Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
210. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the ESB ecar cards require a minimum credit of €5 at all times; the rationale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10544/22]
View answerThe ESB eCars charging network was free to use from 2010 until 2019. In November 2019, ESB eCars introduced fees for fast charger use. The prices are set at 29c per KWh, for subscribers (€5 yearly subscription), and 33c per KWh for pay-as-you-go customers. In addition there is a fee for overstaying at a fast charger. The overstay fee is €5 if a car is charging over 45 minutes.
The fees for use of fast chargers are in keeping with the recommendations of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce which set out that home charging should be the most cost-effective method of charging, followed by on-street public charging and then fast charging – with fast charging no more expensive than the cost of fuelling a conventionally powered vehicle for the same journey.
In 2020, ESB eCars introduced user charges for ESB eCars standard charge points. The pricing is set at 23c per KWh for ESB subscribers and 26.8c per KWh for pay-as-you-go customers. The introduction of fees aimed to encourage further investment in charging infrastructure, ensure consumers are incentivised to charge at home and avoid overstaying at chargers. Electric vehicle owners, including the Irish Electric Vehicle Owners Association, have been broadly supportive of the ESB's introduction of fees.
The application of a minimum credit limit is an operational matter and as such I have referred the Deputy's question directly to ESB ecars for reply. Please advise my Office if a reply is not received within ten working days.
