Types of EV chargers in Ireland: Level 1, 2 and 3 explained
Whether you're charging at home or on the road, the type of EV charger you use can make a big difference to charging speed and convenience. In Ireland, there are three main types of chargers to consider: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each comes with its own pros and cons depending on your vehicle, budget, and lifestyle.
Level 1: Plug-in charging cable
A Level 1 charger is the most basic way to charge your electric vehicle. It uses a standard three-prong plug that connects to any 230v household socket. While convenient and requiring no installation, Level 1 charging is extremely slow. Expect to get only 3–8 km of driving range per hour of charging—making overnight charging a necessity for any meaningful range boost.
Level 2: Wall-mounted EV charger
Level 2 chargers are the most common home charging option for EV owners in Ireland. These wall-mounted boxes typically connect to a 240v outlet and deliver between 7kW and 22kW of power. A Level 2 charger can fill a battery up to 80% in around 4 to 10 hours, depending on the vehicle's battery size and the charger’s output.
Installing a Level 2 charger at home usually requires a professional electrician and is eligible for SEAI grant support, making it a practical and popular choice for daily use.
Level 3: DC fast charging
Level 3, or DC fast chargers, are the fastest way to charge an EV—but they’re typically only found at public charging stations. Using direct current (DC) to bypass the vehicle’s onboard converter, these chargers deliver 50kW or more. They can replenish an EV battery from 20% to 80% in as little as 30 minutes, making them ideal for long-distance travel and quick top-ups.
Because of their high cost and electrical requirements, Level 3 chargers aren’t suitable for home use. However, they’re an essential part of Ireland’s growing public EV charging infrastructure.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
The time it takes to charge your EV depends on the charger type, power output, and the size of your vehicle’s battery. For home charging, a Level 2 wall-mounted unit is the most efficient solution. For example, charging a medium-sized 65kWh EV battery from 20% to 80% with an 11kW charger takes around 4 hours.
The table below gives an approximate guide to charging times for small, medium, and large EVs:
| EV charger level | Power output | Small EV (40kWh) | Medium EV (65kWh) | Large EV (90kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2.3 kW | 11 hours 35 mins | 18 hours 51 mins | 26 hours 5 mins |
| Level 2 | 7.4 kW | 3 hours 30 mins | 5 hours 50 mins | 8 hours 5 mins |
| Level 2 | 11 kW | 2 hours 25 mins | 3 hours 55 mins | 5 hours 30 mins |
| Level 2 | 22 kW | 1 hour 5 mins | 1 hour 45 mins | 2 hours 30 mins |
*Charging time estimates are for 20% to 80% charge and will vary depending on vehicle efficiency and environmental conditions.
