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Essential EV Driver Information

Charging while out and about

Access to quick and easy charging is essential for when you are on the go. That is why we have installed 1,500 public charge points throughout the country, for convenient charging wherever you are. We own and operate the biggest and most extensive EV charging network on the island of Ireland so you are never more than 35km from your nearest charger.

Our Chargers

Standard/Fast Charging (<22kW) video
Standard/Fast Charging (<22kW)

Standard (Fast) chargers (<22kW AC) can charge your car in approximately 1-6 hours. These chargers are typically found on-street or in car parks.

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Fast/Rapid Charging (>22 - 100kW) video
Fast/Rapid Charging (>22 - 100kW)

Fast (Rapid) chargers (>22 - 100kW) can charge a car up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. They're usually found in motorway service stations and selected car parks.

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High Power Charging video
High Power Charging

We are ramping up our installations of high power hubs (>=150kW) on motorway and national road sites. These hubs can provide up to 100km of driving range in as little as 6 minutes.

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Difference between AC and DC Power

AC (Alternating Current)

AC electricity regularly changes direction many times a second, which is the kind of power that comes from the power plant to homes and businesses. It is the most common form of electrical power used in residential and commercial settings. AC charging is the most common charging method for EVs with a plug whereby the power gets converted from AC to DC inside the vehicle.

DC (Direct Current)

DC electricity maintains a constant flow in one direction and is the type of power that comes from a battery. In DC charging, power is converted from AC to DC in the charger itself, before entering your vehicle. This allows for much faster charging and is the charger method used in our Fast/Rapid and High Power chargers. 

 

Tethered v Untethered Cables

Our network includes both tethered (cable provided) and untethered (cable needed) chargers. Tethered chargers will have the different cable types attached, whereas you’ll need your own cable to connect to an untethered charger.

All of our high power chargers, and the majority of our fast chargers, are tethered. All of our standard chargers are untethered, so all you have to do is plug in your own cable and you’re ready to go.

Connectors

There are three types of connectors used by all electric vehicles. All three types can be found at most ESB fast/rapid and high power charge points. Make sure you know what connector is right for your vehicle.

DC CHADEMO

This connector is used to charge Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi vehicles

CCS COMBO

This connector is used to charge most other vehicles including BMW, Volkswagen, Hyundi etc.

Type 2 / AC 43

Type 2 is the connector at all standard chargers. The AC43 connector is used to charge EVs such as Renault Zoe

Find your nearest charge point

ESB owns, operates and maintains a growing network of 1,500 public charge points across the island of Ireland. Check out our interactive map to find the nearest ESB charge point to you.

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Getting Started

To use ESB's public charging network, simply sign up by following the steps below.

  • Visit our Price Plan page. Customers in Northern Ireland can view our price plans here.
  • Choose your plan: Membership vs PAYG. Tip: If you'll be using our network a lot (more than 5 times a month), you might benefit from the Membership plan. With this plan, you pay a monthly fee to enjoy a discounted rate on every charge. If you're using it a little less, you might be better suited to the Pay As You Go option (PAYG).
  • Add your personal details.
  • Add your payment method.

Charge Point Access Card

As well as using the ecar connect app, we recommend all EV drivers have a charge point access card which also allows you to charge on our EV charging network.

As a member, you’ll receive a free card when you sign up. PAYG customers can purchase a card or get one free with a €20 (£20) top up. When you receive your ESB charge point access card please follow the detailed instructions to activate. 

Overstay Fee

To ensure a charge point is available for the next user and to respond to EV driver feedback, an overstay fee of €8 (£8) will apply for charging sessions longer than 45 minutes when using all DC CHAdeMO, CCS and AC43kW connectors at Fast (Rapid) or High Power chargers. An overstay fee will also apply for charging sessions longer than 10 hours on both 7kW and 22kW chargers/sockets. (Note: this charge is applied once). We recommend you turn on your notifications on the ecar connect app so that you can receive a prompt to remind you when the overstay fee applies while you are charging.

Etiquette

Now that you’re part of a new community of drivers, it’s important to be mindful of other people using ESB's public charging network. Here are some things to remember when charging:

  • Always bring your ESB charge point access card or have your ecar connect app to hand.
  • Pay the local parking fee if there is one. (this is determined by individual local councils).
  • Be careful not to drop the connector and remember to replace it securely on its holster.
  • Don’t leave cables trailing on the ground as they may cause a trip hazard.
  • Don’t attempt to unplug somebody else’s car when they are charging.
  • After charging please vacate the space to allow the next driver to recharge.
  • Report any faults or safety concerns to our 24/7 365 days a year customer care helpline: ROI - 01 258 3799, NI - 0044 345 601 8303

EV Terminology

There is a lot of terminology in the electric vehicle world. We have created a glossary to help you familiarise yourself with some of the common terms you may hear when driving an EV:

Ecars EV Glossary 2023
PDF | 1MB
Download

More Information

We hope this information is helpful. There is lots more available in our FAQs. We have also created an electric vehicle quickstart guide that you may find helpful while you're out and about.

EV Quickstart Guide
PDF | 3MB
Download

Get In Touch

If you have any questions, or if there is information you think we should add to this section to help other new EV drivers, we'd love to hear from you. 

Our customer care team are here to help 24/7 365 days a year on 00 353 1 258 3799 or ecars@esb.ie. Our colleagues are fully trained and can help you if you encounter any issues.

For tips and updates follow us on Facebook where we are available Mon-Fri 9-5pm.

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Contact ecars

  • Phone Number: ROI: 00353 1 258 3799
  • Phone Number: NI: 0044 345 601 8303