Fast-charging prices driving motorists away

Published on 3 January, 2020

Drivers of electric vehicles have changed their routine and behaviour

Overview

Drivers of electric vehicles have changed their routine and behaviour since facing the prospect of paying to boost their battery at a public fast-charging point.

Prices were introduced in November for general use of the fast-charging network - as well as levies for anyone who is hogging a charging slot.

Since then, according to the ESB, there has been a fall-off in energy used because fewer people are using them.

A spokeswoman told the Irish Independent there had been "a decrease in energy consumption" across its fast-charging network since pricing kicked in.

She also claimed the overstay (hogging) fee is freeing chargers for those who need a quick top-up for driving longer distances - which is what they are there for.

The ESB introduced pricing for use of the 50kW fast chargers on November 18.

It is estimated that it costs an average of €4.30 to boost a battery's range by 100km.