Which Supplier Has the Best EV Tariff in Ireland?

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Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.

Updated on 20/05/2025

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As of May 2025, Pinergy are offering the best EV tariff on their Lifestyle EV Drive Time plan at 05.45c per kWh. Other suppliers are offering rates between 05.45c to 10.52c per kWh for their EV tariff rates. EV tariffs are specifically designed for owners of electric vehicles by offering discounted electricity rates during off-peak hours. If you are looking to switch electricity provider, you can call 📞(01) 913 1771.

Which Supplier Has the Cheapest EV Tariff in Ireland?

As of May 2025, Pinergy are offering the best EV tariff on their Lifestyle EV Drive Time plan at 05.45c per kWh.

5 of Ireland’s electricity suppliers offer EV rates, and below you will find a table with an overview of the EV tariff on offer from each supplier:

Best EV Tariff Ireland per kWh
Provider	Plan Name	EV Charge Rate (c/kWh)
Pinergy	Lifestyle EV Drive Time	5.45
SSE Airtricity	Smart EV Charge	8.58
Energia	Smart Drive	8.87
Bord Gáis	(Green) EV Smart Electricity	9.31
Electric Ireland	Home Electric+ Night Boost	10.52

Last Updated: May 2025. Prices include VAT @ 9%.

Which Supplier Has the Best EV Tariff in Ireland?

While a supplier may be offering the cheapest rate for EV tariffs, it may not represent the best overall value when choosing the best EV tariff in terms of overall estimated costs.

If we take the average annual electricity consumption of 4,200 kWh and break it down to its average consumption amount across the four time periods:

Day - 40% - 1,680 kWh
Night - 30% - 1,260 kWh
Peak - 10% - 420 kWh
EV - 20% - 840 kWh

Using these average figures, we can estimate the annual cost of each EV tariff to make a broader comparison:

Best EV Tariff Ireland
Provider	Plan Name	Day Rate (c/kWh)	Peak Rate (c/kWh)	Night Rate (c/kWh)	EV Charge Rate (c/kWh)	Standing Charge	Estimated Annual Cost
Electric Ireland	Home Electric+ Night Boost	36.34	36.34	17.92	10.52	€328.58	€1,495.89
SSE Airtricity	Smart EV Charge	39.24	52.75	22.23	8.58	€305.72	€1,538.67
Bord Gáis Energy	(Green) EV Smart Electricity	36.53	50.94	27.54	9.31	€298.64	€1,551.19
Pinergy	Lifestyle EV Drive Time	37.03	37.03	37.03	5.45	€283.47	€1,573.46
Energia	Smart Drive	39.84	39.84	39.84	8.87	€236.62	€1,649.85

Figures are for illustrative purposes and actual amounts may differ.

Which Supplier Has the Best EV Tariff Charging Time?

Each supplier offers their own EV charging times during when their EV tariff rate is available.

It's important to compare the charging times as despite offering a cheaper rate, a supplier's EV charging time may be shorter than other suppliers.

Below, you'll find an overview of each EV tariff supplier's charging times:

Best EV Tariff Ireland Charging Times
Provider	Plan Name	EV Charging Times (Discounted Rate)	Duration
Pinergy	Lifestyle EV Drive Time	2 am – 5 am	3 hours
SSE Airtricity	Smart EV Charge	2 am – 5 am	3 hours
Energia	Smart Drive	2 am – 6 am	4 hours
Bord Gáis Energy	(Green) EV Smart Electricity	2 am – 5 am	3 hours
Electric Ireland	Home Electric+ Night Boost	2 am – 4 am	2 hours

Looking to Switch Electricity Providers?

Cheapest Electricity Ireland

How Do EV Tariffs Work?

Unlike standard residential electricity tariffs, EV tariffs are specifically designed to cater for the charging needs of electric vehicles or hybrid cars and are therefore not suitable for homes without an electric vehicle.

They typically offer discounted electricity rates during off-peak hours, usually overnight, when electricity demand is lower and therefore cheaper.

This allows EV owners to charge their vehicles at a significantly reduced cost compared to daytime rates.

There are two main types of EV tariffs available in Ireland:

Time-of-Use Tariffs (Day/Night/EV Rates): These tariffs have different electricity rates depending on the time of day. They typically include a standard daytime rate, a cheaper nighttime rate, and a significantly discounted "EV" or "Night Boost" rate for a specific period in the very early morning (typically between 2 am and 6 am).
Add-on EV Tariffs: These are less common and typically offered by specific suppliers to their existing customers. They provide a cheaper rate specifically for EV charging at any time, while the rest of the household electricity consumption is charged at the standard tariff rate. These often require a compatible EV and a smart charger.

How Do I Compare the Best EV Tariffs in Ireland?

When comparing the best EV tariffs, the logical figure to compare is the EV rate itself, but this is only one element of the overall cost.

Below, you will find an overview of the other aspects of an EV Tariff that should be compared between suppliers:

EV Charging Rate: This is the price you pay for each unit of electricity used to charge your EV during the discounted hours. The lower the rate, the more you save. Keep in mind that some tariffs might have a slightly higher standard rate to compensate for the low EV rate.
EV Charging Hours: Check if these hours align with your charging habits and schedule. Some tariffs offer a longer window than others, which might be beneficial if you need more flexibility.
Standard Electricity Rates: While the discounted EV rate is important for charging, you also need to consider the daytime and nighttime rates for your general household electricity consumption. A tariff with a very low EV rate might have significantly higher standard rates, which could offset some savings if your daytime usage is high.
Standing Charge: This is a fixed daily or monthly charge regardless of how much electricity you use. EV tariffs might have a different standing charge compared to standard tariffs.
Welcome Bonuses and Discounts: Some suppliers offer sign-up bonuses or discounts for new customers, which can provide initial savings. However, focus on the long-term rates rather than just the initial incentives.
Smart Meter Requirement: Most dedicated EV tariffs require a smart meter to be installed in your home, as these meters can record electricity usage at different times of the day. If you don't have a smart meter, you might need to arrange for one to be installed.

How Do I Make Savings with EV Tariffs?

By choosing an EV tariff, the cheaper nighttime rates give homeowners the potential to make even more savings on their energy bills.

Here are some tips to help you maximise your savings:

Schedule Charging for Off-Peak Hours

Use the timer function in your EV or smart charger to ensure charging occurs during the cheapest EV rate periods.

Take Advantage of Night Rates for Other Appliances

If your EV tariff offers a cheaper general nighttime rate, consider running other high-consumption appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and immersion heaters during these hours.

Home Battery Storage

If you have or plan to install a home battery system, you can charge it during the cheap EV hours and then use this stored energy during the day.

Solar PV

You can charge your EV with self-generated solar energy during the day and use the off-peak tariff for top-ups when needed.

How Do I Install an EV Charger in my Home?

EV chargers can be installed in your home by professional contractors, with the SEAI offering grants of €300 to help with the installation.

Are There Government Incentives for EVs and Home Chargers?

The Irish government offers several incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, which can indirectly help reduce your overall running costs:

EV Grants and Schemes
SEAI Electric Vehicle Grant: An SEAI grant scheme of up to €3,500 is available for privately purchased new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with a full price between €14,000 and €60,000.
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) Relief: BEVs can receive VRT relief up to €5,000.
Home Charger Grant Scheme: Homeowners can receive a grant of up to €300 towards the purchase and installation of a home EV charger.
Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) Exemption: Reduced or zero BIK rates apply to electric vehicles for employees.
Motor Tax: The annual motor tax for a battery electric vehicle is €120.

These incentives, combined with a well-chosen EV tariff, can make owning and running an electric vehicle in Ireland significantly more cost-effective than a traditional petrol or diesel car.

Are EV Tariffs Worth It in Ireland?

If you are considering switching to an EV tariff, it's important to weigh up the pros and cons to see if the potential cost savings are worth it.

Below, we have outlined the pros and cons of EV tariffs:

Advantages

Drastically Lower Charging Costs: Significant savings on home EV charging, far cheaper than public charging or standard rates.
Convenient Home Charging: Enables affordable overnight charging for a full battery by morning.
Supports Grid Stability: Encourages charging during off-peak hours, easing grid strain and often utilizing more renewable energy.
Potential Overall Bill Savings: Smart use can lower your total electricity bill, even with potentially higher day rates.

Disadvanatages

Smart Meter Required: Generally necessitates a smart meter for accurate time-of-use billing.
Strict Charging Windows: Discounted rates apply only during specific, often short, overnight periods.
Higher Daytime Rates Possible: Some tariffs may have pricier day/peak rates, impacting costs if not managed.
Requires Scheduling: Needs active management (e.g., timers) to align charging with cheap hours.

Best EV Tariffs Ireland FAQ's

Yes, for EV tariffs with time-of-use rates, a smart meter is required. It allows your supplier to track your electricity usage at different times of the day to apply the correct rates.

An EV tariff is designed to offer savings for home charging during specific off-peak hours. If you primarily use public or workplace charging, a standard residential tariff might be more suitable for your household's general electricity consumption.

If you charge your EV outside the designated EV or night rate hours, you will be charged at the higher standard day or peak rates of your tariff, which can significantly increase your costs.

A "Night Rate" (or Nightsaver) is a generally cheaper rate for electricity consumed during specific overnight hours. An "EV Rate" (or "Night Boost") is an even more significantly discounted rate for a shorter window, usually within the general night rate period, specifically designed for charging EVs.

Learn More About Energy Saving Our energy guide articles contain lots of useful information on saving energy, the electricity market and having a more positive impact on the environment.

Which Supplier Has the Best EV Tariff in Ireland?

Which Supplier Has the Cheapest EV Tariff in Ireland?

Which Supplier Has the Best EV Tariff in Ireland?

Which Supplier Has the Best EV Tariff Charging Time?

How Do EV Tariffs Work?

How Do I Compare the Best EV Tariffs in Ireland?

How Do I Make Savings with EV Tariffs?

Are There Government Incentives for EVs and Home Chargers?

Are EV Tariffs Worth It in Ireland?

Advantages

Disadvanatages

Best EV Tariffs Ireland FAQ's

Do I Need a Smart Meter for an EV Tariff?

Can I Get an EV Tariff if I Don’t Charge My EV at Home?

What Happens if I Charge My EV Outside of the Discounted Hours?

What’s the Difference Between a “Night Rate” and an “EV Rate” on a Tariff?