How we selected
The decision test is based on walking distance to dependable AC charging, rapid options on regular routes, weekly kilometres, downtime tolerance and the all-in public tariff—not headline range.
The three workable patterns
- Apartment scheme: ask the owners' management company or landlord about shared infrastructure and the SEAI apartment charging scheme.
- Repeatable local AC: use a dependable destination charger near work, shopping or an overnight location, with a backup nearby.
- Planned rapid charging: choose a car with suitable DC capability and combine charging with a regular journey, accepting a higher energy cost.
Cost reality
ESB's price plan effective 1 July 2026 lists PAYG at €0.60/kWh AC and €0.72/kWh DC, while membership is €0.55 AC and €0.67 DC plus €4.79/month. At 17 kWh/100 km, those energy-only figures are about €10.20 and €12.24 per 100 km respectively before charging losses. Enter your real mix in the calculator.
Pass/fail checklist
- Can you reach two usable chargers without making a special long trip?
- Have you checked access hours, connector, payment method and live tariff?
- Can your week tolerate a failed or occupied charger?
- Does the public-only result still beat the petrol/diesel alternative after your time cost?
If two of those answers are no, pause the EV purchase or choose a hybrid/efficient ICE while charging access improves. An apartment grant is infrastructure support, not a guarantee that an individual space can be fitted immediately.
Sources and freshness
- ESB eCars price plans, effective 1 July 2026.
- SEAI apartment charging grant.
- SEAI EV charging guidance. Checked 31 July 2026.
Prices, grants, stock and specifications can change after publication. Confirm the final configured on-road price and written eligibility immediately before paying a deposit.
Next: model your own mix in the cost calculator, check grants and tax, and plan home and public charging.