A quick top-up can come with a few surprises. When you charge an electric car in public, the bill depends on more than how much electricity you buy. The network, payment method, time of day and length of your stop can all make a difference. According to the Irish EV Association’s price tracker, updated on 2 November 2026, headline ad-hoc DC charging rates range from 60c to 87c per kWh, with some overnight rates lower. For a 40kWh purchase, that means an energy bill of €24 to €34.80, before additional fees. The comparison covers operators’ own charging services; third-party roaming prices may differ. With ESB introducing updated tariffs and its new Charge Smart overnight plan, here’s how to compare public charging costs Where can you charge an electric car? Public chargers broadly fall into two categories: AC charging: typically suited to longer stops while shopping, working or parking. DC fast and high-power charging: designed for quicker top-ups, including motorway stops. Your car’s navigation, charging operators’ apps and tools such as PlugShare and A Better Routeplanner can help you find a charger. Before setting off, check the operator’s app for the individual charger’s availability and price. For AC charging, you generally use the vehicle’s own Type 2 cable. DC charging uses a CCS connector, with the cable attached to the charging unit. SEAI’s charging guide explains the different charging options. Finding a charger on a map is only the start. Check the connector, access conditions, opening hours and parking restrictions too. How much does public EV charging cost in Ireland? There is no single national tariff. The table below shows selected direct ad-hoc DC prices from the Irish EV Association’s 2 November comparison, rather than subscription or roaming rates. Operator or payment option DC price per kWh Energy cost for 40kWh Certa €0.60 €24.00 Lidl €0.63 €25.20 Circle K €0.69 €27.60 Applegreen Fast Charge €0.73 €29.20 IONITY €0.81 €32.40 ESB ecars contactless €0.85 €34.00 InstaVolt €0.85 €34.00 Parking, access and overstay charges may add to the bill. Some networks also have location-dependent or time-dependent prices, so check the tariff for the specific charger you intend to use. ESB charging prices: what changed in November? ESB’s updated Republic of Ireland tariffs took effect on 2 November 2026. Plan Monthly subscription Standard AC: up to 48kW DC fast/high-power: 49kW and above Pay...