As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular across Ireland, smart charging is becoming an essential part of ownership. While plugging in your EV any time of day is convenient, it’s not always cost-effective. With electricity prices varying by the hour under smart tariffs and night saver plans, knowing when to charge can make a big difference to your monthly bill.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to schedule your EV charging to take advantage of the lowest electricity rates, whether you live in Dublin, Cork, or anywhere in Ireland.
Why Charging at the Right Time Matters
If you're on a standard flat-rate electricity plan, every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you use costs the same, no matter the time of day. But many Irish energy providers now offer Time-of-Use (TOU) tariffs that provide cheaper electricity at night, and sometimes during off-peak daytime hours too.
By charging your EV during these cheaper windows, you can:
- Reduce your overall electricity costs
- Lessen demand on the grid during peak hours
- Use renewable energy when it’s more abundant
Best Tariffs for Scheduled Charging
Popular plans that support off-peak EV charging include:
- Smart Tariffs (e.g. Electric Ireland’s Home Electric+ Night Boost)
- NightSaver Plans with a discounted night rate (typically midnight to 9am)
- Dedicated EV tariffs that offer even lower rates for home EV charging, often through smart meter usage
Make sure to check if your energy provider supports smart meters and EV-specific rates.
How to Schedule Charging with Your Home Charger
Most modern EV chargers sold in Ireland—like the Zappi, Wallbox Pulsar Plus, or Hypercharger home units—have built-in scheduling options. Here's how to use them:
1. Use the Charger App
Each charger typically comes with a mobile app (e.g. myenergi, Wallbox, Ohme) that allows you to:
- Set your preferred charging window (e.g. 11pm–7am)
- Adjust based on daily electricity rates (if variable)
- Override the schedule if you need to top up sooner
2. Use the Car’s Built-In Timer
Most EVs also allow you to set a charging schedule from the vehicle itself. This is useful if your charger doesn’t support smart scheduling, but your car does.
3. Set the Max Charge Level
To protect battery health and reduce unnecessary energy use, set your charge limit to around 80% for daily driving, unless you need a full battery for a longer trip.
Example Charging Strategy for Irish Households
If you’re on a NightSaver tariff with off-peak rates from 11pm to 8am, you can:
- Plug in your EV when you get home
- Set your charger or vehicle to start charging at 11pm
- Finish before 7–8am (most home chargers will easily top up 30–50km of range per hour)
This simple step could save you hundreds of euro per year, especially if you drive regularly and top up at home.
Can You Automate Charging Based on Real-Time Rates?
Some advanced systems allow integration with dynamic tariffs (like those offered by Energia Smart or Pinergy) that change hourly based on grid demand and renewable generation.
In this case, your charger can:
- Automatically detect the cheapest charging window for the next 24 hours
- Start and stop charging based on pricing data
You’ll need a compatible charger and tariff, but it’s a great way to future-proof your setup and save even more.
Charging with Solar and Batteries
If you have solar panels and/or a home battery, scheduling can also help maximise the use of your own renewable energy. For example:
- Charge your EV during the day when your solar system is generating
- Store excess energy in a battery and use it to top up your EV at night
Some smart chargers, like the Zappi, can prioritise solar input and avoid drawing from the grid when your panels are active.
Final Tips to Maximise Charging Savings
- Compare tariffs: Shop around every 12 months to find the most competitive EV-friendly electricity plan.
- Install a smart charger: Ensure your charger supports scheduling, app control, and energy monitoring.
- Use off-peak hours consistently: Make a habit of plugging in every night, even for short top-ups.
- Review your bills: Track usage and compare your savings before and after switching to scheduled charging.
Ready to Save More on EV Charging?
At WattCharger, we install a wide range of smart EV chargers suitable for every Irish home and tariff type. Whether you want to charge faster, smarter, or cleaner with solar integration, we can help you choose the right system for your needs.
Contact us today to book a home survey or speak with an EV charging expert.
Blog Author: Rowan Egan