grants.
- Slower charging than motorway rapid chargers.
Public Charging
- Higher per-kWh rates, especially for rapid charging.
- Potential queues at busy times.
- Reliability can vary, some chargers may be out of service.
Which Is Better for Irish EV Drivers?
- For most drivers in Dublin, Cork, and beyond: home charging is the winner.
- Public charging is essential for longer journeys and those without home chargers.
- The best approach is often a mix: home charging for daily use, public charging for trips.
Home vs Public EV Charging: Quick Comparison
|
Factor |
Home Charging |
Public Charging |
|---|---|---|
|
Convenience |
Charge overnight at home, always available |
Dependent on station availability and location |
|
Speed |
Typically 7kW – adds ~30–50km per hour |
Fast/rapid chargers (22kW–150kW+) add 100+ km in under an hour |
|
Cost |
Lower, ~20–30% cheaper using night rates |
Higher, especially for rapid charging |
|
Setup Cost |
Requires installation of a home charger (SEAI grant available) |
No upfront cost, pay per use |
|
Flexibility |
Only works where you live |
Accessible across Ireland, useful for long trips |
|
Best For |
Daily charging and maximising savings |
Top-ups on the go, long-distance travel |
The Future of EV Charging in Ireland
- Smart meters and off-peak tariffs will make home charging even cheaper.
- Solar and battery storage will let more homeowners drive on 100% renewable energy.
- The public network will keep expanding, ensuring accessibility for all EV drivers.
✅ Bottom Line
Home charging is better for cost and convenience, but public charging keeps Ireland’s EV drivers mobile no matter their circumstances.
Blog Author: Rowan Egan