Why Home Charging is the Smart Choice for EV Owners in 2026
Ireland is accelerating towards an electric future. The country recently surpassed 196,000 electric vehicles on the road, marking a significant milestone in the shift to sustainable transport. According to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), battery-electric car registrations reached 23,601 units in 2025—an increase of 35% compared to 2024. This growth reflects Ireland's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, supported by grants and improved EV infrastructure.
When purchasing an EV, one key consideration is home charging. Charging at home is not only more convenient but also more cost-effective than public charging, especially when using off-peak electricity rates. It’s an easy way to enhance your home’s sustainability credentials alongside other upgrades like solar PV, heat pumps and other retrofit improvements which can improve your home’s energy BER rating.
Home Charging Made Simple
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Electric Ireland offers the zappi EV home charger, a premium solution for EV owners. zappi is solar PV compatible and comes with a smart, easy to use app that lets you schedule charging times effortlessly. The cost starts from €1,199 after applying a €300 EV home charger grant from SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) and every charger comes with a 3-year warranty.
With Electric Ireland, standard home charger installations typically take a few hours and are carried out by fully trained and qualified technicians. Every installation is safety tested and certified and you'll receive all the necessary paperwork for grant authorities.
Home charging is a faster, smarter way of charging your EV. With zappi, you can charge up to 3 times faster than a standard 3-pin plug, reducing charging time and maximising savings by tapping into lower electricity rates.
Maximise Savings with Smart Meter Plans
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Pairing your EV charger with a suitable smart meter plan, like Electric Ireland's Night Boost, can significantly reduce charging costs. Night Boost offers a cheaper night-time rate plus a two-hour super cheap boost rate between 2am and 4am, allowing you to charge for even less. A typical EV motorist could save over €500 a year by switching from a 24hour smart plan to Night Boost*.
Real-Life Savings
Electric Ireland customer Claire told us about her switch from petrol to electric. Despite some concerns about range anxiety given her regular work commute schedule, the transition to EV has been smooth and worthwhile.
One major benefit is the savings involved when Claire says: "My previous petrol car was costing in excess of €200 a month," she said. "That is now being reduced to €30 per month with Electric Ireland."
"That's a very significant saving and I’m delighted."
*pricing information correct as of January 2026.
Learn more about Electric Ireland's EV charging solutions.
