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Louth Ranks 3rd Worst in Ireland for Public EV Charging Network

Louth Ranks 3rd Worst in Ireland for Public EV Charging Network

Louth Ranks 3rd Worst in Ireland for Public EV Charging Network
Louth Ranks 3rd Worst in Ireland for Public EV Charging Network

Ardee News and Sport Louth Ranks 3rd Worst in Ireland for Public EV Charging Network

Recent analysis by Geotab, a global leader in connected transportation solutions, has revealed that Co. Louth ranks third from the bottom nationally for the availability of public EV charging infrastructure. This highlights a significant challenge for the county as it strives to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Over the past decade, 1,485 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) have been sold in Louth, but with only 65 public chargers available, the county has one charger for approximately 23 BEVs. This ratio places Louth among the least-equipped counties in Ireland for EV infrastructure, just ahead of Waterford (26 BEVs per charger) and Meath, which ranks last with one charger for every 36 BEVs sold.

In stark contrast, counties such as Kerry lead the way, with an impressive one charger for every six BEVs, followed by Longford and Mayo, which also boast favorable ratios. The disparity underscores the uneven distribution of EV charging infrastructure across the country, despite Ireland’s progress in expanding its national network.

Challenges for EV Adoption

Charging anxiety remains a key barrier to the widespread adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles, prompting many consumers to opt for hybrid cars. In fact, hybrid vehicle registrations grew by 24% in the first 11 months of this year alone. While the majority of EV owners rely on home charging, the availability of public chargers plays a crucial role in giving drivers the confidence to undertake longer journeys or extended use, particularly for taxis and families.

Progress on the Horizon

Despite these challenges, there are positive signs. Earlier this year, the Government unveiled its National Road EV Charging Network Plan, committing to installing recharging stations every 60 kilometers. Additionally, Ireland’s largest high-power charging hub, IONITY Charlestown, recently opened with 12 350kW CCS units, showcasing the potential for rapid network growth.

Geotab’s analysis also points to encouraging trends, with the Irish EV Association noting plans to triple the scale of EV infrastructure by the end of 2025 compared to pre-2023 levels. Over 80 planning applications for fast charger sites are currently in progress, further signaling the potential for improved accessibility nationwide.

Expert Opinion

Phil Barnes, Geotab Business Development Manager for Ireland & UK, commented on the findings:

“Public chargers are a crucial piece of infrastructure that provides peace of mind to EV users. Whether it’s a taxi driver on a long shift or a family traveling cross-country, knowing there’s access to a reliable charger is essential. While the data highlights some gaps, the rapid expansion of Ireland’s charging network is a positive step forward.”

Looking Ahead

The disparity in EV charger availability, with counties like Louth and Meath lagging far behind leaders such as Kerry, highlights the need for targeted infrastructure investment in under-resourced regions. As lower-cost EV models like the Citroën Ami (€9,990) hit the market, demand for public chargers is only expected to rise.

The focus now turns to ensuring an equitable distribution of charging infrastructure across Ireland, paving the way for a seamless transition to zero-emission transportation.

Geotab’s Analysis of Public EV Charging Infrastructure vs. BEV Sales

The table below highlights the ratio of public EV chargers to the number of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) sold over the past decade in each county, illustrating disparities in charging infrastructure availability across Ireland:

This analysis emphasizes the challenges faced by counties like Louth, Waterford, and Meath, which have some of the highest ratios, compared to infrastructure-rich counties like Kerry, Longford, and Mayo.