Save money and reduce carbon emissions with EV charging

EV savings: a quick overview

Switching to an Electric Vehicle (EV) is more than just a smart financial decision—it’s a commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. This page breaks down the cost and environmental benefits of EV ownership, helping you understand how much you can save while contributing to a cleaner Ireland.

Whether you're considering making the switch or already own an EV, discover how Bord Gáis Energy can make charging smarter, cheaper, and greener.

EV charging vs. petrol: annual cost comparison

The table below presents a comparison of the annual costs of driving 15,000 km in an average petrol car versus an average electric vehicle (EV) in Ireland, based on February 2025 fuel prices.

Vehicle Type

Vehicle Type

Distance driven annually

Distance driven annually

Cost per km

Cost per km

Annual cost

Annual cost

Vehicle Type

Petrol car

Distance driven annually

15,000 km

Cost per km

€0.0951

Annual cost

€1,427.10

Vehicle Type

Average EV

Distance driven annually

15,000 km

Cost per km

€0.0176

Annual cost

€264

Annual savings: By switching to an EV, a driver in Ireland could save approximately €1,163.10 per year on fuel costs alone.

Example journey calculation:

200 km trip:
- Petrol car: 200 km × €0.0951/km = €19.02.
- EV: 200 km × €0.0176/km = €3.52.

ℹ️Assumptions and calculations

Assumptions:

Average EV consumption: 189 Wh/km (EU average).
Electricity cost: €0.0931 per kWh (Bord Gáis Energy's standard EV charging rate).
Average petrol car fuel consumption: 5.2 litres per 100 km (Ireland's average for new thermal cars in 2022).
Petrol price in Ireland (February 2025): €1.8302 per litre.

Calculations:

EV annual cost:
- Electricity consumption per km: 0.189 kWh/km.
- Cost per km: 0.189 kWh/km × €0.0931/kWh = €0.0176/km.
- Annual cost: €0.0176/km × 15,000 km = €264.
Petrol car annual cost:
- Fuel consumption per km: 0.052 litres/km.
- Annual fuel consumption: 0.052 litres/km × 15,000 km = 780 litres.
- Annual fuel cost: 780 liters × €1.8302/litre = €1,427.10

Sources for calculations:

Disclaimer: These calculations are based on average consumption figures and current energy prices. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on vehicle model, driving habits, and road conditions. The petrol price used is an average for February 2025 in Ireland and may fluctuate over time. Electricity costs are based on Bord Gáis Energy's standard EV charging rate; rates may differ among providers.

EV charging cost comparison: Home charging vs public charging

The table below compares the cost per 100 km for various EV charging options, assuming an average consumption of 189 Wh/km (EU average).

Note: Bord Gáis Energy’s EV price plans offer a reduced electricity unit rate between 2am and 5am, specifically designed for overnight EV charging. In contrast, ESB public charging rates apply at any time of day.

Charging type

Charging type

Rate per kWh (€)

Rate per kWh (€)

Cost per 100 km (€)

Cost per 100 km (€)

Notes

Notes

Charging type

Home charging

Rate per kWh (€)

0.0931 (Bord Gáis Energy's EV plan unit rate without discount, 2am and 5am)

Cost per 100 km (€)

1.76

Notes

Cheapest option; depends on home electricity rates.

Charging type

ESB ecars Membership (Standard)

Rate per kWh (€)

0.47

Cost per 100 km (€)

8.90

Notes

Requires €4.79 monthly fee.

Charging type

ESB ecars Membership (Fast)

Rate per kWh (€)

0.52

Cost per 100 km (€)

9.80

Notes

Overstay fees apply after 45 minutes.

Charging type

ESB ecars Membership (High Power)

Rate per kWh (€)

0.54

Cost per 100 km (€)

10.20

Notes

Overstay fees apply after 45 minutes.

Charging type

ESB ecars Pay As You Go (Standard)

Rate per kWh (€)

0.52

Cost per 100 km (€)

9.80

Notes

No monthly fee, but higher initial top-up (€20).

Charging type

ESB ecars Pay As You Go (Fast)

Rate per kWh (€)

0.57

Cost per 100 km (€)

10.80

Notes

Higher rate; overstay fees apply after 45 minutes.

Charging type

ESB ecars Pay As You Go (High Power)

Rate per kWh (€)

0.59

Cost per 100 km (€)

11.20

Notes

Most expensive; overstay fees apply after 45 minutes.

Annual cost comparison: Home charging vs Pay As You Go (Standard)

For an annual mileage of 15,000 km, here’s how the costs compare:

Charging type

Charging type

Cost per 100 km (€)

Cost per 100 km (€)

Annual mileage (15,000 km)

Annual mileage (15,000 km)

Yearly cost (€)

Yearly cost (€)

Charging type

Home charging (Bord Gáis Energy's EV plan unit rate 2am–5am)

Cost per 100 km (€)

€1.76

Annual mileage (15,000 km)

15,000 km

Yearly cost (€)

€264

Charging type

ESB ecars Pay As You Go Standard

Cost per 100 km (€)

€9.80

Annual mileage (15,000 km)

15,000 km

Yearly cost (€)

€1,470

Key insights:

Home charging: Costs just €1.76 per 100 km, adding up to €264 annually for 15,000 km.
Pay As You Go (Standard): Costs €9.80 per 100 km, leading to an annual cost of €1,470.
Savings: By charging at home, you can save approximately €1,206 per year compared to Pay As You Go (Standard).

For regular EV users, charging at home, especially during the EV night rate window (2am–5am), offers significant savings. Public charging is best suited for occasional or emergency use.

Carbon savings: driving towards a cleaner future

Switching to an Electric Vehicle (EV) and charging with Bord Gáis Energy’s ultra-low EV rate significantly reduces your carbon emissions. Over time, these savings add up to a substantial positive impact on the environment.

Here's a comparison between the average petrol car and an average EV in terms of energy consumption and CO₂ emissions:

Vehicle Type

Vehicle Type

Energy consumption per 100 km

Energy consumption per 100 km

Annual CO₂ emissions (kg)

Annual CO₂ emissions (kg)

CO₂ savings over 1 year (kg)

CO₂ savings over 1 year (kg)

CO₂ savings over 20 years (kg)

CO₂ savings over 20 years (kg)

Vehicle Type

Average petrol Vehicle

Energy consumption per 100 km

5.2 litres of petrol

Annual CO₂ emissions (kg)

1,912.5

CO₂ savings over 1 year (kg)

—

CO₂ savings over 20 years (kg)

—

Vehicle Type

Average EV

Energy consumption per 100 km

18.9 kWh

Annual CO₂ emissions (kg)

789.75

CO₂ savings over 1 year (kg)

1,122.75

CO₂ savings over 20 years (kg)

22,455

By driving electric for 20 years, you could save approximately 22.5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

ℹ️Assumptions and calculations

We've used the below assumptions and calculations for the table above.

Average Petrol Vehicle:

CO₂ Emissions: 2.31 kg CO₂ per litre of petrol.
780 litres × 2.31 kg CO₂/litre = 1,912.5 kg CO₂ annually.

Average EV:

CO₂ Emissions: 0.29 kg CO₂/kWh.
2,835 kWh × 0.29 kg CO₂/kWh = 789.75 kg CO₂ annually.
CO₂ savings: 1,912.5 kg - 789.75 kg = 1,122.75 kg CO₂ per year.
20-year savings: 1,122.75 kg × 20 = 22,455 kg (22.5 tonnes).20-year savings: 1,122.75 kg × 20 = 22,455 kg (22.5 tonnes).

Power your EV for less with Bord Gáis Energy

Switching to an Electric Vehicle (EV) is not just about driving electric—it’s about driving smarter. With Bord Gáis Energy’s dedicated EV plan, you can enjoy ultra-low overnight charging rates, helping you save money and reduce your carbon footprint

Why switch to EV charging with Bord Gáis Energy?

Dedicated EV Rate

Charge your EV for as little as 6.33 cent per kWh during the ultra-low EV charging window (2am-5am).

Significant savings

Reduce your annual driving costs by switching from petrol or diesel to electricity.

Environmentally friendly

Help lower Ireland’s carbon emissions by driving and charging electric.

Convenient charging

Charge at home overnight and wake up to a fully powered vehicle, ready for the day ahead.

Get an EV charger quote

Visit Local Heroes to receive a free quote for a Hive EV charger (EO Mini Pro 3).

EV charger guide

Discover how to choose the right EV charger for your home and ensure safe, efficient charging.

EV plan comparison

Learn about how EV plans compare to standard smart tariffs and how much you could save by switching.