What does an electric car actually cost to run in Ireland once the brochures are put away? In this video, we break it down using real ownership data, not estimates.

Electric vehicles are often discussed in terms of claimed range and theoretical efficiency. But for anyone seriously considering the switch, the real question is simpler: what does it cost in everyday Irish driving?

This video looks at several months of real-world EV ownership using a 2025 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range, driven in typical Irish conditions.

Why We Made This Video

At Cartell, we work with real vehicle data every day. For this video, we applied the same principle to EV ownership.

Instead of relying on WLTP figures alone, the focus is on:

• Actual energy consumption
• Real charging habits
• Real costs, both public and at home

The aim is to answer a question many Irish drivers are asking: are EVs still cheaper to run?

The Car and the Official Figures

Before diving into real-world results, we outline the manufacturer’s claims for the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range:

• WLTP range of 520km
• Claimed efficiency of 13.8 kWh per 100km
• Fast charging capability of around 170kW at Tesla Superchargers

These numbers provide a useful benchmark, but they’re only part of the story.

What Real Driving Looks Like

After several months of ownership, mostly during colder and wetter weather, real-world efficiency averages around 15.85 kWh per 100km.

That’s slightly higher than the official figure, but still delivers excellent day-to-day usability. Range has not been an issue, whether for commuting or longer road trips.

The video also covers an important mindset shift for drivers moving from petrol or diesel: charging little and often, rather than filling to 100% every time.

Fast Charging: How It Works in Practice

One of the key points shown in the video is how fast charging actually behaves on longer journeys.

When stopping at Tesla Superchargers:

• Peak speeds of 180+ kW are regularly achieved
• Charging remains strong up to around 50–55%
• Short stops of around 15 minutes are often enough

This makes longer trips far more manageable than many first-time EV buyers expect.

The Numbers That Matter: Charging Costs

This is where the difference between theory and reality becomes very clear.

Public charging:

• Approximately €0.60 per kWh
• Roughly €36 for a full charge
• Around 8.8 cent per kilometre

Home charging (night rate):

• Approximately 14.1 cent per kWh
• Around €8.46 for a full charge
• Roughly 2.1–2.2 cent per kilometre

The video clearly shows how home charging dramatically reduces running costs.

Lifetime Costs So Far

Based on total energy usage of 1,043 kWh:

• Charging exclusively on public fast chargers would have cost over €600
• Charging primarily at home has cost around €150

That difference alone explains why home charging plays such a critical role in EV affordability.

So, Are EVs Cheaper to Run in Ireland?

As the video concludes, the answer is straightforward.

If you can install a home charger and use off-peak electricity, an EV can be significantly cheaper to run than both petrol and diesel vehicles, and cheaper than relying on public charging alone.

Thinking About Buying an EV?

If you’re considering an electric car, it’s also worth remembering that the used EV market in Ireland is growing quickly.

Before buying any used vehicle, always run a Cartell history check to confirm:

• No outstanding finance
• No previous serious damage
• A safe and roadworthy vehicle