Sustainability

Circle K are the leading provider of forecourt fast-charging solutions in Ireland with up to 39 sites offering fast charging solutions. We have been working with the ESB since 2011, partnering with them to deliver fast-charging solutions network so customers can rest assured they will have their car charged on a Circle K forecourt in the quickest time available.

Not only do we have the largest network of EV chargers, we are also partnered with cutting edge providers to ensure the fastest and most efficient charging for your EV. Our latest additions to the network are in partnership with Ionity. These are the fastest available charge points in the country with charge capacity of up to 350Kw.  That’s the equivalent of boiling over 100 kettles at the same time or 350 100W light bulbs - https://ionity.eu/en/design-and-tech.html

We currently have Ionity chargers at six sites Circle K Gorey on the M11, Circle K Athlone on the M6, Circle K Kill North and Circle K Kill South on the N7, Circle K Cashel on the M8 and Circle K City North on the M1. We will be rolling out more EV charging points over the coming years to make EV charging more accessible to our customers. Click here to use our site locator to find your nearest Circle K EV charging point.

​​​​​​Research

As part of our commitment to sustainability in Ireland we have commissioned new research to get the Irish publics views on electric vehicles. The report found that over half of Irish motorists believe they will be driving electric vehicles by 2030.

• Over half (53%) of Irish motorists say they will be driving an electric vehicle (EV) by 2030 to reduce CO2 emissions
• Two in five would consider switching to an electric vehicle within the next three years, with almost two thirds (64%) of 18-24-year-olds considering the switch
• Over two fifths (43%) will rely on forecourts for access to EV charging facilities in the future
• Three quarters (74%) feel that more needs to be done to educate people about electric vehicle adoption.

Electric vehicles are seen by most (70%) Irish motorists as playing a significant role in reducing Ireland’s level of greenhouse gas emissions. Perhaps it’s no surprise then, that EV sales continue to increase and over half (53%) of Irish motorists say they will be driving an electric vehicle by 2030.

The research also found that forecourts will continue to play a significant role in powering Ireland’s transport needs, with over two fifths of motorists saying they will rely on forecourts for access to EV charging facilities in the future. Circle K is preparing for this future and currently has EV charging points located at more than a quarter of its company owned sites nationwide, with more being added over the coming years. 

Recharging

Circle K’s expanding network of EV charging points will also help the 56% of motorists who feel the current charging infrastructure would not meet their needs if they switched to an EV. This was the primary reason given for not making the switch, followed by the expense of purchasing an electric vehicle (37%), lack of knowledge of electric vehicles (16%) and range anxiety (15%).

With over a quarter (29%) of motorists not having access to a dedicated parking spot at their home to charge an electric vehicle, 43% say they will rely on forecourts for access to charging facilities in the future. The research also revealed that only 42% of adults are aware of their nearest charging station, with just under half (47%) saying it is within 5km. Dubliners also feel they tend to live closer to a charging station with 57% saying one is less than 5km away, which falls to 42% for Munster and 36% for Connacht and Ulster. 

Over half (55%) of motorists are concerned that having to charge an electric vehicle will be awkward and time consuming. When it comes to charging times, 58% of all adults think it takes less than two hours to charge an electric vehicle, with most (27%) thinking that it takes one to two hours to fully charge.

The research found that due to range, recharging and the greater public transport options over two thirds (68%) of adults agree that electric vehicles are more suited to urban dwellers.