When it comes to installing an EV charger at home, many Irish drivers wonder if leasing could be a cheaper or more flexible alternative to buying outright. The short answer is: in most cases, buying an EV charger is the smarter choice, especially since grants are available, leasing options are limited, and companies like WattCharger focus on long-term value through ownership.
Why Leasing Sounds Appealing (But Rarely Works in Ireland)
Leasing an EV charger is sometimes promoted abroad as a way to reduce upfront costs. Instead of paying for the hardware and installation upfront, you’d spread payments out in a rental-style model. In theory, this sounds similar to leasing a car. However, in Ireland:
- Few providers offer leasing: The EV charger market is still developing here, and leasing is rarely available for residential customers.
- Grants don’t apply to leased chargers: The SEAI EV Home Charger Grant, worth €300, only supports purchases, not rentals.
- You may end up paying more long-term: Leasing agreements often include interest, service fees, or lock-in contracts that cost more than buying outright.
The Case for Buying an EV Charger in Ireland
At WattCharger, we recommend purchasing your EV charger for several key reasons:
- Access to SEAI Grant Support – Claim up to €300 toward your charger and installation.
- Ownership and Flexibility – Once installed, the charger is yours with no ongoing lease commitments.
- Warranty and Support – Quality chargers like the Zappi or Ohme Home Pro come with warranties and WattCharger’s expert installation support.
- Future-Proofing – Buying means you can upgrade or integrate with solar PV and smart tariffs whenever you choose.
Costs of Buying vs Leasing
- Buying: A typical home installation in Ireland costs €1,000–€1,500 before the grant. After the SEAI rebate, many homeowners pay closer to €700–€1,200.
- Leasing: Even if leasing were available, monthly costs could add up to more than buying within just 2–3 years.
Why WattCharger Doesn’t Lease EV Chargers
Our focus is on delivering value, reliability, and support. Leasing adds complexity and limits customer choice. By helping homeowners take advantage of grants and offering expert installation, WattCharger ensures you get the maximum long-term benefit from your investment.
Final Word: Buy, Don’t Lease
While leasing may sound attractive at first glance, for Irish homeowners it doesn’t stack up. Between limited availability, higher overall costs, and the loss of grant eligibility, leasing is rarely the better option. Buying your EV charger is the clearest path to savings, independence, and peace of mind.
At WattCharger, we’ll help you choose the right charger, secure your grant, and install it professionally, so you can charge smarter at home without extra hassle.
Blog Author: Rowan Egan