Matthew Sealy
Chairperson, Irish EV Association
Our public charging network is steadily improving, especially in terms of the variety of options and locations, which has expanded significantly compared to before.
We are moving away from the single charger sites you hadto stop at, to multiple charge points you might chooseto stop at, as choice in where to stop is now an option. However, we do see inconsistent geographic coverage, and demand remains consistent with the parallel growth of vehicles and chargers.
Scaling up EV charging infrastructure
We track electric vehicle (EV) charger applications to guide the public on what is coming, with currently over 80 planning applications for fast charger sites being tracked on our page. These new or existing sites, like what has been installed to date, can be hindered by our grid capacity and the timelines it takes for these new or existing sites to obtain a new or upgraded grid connection. By the end of 2025, the charging network will triple what was in place before 2023, placing a larger demand on our grid’s capacity and infrastructure requirements.
Choice in where to
stop is now an option.
Investment in EV recharging and the grid
Thankfully, we are seeing investment and forethought in this regard through Phase 1 (granted) and Phase 2 (open to applications) EV Recharging Infrastructure Light Duty Vehicle (LDV) National Road Grant Scheme, the Shared Island Sports Scheme and the EU Just Transition Fund scheme. They provide approximately €100 million in the public EV charger rollout. This is alongside Budget 2025 outlining an additional €750 million in funding for electricity grid infrastructure development, which will play a part in the grid capacity and upgrades required for a much larger electrification effort.
What does this mean for EVs and the grid?
There is a minimum of 30MW of charging required through Phases 1 and 2 of the EV Recharging Infrastructure LDV National Road Grant Scheme alone — far from being insignificant. An EV can be a large draw on the grid, but they also play a crucial part in balancing the grid by being large sinks and sources as required. They are just large batteries on wheels, adding an influential aspect to our national grid’s infrastructure.
