A dynamic electricity tariff changes the unit price through the day, so the cheapest charging time can move. It is different from a fixed EV boost plan with the same discounted hours each night. Before switching, check your usage, supplier terms and whether you can actually shift charging when prices change.
What changed in Ireland in June 2026?
The CRU's consumer guidance describes a dynamic price tariff available from June 2026, with half-hour electricity prices linked to wholesale conditions and a standing charge. Suppliers publish the following day's prices through their apps or accounts. The guidance describes capped prices, but you must check the exact cap and terms in your own offer.
Overnight can be cheaper, but the daily pattern depends on demand and renewable generation. A fixed assumption that 02:00 is always cheapest is insufficient for a changing-price plan.
Can my charger follow the changing prices automatically?
Check explicit manufacturer and supplier support for your exact charger, vehicle, account and region. A timer that starts every night at the same time is scheduling; it does not prove that tomorrow's prices are read or optimised. Wi-Fi, an app, solar control or the word “smart” does not establish a particular supplier integration.
If no supported integration exists, you may be able to review next-day prices and set a suitable schedule manually. Choose a departure target and retain enough time to charge, including times when the cheapest half-hours do not provide all the energy required. Avoid conflicting vehicle and charger timers. Use the equipment's owner guide.
How much energy can I move?
At a steady 7.4 kW a half-hour buys at most 3.7 metered kWh; at a vehicle-limited 3.6 kW it buys 1.8 kWh. Actual charging may be interrupted or slower. A car needing 30 metered kWh cannot receive it in one cheap half-hour. Compare all the slots the session needs, not only the single lowest published price.
How do I compare a dynamic offer with a fixed boost plan?
- Use a full period of household half-hour consumption where available, with a realistic future EV allowance.
- Check how much use you can shift without missing departures or changing essential household needs.
- Apply the proposed unit price to each interval, then add standing charges, levies and other fees.
- Compare against the fixed offer's actual time bands and discount duration.
- Test an expensive-price period and the weeks when you cannot shift charging.
Do not forecast a year's bill from one unusually cheap day. The current calculator supports selected fixed smart tariffs and an editable single rate. It does not ingest tomorrow's dynamic prices or your half-hour meter file. For a dynamic scenario, enter an energy-weighted price from your own analysis and keep the limitation explicit.
What should PHEV and apartment drivers check?
A PHEV's smaller battery may offer flexibility, but its AC limit still determines the energy available in each slot. Include petrol in annual driving costs. In apartments and workplaces, first establish who controls the supply, charging schedule, access and bill; a domestic offer cannot simply be applied to a shared commercial connection.
Read the PHEV guide, fixed night-rate setup and reviewed electricity-plan comparison. Ask the supplier to confirm meter compatibility, billing, price notifications, caps and exit terms before changing plan.
Ready to plan an installation?
For your own driveway or dedicated home parking, start a home assessment. Save your details and upload the property photos when ready. We check the supply, permissions and cable route before you book or pay. Compare current installed prices and grant terms. The installation price is paid upfront; an eligible SEAI grant is claimed separately after installation. Obtain grant approval before eligible expenditure or work.
For apartments, workplaces or shared commercial parking, use the short business enquiry. Tell us the site type, parking and intended users so we can identify the next survey or permission step.
Sources and worked examples reviewed 12 November 2026. Supplier offers and public charging prices can change. Follow the linked official terms and replace example inputs with your own figures.