Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
262. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the price hikes for charges on electric vehicle charging at public ESV charge points; the plans that his Department has to support drivers of EVs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1701/23]
View answer263. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the way that the Government intends to meet its climate action targets when charges at public ESV charge points are increasing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1702/23]
View answer264. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify whether the Government is part of the stakeholder group that determines kwh rates at public ESV charge points (details supplied); and if so, if he supports the recently announced price hikes. [1703/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 262 to 264, inclusive, together.
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A draft national charging infrastructure strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March.
The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication this week.
The Government’s EV target is a critical solution to reducing our transport emissions and is a key part of the strategy which also includes measures to reduce car journeys, through improved public and active transport networks.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
On 21st July I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. I announced that a new residential charging grant is in development which will focus on providing neighbourhood and residential charging solutions, particularly in areas where off-street charging is either limited or not possible. Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland and updates on the residential charging grant is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
The unprecedented increase in international wholesale gas prices have continued as result of the volatility in the international gas market driven by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the on-going war. These gas increases feed directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas.
Price setting by electricity suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base. I am not part of any stakeholder group that determines kwh rates at public EV charge points.
ESB eCars has informed my Department that unfortunately, sustained higher wholesale energy costs throughout Europe means that they continue to experience a very substantial increase in the cost of wholesale electricity, which must be passed onto their customers. ESB eCars has endeavoured to keep their prices under constant review in the coming months.
