ESB has increased public EV charging prices across all charger types and customer plans
For drivers who can move some charging to quieter hours, Charge Smart offers another option. Here’s how it works and how the prices compare.
What is ESB Charge Smart?
Charge Smart is a subscription-based plan costing €6.99 per month, with discounted charging rates between 9pm and 7am.
During those overnight hours, subscribers pay:
- €0.52 per kWh on standard AC chargers up to 48kW.
- €0.66 per kWh on DC fast and high-power chargers rated 49kW and above.
Between 7am and 9pm, the rates rise to €0.65 and €0.78 per kWh respectively.
ESB says the plan is designed to give drivers more flexibility while encouraging greater use of its public charging network outside peak periods.
Charge Smart is available in the Republic of Ireland from 2 November 2026, with a Northern Ireland launch scheduled for 25 November 2026. The prices below apply to the Republic of Ireland.
ESB public EV charging prices compared
The updated rates cover Pay As You Go, Charge Lite membership, Charge Smart and contactless charging.
| Plan | Monthly subscription | Standard AC: up to 48kW | DC fast and high power: 49kW and above |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay As You Go | None | €0.70/kWh | €0.83/kWh |
| Charge Lite | €4.79 | €0.65/kWh | €0.78/kWh |
| Charge Smart: 7am–9pm | €6.99 | €0.65/kWh | €0.78/kWh |
| Charge Smart: 9pm–7am | Included in the same €6.99 subscription | €0.52/kWh | €0.66/kWh |
| Contactless | None | €0.72/kWh | €0.85/kWh |
Charging rates include VAT. Updated Republic of Ireland prices apply from 2 November 2026.
How does Charge Smart compare with Charge Lite?
Charge Smart costs €2.20 more per month than Charge Lite. Both plans have the same daytime charging rates, so the difference comes down to how much charging you can do between 9pm and 7am.
During those hours, Charge Smart is:
- 13 cent per kWh cheaper than Charge Lite on standard AC chargers.
- 12 cent per kWh cheaper on DC fast and high-power chargers.
For example, 30kWh charged entirely during off-peak hours would cost €15.60 on standard AC with Charge Smart, compared with €19.50 on Charge Lite.
On DC fast or high-power chargers, the same amount would cost €19.80 with Charge Smart, compared with €23.40 on Charge Lite.
Those examples cover electricity only. You also need to account for the monthly subscription when comparing your overall bill.
Who might benefit from Charge Smart?
If most of your charging takes place during the day, Charge Smart offers the same per-kWh rates as Charge Lite but carries a higher subscription fee. Occasional users should also compare the monthly plans with Pay As You Go and contactless charging.
Why are ESB charging prices increasing?
ESB says the latest price adjustment reflects continued increases in wholesale electricity costs.
Its public charging rates were last revised in July 2026, when it introduced a simplified pricing structure across charger types and customer plans.
The November changes bring higher prices across the network, while Charge Smart introduces a lower-cost overnight option for subscribers.
Check your charging routine before choosing
For regular overnight users, Charge Smart’s lower off-peak rates could help reduce charging costs. The savings will depend on the amount of electricity used, the charger type and the monthly subscription
