Are EV electricity tariffs worth it in Ireland?

By The Bord Gáis Team - Published 18 April 2026

The shift to electric vehicles in Ireland feels like a natural next step. More environmentally friendly, quieter driving and the promise of cheaper running costs all make a compelling case. With recent fluctuations in fuel prices, it can also feel like you are taking control back by moving towards EVs.

But once you start looking at comparing electricity plans for your EV, things can seem a little less straightforward.

EV tariffs are often positioned as the key to unlocking real savings. Charge your car overnight, pay a fraction of the usual rate and reduce your overall electricity bill. It sounds simple. 

In reality, whether an EV tariff is actually worth it depends on how closely your lifestyle matches how these plans are designed to work. This is where most people either win or lose.

In this article:

• What is an EV electricity tariff?
• How EV tariff savings actually work
• The trade-offs to consider with EV tariffs
• When EV electricity tariffs are worth it
• When EV tariffs may not deliver savings
• Comparing EV electricity tariff options
• How to maximise savings on an EV tariff
• The future of EV electricity tariffs in Ireland
• Know your power: Key EV tariff takeaway

What is an EV electricity tariff?

At its core, an EV tariff is a type of time-of-use electricity plan. Instead of paying the same rate all day, your electricity price changes depending on when you use it.

The defining feature is a low-cost overnight window, often referred to as a “Night Boost” period. With Bord Gáis Energy’s EV plan, for example, electricity can drop to around 7.45c per kWh between 2am and 5am. Compare that to typical daytime rates of 25c to 40c per kWh and the potential savings become obvious.

This pricing is made possible by smart meters, which track when electricity is used, not just how much. Without a smart meter, these tariffs simply do not work.

So the idea is simple. Shift your EV charging into that cheap overnight window and your cost per kilometre drops significantly.

How the savings actually work

Charging an electric vehicle uses a meaningful amount of electricity. A typical EV battery might require 40 to 70 kWh for a full charge and an average driver in Ireland could use around 150 to 200 kWh per month just for driving.

If you are paying:

• Around 35c per kWh during peak times, versus
• Around 7c to 10c per kWh overnight on an EV tariff

The difference is substantial.

Over a month, that can mean savings of €30 to €50 just on charging. Over a year, that becomes hundreds. Compared to petrol or diesel costs, the gap widens even further.

But those savings only materialise if you consistently charge at the right time.

The trade-offs you need to consider

This is the part that is often overlooked.

EV tariffs are not simply cheaper plans. They are structured differently and that structure comes with trade-offs:

• Higher standing charges - Sometimes, these tariffs may have higher standing charges.
• Higher peak rates (5pm - 7pm) - This may make evening electricity usage more expensive.
• Moderate day rates - Typically sitting between standard smart tariffs and flat-rate plans.

So while your EV charging might be very cheap, the rest of your electricity use may not be.

This is why the “best” plan with the highest discount is always tied to behaviour.

When EV tariffs are worth it

There is a clear profile where EV tariffs deliver strong value for those who avail of them. 

They most benefit the following user profiles:

You charge at home regularly

If most of your charging happens at home, you can take advantage of the cheapest rates.

You can reliably charge overnight

If your car or charger allows scheduled charging between 2am and 5am, you are maximising the tariff.

You drive a reasonable distance each year

The more you drive, the more you charge and the more you benefit from lower rates.

You are mindful of peak-time usage

If you can reduce electricity use during 5pm to 7pm, you avoid the most expensive rates.

In this scenario, the savings are not just theoretical. They are very real.

When EV tariffs may not deliver

There are also clear situations where EV tariffs can underperform or even cost more.

You cannot stick to overnight charging

If you regularly charge during the day or evening, you lose the main benefit.

Your household uses a lot of electricity in peak hours

Cooking, heating, showers and general evening usage can become more expensive under an EV tariff.

You rely on public charging

Public chargers in Ireland can cost 54c to 66c per kWh, which is far higher than home charging. If you are not charging at home, an EV tariff offers little value.

You drive very little

If your annual mileage is low, your EV charging costs are already minimal. In this case, the higher standing charge may outweigh any savings.

Your home energy use is high outside EV charging

If most of your electricity use is unrelated to your car and happens during the day or peak times, other tariffs may suit you better.

Comparing your options

Bord Gáis Energy outlines four main types of plans, each with a different use case:

Smart EV tariff

Best for EV owners who can charge overnight. Highest potential savings, but only if used correctly.

Standard smart tariff

Offers lower peak and day rates with decent night rates. A strong all-round option if your usage is flexible but not EV-focused.

Smart All Day plan

A flat rate regardless of time. Simpler and more predictable, ideal if you do not want to think about when you use electricity.

Smart Weekend Plan

Our Weekend smart plan charges you a night rate all weekend, with day, night and peak pricing on weekdays so you can shift usage to cheaper times.

Each plan solves a different problem. The key is choosing the one that fits how your home actually runs.

How to maximise savings on an EV tariff

If you are considering switching, a few practical steps make a big difference:

Start by understanding your electricity usage. Look at when you use energy, not just how much.

Compare full tariff details, not just the headline EV rate. Standing charges and peak rates matter.

Use smart charging features. Most EVs and chargers allow you to schedule charging automatically.

If you have solar panels or a home battery, think about how they integrate with your EV charging habits.

And most importantly, review your plan regularly. Energy pricing is changing and what works now may not be the best option in a year.

The bigger picture: where EV tariffs are heading

As Ireland continues to increase its use of renewable energy, EV tariffs are likely to evolve.

EV owners will play a growing role in how the electricity grid is balanced. Charging behaviour will not just affect your bill, but also how efficiently the system runs.

Final verdict on the value of EV tariffs

So, are EV electricity tariffs worth it in Ireland?

For many drivers, yes. Especially those who charge at home, drive regularly and can stick to overnight charging habits.

But they are not automatically the cheapest option.

The real value comes from alignment. If your lifestyle fits the structure of the tariff, the savings can be significant. If it does not, a standard smart tariff or flat-rate plan may actually leave you better off.

The difference is not in the plan itself. It’s in how you use it.

Find a plan that suits your needs with Bord Gáis Energy.