Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2023
48. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if there is a requirement to provide type 2 charging connections at all EV charging hubs in the State with a particular reference to service stations on or just off motorways. [53968/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is currently no legislation that requires all charging stations to include a Type 2 connector.
The Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation which has come into force and will apply from 13th of April 2024, requires that where an AC charge-point is installed, it must provide a Type 2 connector for interoperability purposes. Where a DC charge point is being provided, it must provide a combined charging system ‘Combo 2’. The fastest AC charging speed of 43kW, which only a small percentage of EV cars can accommodate, would result in valuable spaces being occupied for over 30 minutes to achieve 100KM. For most car models it would take over 2.5 hours to build up 100KM range with an AC charger, therefore it may not be the best use of limited charging spaces at that are intended to serve the motorway traffic. The 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 accelerates 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.
Destination Charging is a strong priority for ZEVI. In addition to a general scheme, a number of bespoke schemes are also in advanced stages of development and delivery, including:
• A Shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which will install up to 200 fast chargers
• An EU Just transition Fund supported scheme, which is planned to install 60-80 chargers
These circa 300 sites, in addition to those under other destination schemes currently planned will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.
I launched The National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan last month. This is the first element of the National EV Charging Network Plan which, will cover all publicly accessible EV charging in the country.
The National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan and associated initiatives will drive the delivery of charging infrastructure on the National Road Network. The Plan sets out ambitious targets for the level and coverage needed for En-Route charging on our national roads network. We are already seeing significant increased capacity of EV charging on our national roads, and this plan provides additional reassurance and certainty for EV drivers and those thinking of making the switch to EVs that they will be able to find high powered, fast and convenient EV charge-points where and when they need them.
The Plan sets out a provision of EV charging that will be ahead of demand and meet European requirements for charging electric cars, LGVs and HGVs by 2025 and 2030. The implementation of this Plan through enhanced grid connections, funding interventions and enabling measures will remove barriers and accelerate the delivery of high-powered EV charging.
