Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

199. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide clarification on a matter (details supplied) regarding the ESB electric vehicle price hike. [62241/22]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

207. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the significant increase in the cost of charging an electric vehicle; the way that he plans to make charging an EV economical to ensure that more persons are encouraged to purchase an electric vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61739/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 207 together.

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A draft national charging infrastructure strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March.

The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication next month.

The Government’s EV target is a critical solution to reducing our transport emissions and is a key part of the strategy which also includes measures to reduce car journeys, through improved public and active transport networks.

Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.

On 21st July I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. I announced that a new residential charging grant is in development which will focus on providing neighbourhood and residential charging solutions, particularly in areas where off-street charging is either limited or not possible. Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland and updates on the residential charging grant is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.

The unprecedented increase in international wholesale gas prices have continued as result of the volatility in the international gas market driven by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the on-going war. These gas increases feed directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas.

Price setting by electricity suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base.

ESB eCars has informed my Department that unfortunately, sustained higher wholesale energy costs throughout Europe means that they continue to experience a very substantial increase in the cost of wholesale electricity, which must be passed onto their customers. ESB eCars has endeavoured to keep their prices under constant review in the coming months.