With electric vehicles (EVs) quickly becoming the go-to choice for company cars, businesses and employees are now faced with an important question: Where’s the best place to charge? While Ireland’s public EV charging stations are expanding, nothing beats the convenience of charging a company car at home.
But that raises another question—who pays for the charger, the electricity, and what tax benefits are available? In this guide, we’ll break down the costs, benefits, tax savings, and whether the company or the employee should cover the installation and charging costs.
Why Charge a Company Car at Home?
Charging an electric company car at home makes perfect sense for both employees and businesses. Here’s why:
- Convenience – Charge overnight and start every day with a full battery. No more detours to EV charging stations in Ireland.
- Lower Costs – Home electricity rates are generally cheaper than public electric vehicle charging stations.
- Time-Saving – Charge when it suits your schedule
- Smart Charging – Use a home car charger to schedule charging during off-peak hours for even greater savings.
Who Pays? Company vs. Employee Home Charging Setup
The biggest question is who should cover the cost of installation and ongoing charging? There are two common approaches:
Option 1: The Company Pays for Installation & Charging
Some businesses fully fund the installation of a home electric car charging point for employees with company EVs. They may also cover electricity costs through a reimbursement scheme.
Pros:
- The employee doesn’t have to cover upfront costs.
- The company gets tax relief on the electric car charger installation cost.
- Ensures consistent and reliable charging for work use.
Cons:
- May be considered a Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) for the employee, affecting tax liability.
- Requires an accurate way to track electricity usage to distinguish between personal and business charging.
- Higher upfront cost for the company.
Option 2: The Employee Pays & Claims Reimbursement
Alternatively, the employee covers the cost of installation and electricity but claims reimbursement from the company.
Pros:
- The employee has full control over their EV home charger.
- The company avoids BIK complications.
- Some businesses offer monthly energy reimbursement payments based on mileage.
Cons:
- The employee must cover the upfront cost of the EV home charger in Ireland.
- Companies may limit reimbursement amounts, leading to higher out-of-pocket costs for employees.
- Requires accurate tracking of business mileage to ensure fair reimbursement.
Tax Benefits & Grants for Home EV Charging
For Businesses
- SEAI EV Home Charger Grant – Businesses can apply for a grant of up to €600 towards EV charger installation in Ireland.
- Capital Allowances – Companies can write off the cost of installing EV home chargers as a tax-deductible expense.
- VAT Reclaim – Businesses may be able to reclaim VAT on installation costs and business-related electricity expenses.
- Lower Operating Costs – EVs are cheaper to maintain and fuel than petrol or diesel cars.
For Employees
- BIK Exemption for Electric Company Cars – Ending in 2026
1. Until 31st December 2024, there was no BIK on the first €20,000 of the EV’s value.
2. In 2025, the exemption drops to €10,000.
3.From 2026 onwards, the BIK exemption will be removed entirely, meaning company-provided EVs
will be taxed at standard BIK rates.
- Expense Claims – Employees may be able to claim a portion of their electricity bill if they use their home supply for work mileage.
- Lower Fuel Costs – Home charging is significantly cheaper than public charging stations.
Important: If your company offers an electric car as a perk, now is the best time to switch while the BIK relief still applies.
The Bottom Line – Is Home Charging a Company Car Worth It?
Yes, if:
- You drive enough work miles to justify the electric car charger installation cost.
- Your company has a clear reimbursement policy for energy costs.
- You want the most convenient, cost-effective charging solution.
Maybe not, if:
- You don’t drive your company EV frequently enough to justify installation.
- Your company doesn’t have a fair reimbursement policy.
- You prefer using public EV charging points.
Get Started with Home EV Charging Today!
Whether you’re an employer looking to install EV home chargers for staff or an employee considering home charging, ePower makes the process easy. We provide expert advice, professional EV charger installation in Ireland, and ongoing support.
Get in touch with ePower today and take the first step towards hassle-free company car EV charging at home!
