Anna Conlan
Head of Ireland Electrified
Ireland’s shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating. Learn about the systematic changes that can help support EV transition and how it can revolutionise Ireland’s energy system.
Ireland’s roads are changing fast. More drivers are switching to electric vehicles every year, drawn by lower running costs, cleaner air and to help tackle climate change. However, to keep this momentum going, Ireland needs more than just new cars and chargers — we need a power grid that can keep up.
Systematic Changes to Help Ease EV Transition
As more EVs plug in, our demand for electricity will grow, especially during busy times like early evening when people return home. That means the national electricity grid — the network that delivers power to homes, businesses and chargers — must be stronger and smarter than ever. Investing in upgrades to local networks, substations and smart chargers will help ensure everyone can charge up without overloading the system.
A reliable charging network is also key. Drivers need to know they can find a charger wherever they go, from small rural villages to busy city centres. That means installing more fast and ultra-fast chargers across the country, while also making home and workplace charging easy and affordable. Smart chargers that automatically draw power when electricity is cheapest and cleanest can save drivers money and reduce pressure on the grid.
Electrifying transport isn’t just about swapping engines for batteries — it’s about completely rethinking how Ireland uses energy.
How EVs Could Return Power to the Grid
In the future, electric cars could even sell back to the grid. With new technology called vehicle-to-grid (V2G), EVs could supply power back to the system at busy times, acting like thousands of tiny batteries, helping to balance the flow of renewable energy from wind and solar. We saw examples of this during Storm Eowyn, when EV drivers were able to power essential devices in their homes using a car battery.
Strengthening Ireland’s Electricity Network
Electrifying transport isn’t just about swapping engines for batteries — it’s about completely rethinking how Ireland uses energy. With the right grid investments, smarter charging and support for innovative technologies, every EV on the road will help build a more flexible, cleaner and more reliable energy system for everyone.
Ireland Electrified is leading our clean electricity revolution. We represent suppliers, energy users and technology providers who are together calling for a national electrification action plan.
Together, Ireland can keep driving towards a cleaner, electrified future — powered by our own renewable energy.
