See all Motoring AdviceThe popularity of electric cars is on the rise in Ireland due to government incentives and their environmental benefits - EVs are potentially more environmentally friendly, emitting fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants than petrol or diesel cars. You can also save on fuel costs.
However, one major challenge for apartment dwellers is finding suitable charging options. Here are the various electric car charging solutions available when you live in an apartment in Ireland.
Home charging
Home charging remains the optimal choice for maximising the benefits of electric vehicles as it offers several advantages over public charging.
With home charging, you can charge your EV overnight while you sleep, ensuring a full battery each morning. Charging overnight eliminates the need to search for available public charging stations, saving time and reducing anxiety about finding an open spot.
Home chargers allow for slower, more controlled charging, which is gentler on your EV's battery, promoting its longevity and overall health.
Home charging typically costs less per kilowatt-hour compared to public charging rates, leading to cost savings in the long run.
A dedicated home charging station provides a sense of ownership and control over your EV's charging process, empowering you to customise charging schedules according to your daily needs.
Home charging is likely possible if you own your apartment and it comes with a dedicated car parking space or your apartment has a driveway.
However, it is essential to check with your landlord or management company before installing a home charger, as they may have rules or regulations about it.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers a grant of up to €600 to purchase and install a home charger. The EV Home Charger Grant Scheme will only support smart chargers registered on SEAI's Smart Charger Register, and you must use a Safe Electric Registered Electrical Contractor.
Suppose your apartment car park is publicly owned. In that case, you can contact your local authority to apply for a public charge point grant. If granted, they can install a nearby public charge point for all apartment residents (and the public) to use.
Public charging stations
Public charging stations offer a viable solution for apartment residents without access to private charging facilities. There are a growing number of public charging stations available in Ireland. At the time of writing, there are around 1,900 public chargers at 800 sites. You'll usually find these stations in public parking areas, shopping centres, petrol stations, motorway service stations and other convenient locations. Some public charging stations offer fast-charging capabilities, allowing you to recharge your EV quickly. However, public EV charging is sometimes slow, and you often have to wait for a space to become available.
On a more positive note, the Irish government and local authorities actively encourage the installation of public charging infrastructure. Furthermore, new funding has been secured; therefore, you can expect further expansion and improvement of the charging network.
Workplace charging
If your workplace is within a reasonable distance from your apartment, consider inquiring about workplace charging facilities. Many companies in Ireland have recognised the benefits of promoting EV adoption among their employees and have installed charging stations in their car parks. Charging your electric car while you work not only helps you save time but also ensures your vehicle is fully charged for your daily commute.
Charging stations in apartment blocks
Some forward-thinking apartment complexes in Ireland have started installing EV charging stations. These charging points are usually reserved for the residents, ensuring that those living in the apartments have easy access to a charging facility. If your apartment complex doesn't have one yet, consider proposing the installation to the management and fellow residents.
Shared home charging
This one might seem cheeky, but you never know unless you try! If you know someone living nearby with a private driveway and a charger, ask them about sharing. Sharing charging is not as wild as it might seem. Plenty of emerging platforms and apps facilitate peer-to-peer charging sharing, allowing you to connect with EV owners willing to share their charging infrastructure for a fee. GoPlugable is an Irish company and app, for example, that will enable homeowners to rent out EV chargers to drivers who need to top up batteries.
As you can see, with a little planning, you can easily charge your EVs even if you live in an apartment and don't have access to home charging.