Summary
– Ireland plans to have high-powered electric vehicle chargers every 60km on the motorway network
– The National Road EV Charging Network Plan includes high-powered chargers, home and apartment charging, destination charging, and residential neighborhood charging
– A €21 million grant scheme was announced to incentivize the installation of high-power recharging stations by the end of 2025
– Universal design guidelines have been developed to support the roll-out of easy-to-use charging infrastructure across the country
– A public consultation on the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan is open until July 19th, with the final document to be published in the second half of 2024
Article
Ireland plans to have high-powered electric vehicle chargers every 60km of the motorway network, according to Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan. The National Road EV Charging Network Plan aims to provide a pool of high-powered chargers along the motorway network as well as home, apartment, destination, and neighborhood charging, including new mobility hubs. A €21 million grant scheme was announced to incentivize the installation of high-power recharging stations, each with 1200kW of power output, by the end of 2025. The grants target publicly available facilities within 3km driving distance of major road networks to stimulate private sector involvement in providing new recharging stations.
Universal design guidelines have been developed to support the rollout of well-designed and easy-to-use charging infrastructure across the country, following a review of international best practices and stakeholder engagement. These guidelines aim to make Ireland a leader in accessibility and functionality for EV charging. The measures provide reassurance to EV drivers and those considering making the switch to EVs that high-powered, fast, and convenient charge points will be available when needed. Minister Ryan also announced the opening of a public consultation on the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, with a closing date of July 19th. Responses to the consultation will inform the development of a final document to be published in the second half of 2024.
The CSO reported earlier this year that the number of new electric cars registered in Ireland increased by 12% from 2,531 vehicles in January 2023 to 2,829 in January 2024. However, overall EV sales are down more than 14% compared to the previous year. This decline has been attributed to concerns about battery life, the national charging network, resale values, and anticipation of better technologies on the horizon. Government tax intentions have also played a role in impacting EV sales. Despite the challenges, the country is making strides in increasing the accessibility and functionality of EV charging infrastructure to support the transition to electric vehicles.
The development of high-powered EV charging stations every 60km along the motorway network, as outlined in the National Road EV Charging Network Plan, is a significant step towards enhancing the charging infrastructure in Ireland. The grant scheme to incentivize the installation of these charging stations aims to encourage private sector involvement and expand the availability of charging facilities. Universal design guidelines have been established to ensure that the charging infrastructure is well-designed and easy to use, promoting accessibility and functionality. These measures are designed to provide reassurance to current and potential EV drivers that they will have access to convenient and efficient charging points.
The public consultation on the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan offers an opportunity for stakeholders to provide input and feedback on the development of the charging infrastructure at the regional and local levels. The responses to the consultation will be analyzed and evaluated to inform the final document, which is expected to be published in the second half of 2024. Despite challenges facing EV sales in Ireland, such as concerns about battery life and infrastructure, the country is actively working towards improving the EV charging network to support the transition to electric vehicles. By enhancing the accessibility and functionality of EV charging infrastructure, Ireland is taking steps to facilitate the adoption of EVs and contribute to reducing emissions in the transportation sector.
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