Study Reveals Wicklow Is Struggling With EV Charging Infrastructure

Wicklow ranks among Ireland’s counties with limited EV charging infrastructure, highlighting the need for expanded support as electric vehicle adoption grows.

Wicklow drivers may face challenges when it comes to electric vehicle (EV) charging, according to research from insurance comparison site Chill Insurance.

The study, released following the Department of Transport’s announcement of €9.9 million in funding for EV charging hubs nationwide, highlights counties where public charging access is most limited.

Wicklow in the Top 10 for Lowest EV Charger Availability

The analysis ranks Wicklow alongside counties like Leitrim, Cork, and Dublin in terms of public charging scarcity.

With just 1 charger per 10,000 residents, Wicklow sits at the lower end of the scale, underlining a clear need for expanded infrastructure to support the growing number of EV owners.

For context, Leitrim is the worst-served county with only 0.6 chargers per 10,000 people, while Dublin has 0.8.

Larger counties such as Kildare, Galway, and Limerick share Wicklow’s rate of 1 charger per 10,000 residents, showing that the challenge of EV accessibility is not limited to rural areas.

How Wicklow Measures Up for EV Ownership

Despite its lower charger density, Wicklow ranks 9th nationally for EV ownership, with 936 registered electric vehicles, supported by 16 public chargers and 12 dealerships.

While this places the county ahead of some others in total EV numbers, the infrastructure still struggles to match demand, particularly as more drivers make the switch to electric.

By comparison, Westmeath tops the national index, balancing EV registrations, chargers, and dealerships per 10,000 residents, making it the most supportive county for EV drivers.

Government Incentives and EV Insurance

The Irish Government continues to promote EV adoption with incentives including SEAI grants of up to €3,500 and home-charging subsidies of €600.

Meanwhile, Chill Insurance data shows that the Hyundai Ioniq EV Premium is currently the most affordable EV to insure, averaging €488 per year, while Tesla models remain the priciest at over €750 annually.

Expert Advice for New EV Drivers

Ian O’Reilly, Head of Personal Line Sales at Chill Insurance, advises Wicklow drivers making the switch to EVs to pay attention to key safety and usage tips:

Adjust to acceleration:

EVs respond more quickly than petrol or diesel cars.

Plan your range:

Be mindful of battery levels on longer journeys.

Charge safely:

Use approved home chargers, avoid extension leads, and handle public chargers carefully.

Stay alert:

EVs are quieter than conventional cars, so extra vigilance around pedestrians is essential.

As Wicklow’s EV population grows, investments in charging infrastructure will be crucial to ensure local drivers can enjoy the benefits of electric mobility without facing frustrating delays or accessibility issues.

For the full study and county-by-county breakdown, visit Chill Insurance’s EV Index......

https://www.chill.ie/blog/the-irish-ev-index/