How to charge an electric car

ESB ecars is rolling out an extensive charging network in homes, public areas and service stations. In fact, trials to date have shown that most charging will take place overnight at a conveniently located home charge point.

Charging your electric car is easy with 3 charging options to choose from:

Home charging

Through a home charge point, you can fully charge your electric car from your domestic electricity supply which takes 6-8 hours*. A full charge from 0 - 100% using night rate electricity will cost approximately €1-3. The first 2,000 electric car customers will have a dedicated charge point installed in their homes by ESB ecars for free. Electric car owners can register for an electric car home charge point by filling out the online form.

Public charging

You can charge your electric car at a nationwide network of publicly accessible charge points, in locations such as on-street, shopping centres, car parks etc. which you can locate on the charge point map. When the payment system is put in place, charging your electric car from 0 - 100% will cost approximately between €3 and €5, until then charging your car at a public charge point is free. After registering for electric car charging, ecar drivers will receive a Welcome Pack from ESB ecars which includes a Charge Point Access Card. You can find out more by reading about the electric car charging and payment system.

Charging your electric cars at the public charge points is easy, the steps are as follows:

  • Step 1 Locate the nearest public charge point Locate the nearest public charge point using the electric car charge point map.
  • Step 2 Park your car in the dedicated electric car parking spot next to the charge point Park your car in the dedicated electric car parking spot next to the charge point.
  • Step 3 Present your access card to the charge point reader Present your access card to the charge point reader.
  • Step 4a To start charging connect the cable to the charge point and then to your car. A full charge will take 2-6 hours depending on your battery and charge status To start charging connect the cable to the charge point and then to your car. A full charge will take 2-6 hours depending on your battery and charge status.
  • Step 4b To start charging connect the cable to the charge point and then to your car. A full charge will take 2-6 hours depending on your battery and charge status
  • Step 5 To end charging hold the access car to the charge point reader To end charging hold the access car to the charge point reader.
  • Step 6 Disconnect the cable from the car and then from the charge point Disconnect the cable from the car and then from the charge point.

Fast charging

Fast charge points are located at service stations and roadside cafés to cater for those on longer journeys. An 80% charge from zero can be achieved in approximately 25 minutes*.

  • Step 1 Remove the connector from the fast charge point by pushing the button on the connector Remove the connector from the fast charge point by pushing the button on the connector.
  • Step 2 Insert the connector into the vehicle socket. Follow the onscreen instructions to charge your vehicle Insert the connector into the vehicle socket. Follow the onscreen instructions to charge your vehicle.
  • Step 3 Red light indicates charging has started Red light indicates charging has started.
  • Step 4 Electric car charging at fast charge Electric car charging at fast charge.

Click here for more detailed instructions about using a fast charge point.

*Due to different types and battery sizes of electric cars, these times may vary.