Electric Ireland Smart Living


Home Electric+ Night Boost

It’s cheaper to charge your EV at home and it’s important for you to shop around to find the best electricity plan that suits both your needs and lifestyle. More and more people, especially EV drivers, are looking for a plan that offers them cheaper ‘off peak’ charging rates.

Mobile device showing energy usage by appliance.

A man's hand plugging in his Electric Vehicle for charging.

Are you an Electric Vehicle driver?

If you’re an EV driver with a smart meter installed in your home, we recommend Home Electric+ Nightboost as an ideal plan for you. Charge your EV for half the price at night time Vs the daytime rate and take advantage of the super low boost period between 2-4am.


Home Electric+ Night Boost
(Electricity unit price breakdown)

Rate Hours Rate (per kWh)
Day 08:00 - 23:00 38.16c
Night 23:00 - 08:00 18.82c
Night Boost 02:00 - 04:00 11.05c

The table above is up to date as of Nov 1st 2023. Prices are exclusive of VAT.




EV charging cost savings with Home Electric+ Night Boost

A chart showing EV charging key data.


Table shown above is up to date based on 1st May 2023 and subject to change. €381 cost based on EV driver on Home Electric+ Night boost tariff only charging their EV during ‘boost rate' period from 2am - 4am. Cost per charge is €1.77. Based on 215 charges over 1 year.




How much will I spend charging my EV?

Car Type Battery Size 80% Charge 80% Driving Range EV Charge Time to Charge Charge Cost (Night Rate) Charge Cost (Boost Rate) Total Cost
Nissan Leaf 40kWh 32 mins 216 km 7.4 kW 4 Hours €3.59 €1.81 €5.40
VW ID4 52kWh 42 mins 282 km 7.4 kW 6 Hours €5.59 €1.81 €7.40
Kia Niro 65kWh 52 mins 308 km 7.4 kW 7 Hours €7.73 €1.81 €9.54
Skoda Enyaq 80kWh 64 mins 408 km 7.4 kW 9 Hours €10.26 €1.81 €12.08

The table above is up to date as of May 1st 2023.




Take advantage of the Night Boost rate

Getting into good EV charging habits is recommended, like plugging in when you get home. But don’t worry, charging won’t begin until the time you’ve scheduled. By charging each night at the super boost times (from 2-4am), you can add roughly 82km of range to your EV for just under €2.

This method is the most economical charging behaviour and can deliver a cost per km of 2.5c, in comparison to 9.5c for an equivalent diesel car. (Calculations based on VW ID4 with average efficiency of 18kWh/100km)

A woman plugging in his electric vehicle for charging highlighting the eco-friendly aspect of electric transportation.

Residential rooftops adorned with solar panels for renewable energy for homes.

What about Night Boost for Solar?

Home Electric+ Night Boost is not just ideal for EVs, it works great with Solar PV panels and Solar Batteries too. Enjoy low-cost electricity at night and produce your own free electricity during the day. If you have, or are looking to install a Solar Battery, you can charge this battery at an ultra-low cost from 2-4am for use during the day (perfect for the darker Winter months). And through the Micro Generation scheme, we pay you 21c per kWh for any excess solar power that you export back to the grid, this will show as a credit on your electricity bill.

Don’t have a smart meter yet?

If you don’t yet have a smart meter yet you can avail of great rates on our Day & Night Meters night plans, like Electricity NightSaver & Gas.


Father and son playing a video game sharing smiles and bonding over gaming fun.




What else do I need to know?

Night Boost FAQs

1. I live in an apartment and drive a EV; is Night Boost the right plan for me?

It’s worth noting that Smart Meter plans like Home Electric+ Night Boost may not suit everyone, like those living in high rise buildings or apartment blocks. A small proportion of smart meters experience connectivity problems (with sending automatic meter readings) which can prove problematic for those living in apartment block basements and high-rise buildings. Something to be aware of if you are an EV driver considering signing up to Home Electric+ Night Boost.

2. I’m interested in Home Electric+ but don’t have a smart meter yet. When will my smart meter be installed?

ESB Networks are managing the rollout of smart meters nationwide on a phased basis. It is anticipated by the end of 2024 that every home, farm and business will have a smart meter installed. Further information about the rollout can be found on the ESB Networks website.

3. How much will I save charging my EV at home Vs on the public network?

By charging your EV on the Boost rate during 2-4am, you will save 70% on charging your EV compared to charging on day rate.

4. How do I make sure my EV is charging only at low-cost boost rate?

Most EV home chargers and EVs themselves, can set charging schedules on their respective smartphone apps.

5. Are Electric Ireland the only supplier to offer a tariff with a low boost rate overnight?

Other suppliers have offers like this, but others will charge a premium rate at peak consumption times of 5pm to 7pm. Electric Ireland does not penalise customers and do not increase price during this time when many households have no option to reduce electricity use at this time I.e. cooking food, washing clothes etc.

6. How does Night Boost tariff benefit me if I have battery storage with Solar panels?

During the darker months September to March, any electricity generated by your solar panels will normally be used in the home I.e., there will be little or no excess power to charge your battery. Many customers schedule their home batteries to charge during 2-4am at the boost rate of 12.65c. By doing so, they can then use this low-cost electricity stored in the battery to power their home during the day. This is sometime known as “grid shifting.” During brighter months of April to September, a home battery will generally be charged by free electricity from your solar panels and there is no need to charge it overnight from the grid.

7. What other ways are there to make savings using Night Boost tariff?

Simple behavioral changes can make the most of the tariff too. Electric Showers (Instant hot water): If the electric shower is used 3 times per morning after 8am, the annual cost will be about €300 per year. If you can ensure that the showers are completed by 8am, you will save 50% or €150. Hot Water using Electric Immersion: If you have a timer on your hot water immersion heater, by scheduling immersion to run from 2-4am, it is possible to save over €100 per year.

Key Performance Indicators