ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 37 Industry News ESB Launches Shared EV eHubs Pilot in Dublin Suburbs ESB has launched a 24-month pilot project introducing three dedicated electric vehicle (EV) eMobility hubs— dubbed eHubs—in Malahide, Sandyford Business Park, and Swords. In partnership with Fingal County Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, and leading car share operators GoCar and Yuko, the initiative aims to boost access to sustainable transport solutions. Each of the eHubs features ESB EV charging infrastructure and two shared electric vehicles, available for public use via GoCar and Yuko’s existing New collaboration brings car sharing to Malahide, Sandyford Business Park, and Swords in push for sustainable transport booking apps. The pilot is part of ESB’s broader innovation agenda to support low-emission transport and help communities transition to greener mobility options. “This project is about making electric mobility accessible and practical for everyone,” said Donal Phelan, Head of Innovation at ESB Group. “By collaborating with local authorities and car sharing providers, we’re building a model for connected, sustainable urban transport.” If the pilot proves successful, it could serve as a blueprint for wider rollout across the country. eHub Locations Map To assist users in locating the new eHubs, ESB provides an interactive map of all its public charging points, including the shared EV hubs. You can access the map here: https://esb.ie/what-we-do/esbehubs Additionally, the eHubs are situated at the following locations: Malahide: Beside the train station. Swords: Chapel Lane. Sandyford Business Park: Within the business district. Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme The €500 million Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme aims to encourage homeowners to invest in energy upgrades to make their homes warmer, healthier and more comfortable, with lower emissions and lower energy bills. The scheme, which launched in April of last year, is the first of its kind in Ireland and supported by SEAI and the EIB Group. The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme was designed with the needs of homeowners in mind, ensuring that access is simple and speedy with an emphasis on reducing the workload for homeowners. It provides unsecured loans (no requirement ർEasier access to low-cost loans in communities across Ireland. ർGovernment-backed loans available to 267,000 members across 28 branches. for the loan to be secured against the property being upgraded) ranging from €5,000 to €75,000, with repayment terms of up to 10 years. These loans help homeowners to carry out energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, such as insulation and heat pumps, that are also grantaided by the SEAI. Once approved, the loans can be drawn before works begin. This gives certainty to homeowners that they have the funds for the planned energy upgrades as well as any up-front costs or 'milestone' payments. The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is also available from PTSB, AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Avant Money in partnership with An Post. 7 credit unions have recently joined the home energy upgrade loan scheme and are open for applications. Clonmel Credit Union, Connect Credit Union, First South Credit Union, Listowel Credit Union, Naomh Breandan Credit Union, North Midlands Credit Union, and Progressive Credit Union.
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