The ESB and EZO, one of Ireland's biggest electric car charging providers, have teamed up to work on a new project aimed at boosting the charging rate of low-powered car chargers.
How does that work?
ESB and EZO are currently working together on a pilot project in Walkinstown, west Dublin, aimed at increasing the available power on low-voltage networks. The idea is that this could significantly boost charging speeds, enabling the installation of high-speed charging points where previously only low-speed systems could have been used, such as in car parks.
Is this happening anywhere else?
Yes, the ESB and EZO have already worked together on a similar project in Knocktopher, Co. Kilkenny, and a third site is being set up in Stillorgan, in south Dublin.
Other than speed, what's the benefit?
Apart from the increased charging rate, the idea is that these chargers would be simpler and cheaper to fit, and therefore potentially cheaper to use. Máire Scully, Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Communications Manager, ESB Networks, said: "At ESB Networks, we play a key role in supporting charge point operators like EZO to roll out the public charging infrastructure people need, so they can charge when and where it suits them. If this pilot is successful, it will speed up connections and make it easier to install high-powered charging in places where space is tight, giving drivers more options on the go.”
Cillian Rooney, Director of Operations at EZO, said: "This pilot project with ESB Networks at the EZO Eir Walkinstown site represents a major step forward in how EV charging infrastructure can be delivered in Ireland. By enabling a high-capacity connection without the need for traditional, costly on-site infrastructure, we're opening up a more efficient and scalable path to expanding charging capacity.”
You can watch the ESB Networks and EZO Walkinstown EV charging pilot video below.