In a significant stride towards a sustainable future, Ireland has welcomed its second high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging hub. Located at the iconic Barack Obama Plaza on the M7, this state-of-the-art facility offers a remarkable feature: the ability to provide a car with up to 100km of range in just six minutes.
At LM Operations, we are excited to share this development and its implications for Irish citizens. In this article, we will explore when Ireland will be ready for mass EV adoption, the benefits of EVs to Irish citizens, and what this new charging point means for the people of Ireland.
In this article…
The Power of High-Speed Charging
The ESB’s Commitment to a Greener Future
The Power of High-Speed Charging:
The eight-bay high-power charging stations situated at the Barack Obama Plaza, near Moneygall, Co Tipperary, each offer an impressive 200kw of charge for electric vehicles. These hubs serve as a vital link between Dublin, Limerick, and the southwest, facilitating the needs of long-distance travellers. It’s worth noting that a similar facility exists on the M7 at Mayfield near Monasterevin, Co Kildare, serving vehicles en route to Cork. Mayfield boasts three high-power chargers of up to 350kw and one fast charger of up to 50kw, with two ‘pumps’ each.
Charging speeds depend on a vehicle’s capability to accept power. While many midrange EVs can intake about 45-75kw, newer models are designed to take charge at higher power levels. Adding these high-power hubs is a game-changer for EV drivers, especially those embarking on long journeys through the midlands and Munster region.
The ESB’s Commitment to a Greener Future:
This milestone marks the ESB’s €20 million investment in all-island EV infrastructure. It aims to establish 50 high-power hubs nationwide as part of its national EV network strategy. Besides the multiple bay hubs, the ESB has already installed 28 high-power chargers at sites nationwide and replaced most of the standard 22kw chargers with more advanced technology. As a testament to its commitment to sustainability, the ESB ensures that the electricity supplied at its electric car pumps comes from purely renewable sources purchased from an electricity supplier in the Irish market.
Benefits of EVs for Irish Citizens:
Electric vehicles offer numerous advantages to Irish citizens:
- They significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, creating a cleaner and healthier environment. With Ireland’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, EV adoption is a crucial step in achieving this goal.
- EV owners can enjoy reduced operating costs, as electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline or diesel.
- The maintenance of EVs is more straightforward and less expensive due to fewer moving parts.
Ireland’s Path to Mass EV Adoption:
When will Ireland be ready for mass EV adoption? The answer is it’s already well on its way. With the expansion of the charging infrastructure and growing awareness of the benefits of EVs, more Irish citizens are considering switching to electric vehicles. Government incentives, such as grants and tax incentives for EV buyers, also drive adoption. The availability of high-speed charging hubs like the one at Barack Obama Plaza further enhances the convenience and accessibility of EVs for all.
The inauguration of Ireland’s second high-speed EV charging hub at the Barack Obama Plaza is a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable future. With the ESB’s ongoing investment in EV infrastructure and the benefits EVs offer to Irish citizens, the path to mass EV adoption is becoming increasingly apparent. This development is not just about charging stations; it’s about ushering in a new era of transportation that benefits the environment and the citizens of Ireland. The road to sustainability is here, and it’s powered by electricity.