ESB raises public EV charging prices again and launches Charge Smart plan
By Eve
ESB increased prices across all its charger types, including public charging rates and customer plans, from 2 November, citing continued rises in wholesale electricity costs. It was the second increase in public rates after one in July, according to RTÉ. ESB also introduced a subscription plan called Charge Smart offering discounted rates outside peak periods, while new battery electric registrations in October reached 1,092, up 55% from 706, and 36,270 so far this year, up 57% from 23,082.
Why it matters
Repeated price rises from Ireland's largest charging provider show how wholesale energy costs are feeding straight into tariffs, which matters for anyone modelling site revenue or bidding on pricing terms. The push towards off peak plans signals that demand shaping is becoming a commercial lever, and registrations are still climbing, so network load will keep growing.
Source
- Original title
- “ESB increasing its public EV charging rates again”
- Published
- 4 November 2026
- Updated
- 5 November 2026
In this story
- Topic
- EV Charging
- Place
- Ireland
- Tag
- ESB
Related news
InstaVolt agrees national charging framework with Whitbread for Premier Inn sites
InstaVolt has signed a national framework with Whitbread PLC, owner of Premier Inn, to install ultra-rapid charging across its UK estate. It follows InstaVolt's acquisition of 228 GeniePoint locations from Equans, including charging at more than 100 locations linked to the Whitbread estate. Existing Premier Inn chargers will be upgraded with new ultra-rapid technology, enhanced grid connections where required and improved signage, and charging will be open to the wider public as well as hotel guests, across a brand with more than 845 hotels in the UK and Ireland.
Why it matters
A single framework covering a large hotel estate shows how host groups are consolidating site access with one operator, which narrows the pipeline of open destination sites for rival CPOs. Grid upgrades at existing sites also point to continued demand for connection and electrical works.
Volkswagen subsidiary Elli to phase out its own home wallboxes and focus on digital and energy services
In an interview published by electrive on 3 November, the head of Elli, the Volkswagen group subsidiary, said the company will gradually withdraw from the charging hardware it makes or sells under its own name. It will concentrate on digital and energy services such as apps, charging control and energy related offers. Existing wallboxes will see no change to use, customer service or maintenance, and remaining stock will be sold before new orders stop, with no single last order date given in the published material.
Why it matters
A major automaker backed brand stepping back from residential hardware leaves space for other wallbox suppliers and shows value shifting towards software and energy services. Buyers and installers who specified Elli units should confirm support and stock availability, as supply will vary by retailer and will not last indefinitely.
Volkswagen · Elli · Source
DNV publishes independent review to support lenders assessing EV charging expansion in Spain and Portugal
DNV has carried out an independent review intended to help lenders assess an EV charging platform and its planned expansion in Spain and Portugal. It covered charging equipment, software and cyber security, network performance, operating arrangements, site rollout and grid connections, and tested the business plan against operating data, market forecasts and sector benchmarks. The review flagged matters for continued monitoring as the network grows, including equipment reliability, permitting, grid connections, cyber security and actual charger use.
Why it matters
Lenders are looking beyond charger installation numbers to evidence on reliability, connection and permitting risk, and credible demand assumptions. CPOs seeking debt finance should expect this kind of technical diligence and be ready to back their business plans with operating data and benchmarks.