High volume power delivery prices a big factor electric charge point roll out in Laois

The operation of public electric vehicle charging stations  in Laois is facing the challenge of high supply costs, according to a senior official Laois County Council official.

The high cost of charging was flagged at a meeting between Laois County Council officials and councillors where it was also revealed that data is being gathered from a pilot charge point in Portlaoise with a view to installing new charge points in other parts of the county.

Cllr Ollie Clooney, Independent, asked about the cost of EV charging points.

Laois County Council’s Director of Services Donal Brennan replied.

“Chargers can be costly; not the machine but for the electricity supply,” he said.

He explained that a so-called three phase supply was needed for the charging stations. A three-phase circuit provides greater power density.

“It’s a high volume three phase and you get charged a lot for that,” he said.

He added that there are companies other than the ESB planning to roll out charging stations. He said one firm wants to convert telephone kiosks but he said these may be slower.

Cllr Clooney said the ESB can afford to play a bigger role.

“They have to step up to the plate and subsidise these. They are making huge profits without any increase,” he said.

The Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District was also told that a pilot EV charging point has been installed in the public car park outside county hall and is currently available for use by plug-in electric and hybrid vehicle owners.

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Mr. Farhan Nasiem, Acting Senior Executive Engineer in the roads section, added that the performance of this unit is being monitored to establish usage patterns. This performance of this station is being monitored to establish usage patterns. This data will inform future roll out plans for EV charging points around the county.

He was replying to a motion from Cllr Conor Bergin who wants more charging points to help drive tourism in Laois.