EV charging stations in Ireland: networks, apps, and pricing
Ireland’s public EV charging infrastructure has grown substantially over the past few years, but understanding which networks operate where, how to pay, and what you’ll actually spend can be confusing. This guide explains everything you need to know about EV charging stations in Ireland.
Major charging networks in Ireland
Several companies operate public charging stations across Ireland, each with different coverage, pricing, and charger types.
ESB ecars
Coverage: Ireland’s largest and most established network with over 1,100 charge points nationwide.
Charger types: Slow (3-7 kW), fast (22 kW), rapid (50 kW), and some high-power (150 kW) chargers.
Where they’re located: Towns and cities nationwide, with particularly good rural coverage compared to other networks.
Pricing:
- Standard AC charging: €0.25-0.30 per kWh
- Rapid DC charging: €0.45-0.52 per kWh
- Some locations still charge per minute
App: ESB ecars app (iOS/Android) required for most chargers.
ESB ecars is the safest network to rely on for journey planning due to its extensive coverage. If you only set up one charging network account, make it this one.
EasyGo
Coverage: Rapidly expanding network focused on high-traffic locations and rapid charging.
Charger types: Primarily fast (22 kW) and rapid (50 kW+) chargers, with new high-power (150 kW) installations.
Where they’re located: Urban centres, major routes, and popular destinations. Less rural coverage than ESB.
Pricing:
- Fast charging: €0.32 per kWh
- Rapid charging: €0.50 per kWh
- High-power charging: €0.62 per kWh
App: EasyGo app required for payment and finding stations.
EasyGo’s strength is their newer, faster chargers and competitive pricing. Good for urban drivers and main routes.
Ionity
Coverage: Premium high-power charging network along major motorways (M1, M4, M7, M8, M9).
Charger types: High-power DC chargers (350 kW) designed for ultra-fast charging.
Where they’re located: Motorway service areas at strategic intervals for long-distance travel.
Pricing:
- Standard rate: €0.79 per kWh
- Manufacturer subscription rates: €0.30-0.45 per kWh (if your car qualifies)
App: Ionity app or use payment via supported vehicle manufacturer apps.
Ionity chargers are excellent for long journeys, especially if your vehicle supports high-power charging (150 kW+). Pricing is premium unless you have a subscription through manufacturers like Hyundai, Kia, Audi, or Porsche.
Tesla Supercharger network
Coverage: Growing network previously exclusive to Tesla, now open to all EVs.
Charger types: Rapid to high-power DC charging (150-250 kW).
Where they’re located: Motorway locations and major towns along key routes.
Pricing:
- Tesla owners: €0.45-0.55 per kWh
- Non-Tesla EVs: €0.60-0.70 per kWh (price premium for non-Tesla vehicles)
App: Tesla app or credit card payment at charger.
Tesla Superchargers are renowned for reliability and high availability. The network opening to all EVs significantly improved Ireland’s rapid charging capacity.
Circle K and Applegreen
Coverage: Rapid chargers at fuel station locations across Ireland.
Charger types: 50 kW rapid chargers, some 150 kW+ high-power units.
Where they’re located: Fuel stations along main routes and in larger towns.
Pricing: €0.48-0.58 per kWh depending on location.
App: Payment typically via ESB ecars or EasyGo apps (Circle K), or Applegreen’s own app.
Convenient for topping up during motorway journeys, combining fuel station facilities with EV charging.
How to pay at charging stations
Payment methods vary by network but generally require setting up the operator’s app with payment details.
Payment via apps
Most charging stations require:
- Download the network’s app (ESB ecars, EasyGo, Ionity, etc.)
- Create an account and verify email
- Add payment method (credit/debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay)
- Select the charger from the map
- Start session via app
- Payment taken automatically when you finish
Some apps allow you to pre-load credit, while others charge per session directly to your card.
RFID cards
Some networks offer RFID cards for tap-and-go payment without opening the app. You receive a card in the post after setting up your account, then tap it on the charger to start/stop sessions.
RFID cards are convenient but becoming less common as smartphone apps improve.
Contactless payment
Newer charging stations (particularly Ionity and some EasyGo locations) accept contactless credit/debit card payment directly at the charger, no app required.
This is the most user-friendly option but isn’t yet available at all stations.
Roaming and payment cards
Some third-party services (like Shell Recharge, ChargePoint) offer cards that work across multiple networks. These add a small convenience fee but reduce the number of apps you need.
Charging station pricing explained
Public charging costs vary significantly based on charging speed and network.
By charging speed:
- Slow/fast (3-22 kW): €0.25-0.40 per kWh
- Rapid (43-50 kW): €0.40-0.60 per kWh
- High-power (150+ kW): €0.60-0.80 per kWh
Per-kWh vs per-minute pricing:
Most networks now charge per kWh (energy delivered), which is more transparent and fairer. Some older chargers still use per-minute pricing, which penalises cars that charge slowly.
Always check the price in the app before starting a session—it’s displayed when you select a charger.
Idle fees:
Many networks charge idle fees (€0.10-0.30 per minute) if you leave your car plugged in after charging finishes. This encourages people to free up chargers quickly.
Session fees:
Some chargers add a session fee (€1-2) on top of energy costs. This is becoming less common but check the pricing breakdown before charging.
Finding charging stations
Several tools help locate charging stations and check availability.
Zap-Map
The most comprehensive charging station database for Ireland and the UK. Shows:
- All networks on one map
- Real-time availability
- User reviews and photos
- Charging speeds and connector types
- Recent activity and fault reports
Zap-Map is the best tool for journey planning and finding working chargers.
Google Maps
Google Maps now includes EV charging stations in search results and maps. Convenient for quick searches but lacks real-time availability and detailed pricing.
Network apps
Each network’s app shows their own charging stations with live status, pricing, and route planning. Download:
- ESB ecars app
- EasyGo app
- Ionity app
- Tesla app
Built-in car navigation
Many EVs include charging stations in their navigation systems with live availability. This is convenient but often limited to preferred partners and may not show all available options.
Charging speeds and what to expect
The “speed” of a charging station (measured in kilowatts) determines how quickly it charges your battery, but your car’s maximum charging rate also matters.
Typical charging times for a 60 kWh EV battery (20-80%):
- 7 kW charger: 7-8 hours
- 22 kW charger: 3-4 hours
- 50 kW rapid: 35-45 minutes
- 150 kW high-power: 20-25 minutes
Your car’s onboard charger limits AC charging speed (7-22 kW chargers). Many EVs max out at 7-11 kW regardless of the charger’s capability.
DC rapid charging bypasses the onboard charger, delivering higher power directly to the battery. Your car’s maximum DC charging rate varies (typically 50-250 kW depending on model).
Coverage by region
Dublin: Extensive coverage throughout city and suburbs, with chargers in shopping centres, car parks, and on-street locations. Rapid chargers on all approach roads.
Cork/Limerick/Galway: Good urban coverage with multiple networks. Rapid charging available on main routes into cities.
Motorways: Rapid chargers available every 60-80 km along M1, M4, M6, M7, M8, M9, and M11.
Regional towns: Most towns over 5,000 population have at least one public charger, typically in the main car park.
Rural areas: Coverage exists but spacing increases to 30-50 km between chargers. ESB ecars provides best rural coverage.
Islands and remote areas: Limited coverage. Achill, Aran Islands, and other islands have some charging points, but always call ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need accounts with all charging networks?
You’ll benefit from having accounts with ESB ecars, EasyGo, and Ionity at minimum. These cover most public charging in Ireland. Add Tesla and fuel station networks as needed.
Why are charging station prices higher than home charging?
Public charging stations have infrastructure costs (equipment, land, electricity connection, maintenance) and provide convenience when away from home. Home charging on night rates costs roughly 1.5-2 cent per km vs 3-6 cent per km for public charging.
What if a charging station isn’t working?
Report it through the network app immediately. Check Zap-Map for nearby alternatives. Call the network’s support line—they can sometimes remotely reset chargers. Always have a backup plan for important journeys.
Can all EVs use all charging stations?
Most EVs in Ireland use Type 2 (AC) and CCS (DC) connectors, which work with all modern chargers. Older Nissan Leafs and some imports use CHAdeMO for DC rapid charging—check compatibility before relying on specific chargers.
How reliable are Irish charging stations?
Reliability has improved significantly but isn’t perfect. ESB ecars and Tesla networks are most reliable. Always check Zap-Map user reports for recent activity and fault reports, especially for rural chargers.
Related: For complete guidance on EV charging, read our EV charging in Ireland guide. To find specific chargers near you, see how to find EV chargers.
Learn about installing a home charger to reduce reliance on public charging stations.