Electricity plans for charging an electric vehicle (EV)
Switch to a smart electricity plan to charge your electric vehicle for less.
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How to switch energy provider
bonkers.ie makes it easy to compare and switch to the best electricity deals for EV owners on the market.
Upload a recent bill or enter details yourself
Upload smart meter data or select 'Optimise for EV'
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What you need to get started
A recent bill
Your smart meter data file (optional)
Some personal and banking details
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bonkers.ie is accredited by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), Ireland's independent energy regulator.
The CRU only accredits a price comparison website if it meets high standards around independence, impartiality and accuracy.
Why use bonkers.ie?
Our energy service is the most accurate way for EV owners to optimise their electricity usage, as we're the only CRU accredited site in Ireland that lets you upload your smart meter data for a precise calculation based on actual vehicle charging and overall usage.
No smart meter data? No problem! Choose 'Optimise for EV' and we'll use our database to best predict your needs. Then, we'll find you the best prices on the market, whether that be special night rates or something a bit more simple — all completely free of charge.
Things to consider
Home charging
Cost of charging
Installing charger
Charging habits
Cooling off period
This is known as the cooling off period. and gives you the right to change your mind without incurring any cancellation charges.
EXPERT TIP
Run your car for a fraction of the cost
If you've switched to an electric vehicle, it's crucial your electricity plan suits your needs, as standard tariffs make home charging expensive. My analysis shows that by switching to a dedicated EV tariff with cheap overnight rates, you can cut charging costs by more than half.
Most EVs allow you to plug them in but then schedule charging for later in the evening, meaning a Time-of-Use tariff that offers discounted energy during certain nighttime hours can save you a fortune! Use bonkers.ie to find the best smart meter plans for your car.
Daragh Cassidy
Consumer Expert at
As featured on
Your questions, answered
How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?
The cost to charge an electric vehicle varies depending on your electricity rate, the charger type, and the vehicle’s battery size. Home charging tends to be more economical, especially if you have a time-of-use tariff. Public chargers may have higher rates, so always check individual station costs.
What is level 1, level 2, level 3 charging EV?
Level 1 charging uses a basic household outlet and offers the slowest charging speed, suitable for overnight charging. Level 2 uses a dedicated charger and provides faster charging, commonly installed at homes or workplaces. Level 3, or DC fast charging, offers rapid charging at specialised public stations.
Can you charge an electric car for free in Ireland?
A small number of public charging stations in Ireland do provide free charging, though they are not as common as before. Realistically, most stations will cost so be sure to plan for this. You can verify the station's status through apps or the provider's website before planning your route or relying on free charging.
How do electric vehicles charge?
Electric vehicles are charged by plugging them into a charger that connects to a power supply. The charger converts the supplied current into a usable form for the battery. Charging speed and efficiency can depend on the charger type and the car's onboard charging system.
How often should I charge my EV to 100%?
For daily usage, it's advisable to keep your electric vehicle charged between 20% and 80% to extend battery health. Reserve full 100% charges for longer trips or when you specifically need the maximum range, as frequent charging to full can reduce battery longevity over time.
What is an electric vehicle charging station called?
An electric vehicle charging station is commonly known as a charge point or EV charger. These stations deliver power to your car’s battery and can be found at homes, businesses, and public locations, offering different speeds and connector types depending on the system.
How do electric vehicle charging stations work?
Charging stations deliver electric current to your vehicle through a compatible connector. The amount of power a station can supply determines how quickly your car will charge. Some stations offer networked services, allowing for real-time monitoring, payment, and even remote start or stop functions.
How long does it take to charge an EV?
It depends on the charger type and your car. A home charger (level 1) can typically charge a battery overnight but it does take many hours. Dedicated EV chargers (level 2) can do it in just a few hours. Public Direct Current (DC) fast chargers (level 3) can reach 80% charge in about 30 minutes.
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