Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
204. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport why there has been an increase from €5 to €20 in the credit that needs to be on an EV deposit card before charging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29214/23]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
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), a dedicated Office which oversees and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles, has significant funding available in 2023 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.
In January, I launched the national Strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025, alongside an Implementation Plan. The 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.
A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed which will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
All public charge points in Ireland are managed and operated by commercial EV Charge point Operators. Some Charge point Operators require a minimum balance to be held on an EV deposit card in order for customers to charge. ESB ecars have amended their minimum account balance required to start a charge from 15 June. This is in response to a number of changes in customer charging behaviour, increases in EV battery size and the increase in energy costs.
Queries relating to public charge point payments is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. In this case, queries should be directed to ESB eCars.
