ESB e-Cars - the electric-car-focused division of the semi-state electricity supply company - is raising the prices it asks for using public electric-car charging points.
How much is the price going up by?
Depending on the tariff, the cost is going up by as much as 8c per kWh, which is quite a bit. The rates for pay-as-you-go, using the company's smartphone app, are going up from 59c per kWh for chargers with up to 50kW of charging power to 60c per kWh.
That doesn't sound so bad…
Oh, don't worry - it gets worse. The rate for using high-speed chargers, above 50kW and up to 350kW, is going up to 72c per kWh. Previously, for chargers up to 150kW, it was 64c per kWh, and for high-speed chargers between 150kW and 350kW, there was a third rate of 66c per kWh. That rate has now been dropped, and all chargers above 50kW power are bundled into the same rate.
Are there more expensive bands?
Yes, if you're just tapping your credit or debit card - which is supposed to be the default payment method according to the EU - then the rates go up again to 61c per kWh for up to 50kW power, and 73c per kWh above that.
Is there any way of avoiding these increases?
Partially. As was previously the case, you can sign up for a monthly ESB e-Cars subscription, costing €4.79 per month, which gives you a discounted rate - 55c for up to 50kW power, and 67c per kWh above that.
Does this make electric motoring more expensive?
Yes, it does. At the highest level, it would make charging a car with a 77kWh battery from 10-80 per cent cost between €38 and €39. That is getting uncomfortably close to the same equivalent cost as filling up a petrol or diesel tank to cover the same distance. As ever, home charging remains a deal-breaker if you're interested in buying an electric car, as the cheaper home rates are what make driving an EV so much more affordable.
Why is the ESB raising its prices?
According to the ESB: "Public EV charging rates have remained unchanged since July 2025; this adjustment reflects continued increases in energy and operational costs. It will support the ongoing maintenance of the network, as well as further investment in high-power chargers and expanded availability across the country.
"ESB remains committed to delivering value and a high-quality service to customers. This streamlined structure ensures greater clarity, consistency, and ease of use, helping customers to better plan and manage their charging experience.”