First ESB electric car fast-charge point opens in Monaghan

26 May 2011

ESB ecars and Topaz have today opened Ireland’s first electric vehicle fast-charge point at a Topaz service station in Coolshannagh, Co Monaghan. By the end of this year, ESB ecars is aiming to install 30 fast charge points across Ireland.

Back in April, ESB ecars entered into agreements with Topaz, The Maxol Group and Lidon to roll out fast-charge points in service stations across Ireland from May.

ESB says these fast-charge points will enable drivers to ‘power up’ electric cars from zero to 80pc of their capacity in less than 30 minutes, thus making it easier for drivers of electric cars to undertake longer journeys.

As well as featuring a fast-charge point, the Topaz service station in Coolshannagh on the N2 motorway in Co Monaghan will also have a standard electric car charge point.

ESB ecars is now planning to install fast-charge points at a Topaz service station in Cashel, followed by a Topaz site in Cork City, a Topaz site in Athlone and another in Cavan by the end of June 2011.

A Memorandum of Understanding has also been signed between ESB ecars and Topaz for fast charging in an additional 10 service stations. Standard charge points will also be installed at these locations. Other planned fast charge point installations include Monasterevin in Co Kildare and Navan in Co Meath.

The clean transport drive

Speaking at today’s launch, Paul Mulvaney, ESB ecars, said the increasing number of fast-charge point locations would help to promote the wider adoption of electric cars in Ireland.

“The fast-charge point network supports journeys between urban centres and fast charging at service stations fits with the motorist’s existing driving patterns,” he said.

Andrew Graham of Topaz added: “Topaz is delighted to be working with ESB ecars on this exciting venture and is looking forward to expanding our existing electric vehicle fast-charger infrastructure.”

By the end of 2011, ESB ecars aims to make 1,500 public charge points available across Ireland as well as installing 2,000 home charge units, with the latter being dependant on e-car sales.

An ESB ecar or a Nissan LEAF will set you back around €30,000 net of the Government’s electric vehicle grant scheme, which offers a €5,000 subsidy.

To see a video of the ESB ecar in action, and to hear an interview with ESB’s Paul Mulvaney, click here.

The Green Economy 2011

Business & Leadership will be hosting The Green Economy 2011 on the morning of 31 May at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin.Visit the event’s website or contact Niamh Carwood for more information.

Carmel Doyle was a long-time reporter with Silicon Republic

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