Ireland is at a tipping point in its transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy. With record-breaking EV sales, evolving government incentives, and a surge in demand for home charging and solar power, the shift to sustainable transport and energy is no longer a distant goal—it is happening now.
At the start of 2025, new figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) confirmed what many had predicted. EV sales are soaring, with a 20 percent increase in registrations compared to the same period last year. In January alone, 4,925 new electric cars were registered—the highest monthly figure to date. February is showing an even stronger trend, with early data pointing to a 36 percent rise over last year. With petrol and diesel prices fluctuating and the expansion of charging infrastructure continuing, more Irish motorists are making the switch.
The question now is not whether electric vehicles will dominate Ireland’s roads, but how quickly the supporting infrastructure can keep pace with demand.
Rethinking How We Charge
While public charging networks continue to expand, home charging remains the most convenient and cost-effective option for EV owners. Recognising this, the government has made adjustments to the SEAI EV Home Charger Grant, which now provides €300 towards the installation of a home charging unit. Notably, this grant is available to all homeowners, even those who do not yet own an electric vehicle, provided they have off-street parking and a suitable electrical connection.
For many drivers, the process of installing a home EV charger can seem daunting, but with the right expertise, it is a seamless experience. Mark Daly, who recently had a charger installed by ePower, had this to say:
“I am delighted with E-Power. Jackie made the process simple from start to finish, looked after everything. Needed charger ASAP and was well looked after. Sean the electrician was a pure gentleman and super efficient – did a fantastic job installing the charger exactly where we wanted it, and the job was so neat and tidy. I couldn’t say enough about the whole process from start to finish.”
Mark’s experience is one that many homeowners share. With professional installation, expert guidance, and efficient customer service, home charging can be set up quickly and hassle-free, ensuring drivers can charge their EVs as conveniently as they would their phones.
A new initiative is also set to change how we think about home charging accessibility. The Shared Charging Pilot Scheme, supported by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), allows homeowners to rent out their chargers to other EV drivers via a peer-to-peer booking platform. This addresses a long-standing challenge in Ireland’s cities and towns, where many drivers lack private parking but still want to make the switch to an electric vehicle. By opening up private charge points for shared use, this scheme could significantly reduce pressure on the public charging network.
Solar Power and the EV Connection
Alongside the rise of EVs, solar energy is becoming an increasingly attractive option for Irish homeowners. Those who install solar panels now have the potential to power their cars using their own renewable electricity, further reducing their reliance on the grid. The combination of solar PV panels, battery storage, and a home EV charger is fast becoming a key strategy for energy-conscious homeowners looking to lower their bills and minimise their carbon footprint.
However, government incentives for solar are changing. As of January 2025, the SEAI grant for solar panel installation has been reduced from €2,100 to €1,800, with further reductions expected in the coming years. This means that homeowners considering solar energy would be wise to act sooner rather than later before financial supports decrease further.
The Business Case for EV Charging at Home
For companies with electric fleets or employees driving company-owned EVs, home charging presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Should the company cover the cost of installation and electricity, or should employees be responsible and claim back expenses? The answer depends on the business model, but with capital allowances available on EV charger installations and VAT reclaimable on related expenses, many companies are seeing the value in funding home charging solutions.
Employees, on the other hand, must weigh up the financial benefits of home charging against the evolving Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rules. While BIK relief on electric company cars remains in place for now, it is being phased out. The exemption currently stands at €20,000 but will drop to €10,000 in 2025 and be removed entirely by 2026. For those considering an electric company car, the next year will be a crucial window to take advantage of lower tax liabilities before rates return to standard levels.
Of course, no infrastructure is perfect, and when issues arise, the mark of a great company is in how they handle them. Patsy O’Connor, an ePower customer, shared his experience dealing with a technical issue:
“The measure of a company is how they handle their customers when things go wrong. In this instance, while dealing with E-Power’s technical department, I consider myself fortunate to have met with Patrick, whom I know went above and beyond to get my issue sorted. Their service call booking team were also very helpful and pleasant.”
In a growing industry where customer service is often overlooked, efficient support and quick problem resolution set great providers apart. Businesses investing in EV charging solutions should ensure they work with companies that offer not just installation, but long-term support and technical expertise.
The Road Ahead
Ireland’s transition to electric mobility and renewable energy is accelerating, but it is not without its challenges. Grid management, infrastructure investment, and the need for smarter energy use will shape the next phase of this transition. Yet, for homeowners and businesses willing to invest now, the benefits are clear—lower costs, greater energy independence, and a reduced environmental impact.
