Cost guide
On the ESB ecars public network, charging costs €0.60 per kWh on chargers up to 50 kW and €0.72 per kWh on faster ones, paying as you go (prices from July 2026). Charging at home on a night-rate tariff is usually far cheaper.
Typical cost in Ireland
€0.60–€0.72 per kWh on ESB public chargers
| Job | Price |
|---|---|
| ESB ecars, up to 50 kW (pay as you go) | €0.60 per kWh |
| ESB ecars, above 50 kW (pay as you go) | €0.72 per kWh |
| ESB ecars membership | €4.79 a month |
| Members, up to 50 kW | €0.55 per kWh |
| Members, above 50 kW | €0.67 per kWh |
| Overstay on fast chargers after 45 minutes | €0.50 a minute, max €22.50 |
Last updated 23 October 2026 · Fixed and published prices, checked by hand against ESB ecars: price plans. Prices change, so confirm before you go. How we write these
ESB ecars runs the largest public charging network in Ireland. Since its July 2026 price rise, pay-as-you-go charging costs €0.60 per kWh on AC and DC chargers up to 50 kW, and €0.72 per kWh on high-power chargers above 50 kW. Paying by contactless card costs slightly more.
ESB also sells a membership for €4.79 a month on a 12-month contract, which lowers the rates to €0.55 and €0.67 per kWh. It pays off if you use public chargers regularly.
Leaving the car plugged in costs extra on fast chargers: after 45 minutes ESB charges €0.50 a minute, up to €22.50. Move the car once it is charged.
As a worked example, adding 42 kWh (taking a 60 kWh battery from 10% to 80%) costs about €25.20 on a 50 kW charger at €0.60, or €30.24 on a high-power charger at €0.72.
Other networks, such as those at motorway service stations and supermarkets, set their own prices, and some destination chargers are free for customers. Charging at home on a night-rate electricity tariff is usually much cheaper than any public charger; check your supplier's unit rate and see SEAI for any current home-charger grant.
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Typically €0.50 a minute, max €22.50 in Ireland as of October 2026. Prices vary by job, location and provider, so get two or three written quotes.
On ESB ecars, €0.60 per kWh on chargers up to 50 kW and €0.72 per kWh above 50 kW (pay as you go, from July 2026). Home charging on a night rate is usually much cheaper.
At €4.79 a month for 12 months it lowers the rates to €0.55 and €0.67 per kWh, so it pays off for regular public charging.
On ESB fast chargers, €0.50 a minute after 45 minutes, up to €22.50.
Prices are indicative guides only and vary by job, location and provider. Always confirm with the business.