Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
195. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 301 of 17 January 2024 (details supplied), if the plan referenced includes keeping regular non-rapid charging points which many batteries on older model EVs are not equipped for. [4048/24]
View answerAs mentioned previously, having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles and home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging and workplace charging.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) are working with TII and the Local Authorities to deliver charging infrastructure that will meet all user needs.
I launched The National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan in September 2023. This is the first element of the National EV Charging Network Plan which makes provision for high power, ultra fast, charging intended to enable users to charge their vehicle in less than 30 minutes while they are on longer journeys. This plan will stipulate that, in line with EU regulations, each charge point will at least have a combined charging system CCS ‘Combo 2’ connector. The provision of AC Type 2 connectors or CHAdeMO DC connector will be at the discretion of the charge point operators based on their market knowledge for demand for these other connector types.
The second part of the National EV Charging Network Plan, the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan will be published in Q1 this year and will cover the needs of destination and neighbourhood charging where users will have a longer time to charge their car so this will plan for a mix of High Power and normal speed charging this will cater for many different charging use cases, including users requiring AC Type 2 connectors, providing public charging facilities for those users who do not have the facility to charge at home.
