Ireland Expands EV Charging as Chinese Brands Gain Ground in Irish Market

Ireland is rapidly expanding its electric‑vehicle (EV) charging network, with six new high‑power EV charging hubs set to open in a public car park in Tipperary. Each hub will operate as a multi‑bay fast‑charging station, allowing several EVs to charge simultaneously, and is being installed by ESB, Ireland’s national utility and the main operator of the country’s public EV‑charging infrastructure. These hubs are expected to feature fast to ultra‑fast DC chargers, typically in the 150–250 kW range per bay, giving drivers a practical top‑up in under an hour depending on battery size.

How many EVs are on Irish roads?

As of late 2025 and early 2026, around 195,000–200,000 electric vehicles are estimated to be on Irish roads, including both battery‑electric cars (BEVs) and plug‑in hybrids (PHEVs). The Irish government recently confirmed that the country has already hit its 2025 target of roughly 196,000 EVs, reflecting a sharp rise in EV adoption over the past few years. Battery‑electric models now make up around 18–19% of new car registrations, showing that EVs are shifting from niche to mainstream.

Typical charging costs in Ireland

Charging costs in Ireland vary depending on where and how you charge:

• Home charging (smart‑EV tariffs): roughly €0.06–0.09 per kWh, translating to about €1.3–€1.6 per 100 km driven.

• Public AC charging (standard bays): about €0.50–€0.52 per kWh.

• Fast and high‑power DC hubs (150+ kW): around €0.55–€0.59 per kWh, with slight discounts for subscription plans.

For a typical EV with a 45–60 kWh battery, a full public‑network charge at a fast or high‑power hub generally costs around €20–€25, making public charging noticeably more expensive than home charging but still competitive versus petrol prices.

Most‑sold and famous EV models in Ireland

At the model level, Ireland’s top‑selling EVs are led by mainstream and premium players:

• Volkswagen ID.4 – often the single best‑selling EV in Ireland.

• Tesla Model Y and Model 3 – remain among the most popular models for both private buyers and fleets.

• Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 – strong in the fast‑charging, performance‑oriented segment.

• Kia EV6 – frequently appears in top‑EV‑sales lists thanks to its sporty styling and rapid‑charging capability.

• MG4 and MG ZS – fast‑rising in sales and often listed among the fastest‑selling electric cars in the country.

Among brands, Volkswagen, Tesla, Hyundai–Kia, and MG consistently dominate Ireland’s EV sales charts.

Chinese EV brands in Ireland

While Western and Korean brands still lead the market, Chinese EV manufacturers are now among the fastest‑growing segments in Ireland:

• BYD – has become the fourth‑best‑selling electric‑car brand in Ireland by new‑registrations and is outselling or matching Tesla in some months.

• MG (Chinese‑owned) – models like the MG4 and MG ZS are regularly cited as fastest‑selling used EVs and are now widely available as new cars, emphasizing long range and aggressive pricing.

• Xpeng – has recently entered the Irish market through dealers such as MSL Motor Group, mainly offering the Xpeng G6 alongside futuristic showcase models like the X2 “flying car” concept.

• Other Chinese‑linked brands, including Ora / GWM and Leapmotor, are also appearing in Ireland’s official EV‑car listings and are marketed as value‑oriented, long‑range options targeting price‑sensitive buyers.

Overall picture

Ireland is combining rapid charging‑network expansion—such as the six new ESB‑operated hubs in Tipperary—with a booming EV market that now exceeds nearly 200,000 electric vehicles. While established brands like Volkswagen, Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, and MG still dominate sales, Chinese EV brands are fast becoming a major force, offering competitive pricing, strong range, and growing brand recognition. This mix of infrastructure growth and shifting brand dynamics positions Ireland as a key European EV market to watch, especially for Chinese‑brand exposure and adoption.