Decarbonising transport remains central to Ireland’s climate targets. Passenger cars alone account for almost half of transport emissions, and national policy aims to have over 845,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road by 2030. After a period of slower uptake in 2024 due to shifting incentives, EV adoption has regained momentum—registrations in September 2025 were 73% higher than the previous year. As more drivers make the switch, the role of Ireland’s forecourts is evolving rapidly.
Forecourts at the Heart of Communities
Guaranteed Irish members Applegreen, Certa and Circle K play a vital role across the country. Beyond supplying fuel and convenience services, they support local jobs, sustain regional economies, and foster a sense of place within the communities they serve. Their evolution in response to new mobility trends reflects a Guaranteed Irish belief that our members have the ability to affect positive change in the communities in which we live. Seeing these forecourts embrace sustainability, invest in future-ready infrastructure, and continue to prioritise local impact demonstrates these values in action.
Adapting to a Changing Market
The shift to EVs has required forecourts to rethink how they serve customers.
Applegreen has focused on ensuring that charging is both reliable and intuitive. “Having trained staff available 24/7 to assist with EV-related queries has strengthened customer confidence, making charging convenient and dependable,” the company notes. By pairing widespread charging infrastructure with quality on-site amenities, Applegreen aims to help customers transition to electric mobility smoothly.
Certa has prioritised simplicity and accessibility. Their network allows customers to pay directly with a bank or credit card—no app, no account, no barrier. “The convenience has been very well received, and customers are positive about their charging experience at Certa,” they explain. It’s a small shift that reflects a core insight: making EV charging familiar encourages broader adoption.
For Circle K, integrating EV charging into the broader forecourt experience has been central to their approach. Rather than treating charging as a standalone task, the company has designed it to fit seamlessly within the overall customer journey. As Circle K explains: “Our priority is to make charging quick and convenient, while also allowing customers to enjoy the forecourt experience — from quality food and barista coffee to Wi-Fi and comfortable facilities — so that the stop becomes a positive pause, not just a wait.”
Navigating Challenges
While progress is strong, the rollout is not without challenges.
Applegreen highlights the pace of technological change and the need to continually adapt. Maintaining momentum means continuously exploring new ideas, from Plug & Charge (ISO15118) technology to battery storage systems that ease grid constraints.
Certa points to the complexity and cost of connecting chargers to the ESB network, which can delay deployment. By investing in higher-speed chargers (180 kWh), they aim to ensure a reliable and efficient experience despite infrastructural hurdles.
Circle K similarly notes that high infrastructure costs and grid capacity constraints remain key challenges. The company continues to work closely with policymakers and grid operators to address these structural barriers and enable a smoother, faster national rollout.
All three agree: scaling Ireland’s EV network requires long-term investment, planning, and collaborative problem-solving at pace.
Planning for the Future
Each business is taking proactive steps to ensure future readiness.
Applegreen is continuing to expand its charging network across Ireland, the UK and the US, focusing on reliability, consistency, and customer experience.
Certa’s Energy Forward strategy is focused on integrating renewable energy and future-proofing infrastructure. Solar PV already powers some of their chargers, and their flagship Liffey Valley site demonstrates how efficient, high-speed charging can align with sustainability goals.
Circle K is progressing its development of Ireland’s only fully solar-powered EV charging network, directly aligning forecourt infrastructure with national decarbonisation targets and enabling genuinely low-carbon journeys.
Collaboration is Key
All three companies stress the importance of partnership. Applegreen points to innovations such as Plug & Charge, private wire connections, and energy storage solutions as areas where sector-wide collaboration can accelerate EV infrastructure rollout and improve the user experience.
Certa emphasises the role of public-private partnerships and government grants in expanding the national charging network, particularly to underserved areas. These collaborations can fast-track deployment, ensuring the country’s EV infrastructure keeps pace with growing demand.
Circle K notes that lessons from collaboration are now informing the rollout of its own high-speed charging network, designed to deliver a seamless, reliable, and premium experience for drivers nationwide.
Advice for EV Users
- Applegreen encourages drivers to understand their typical weekly mileage—most drivers require just one charging session per week.
- Certa recommends visiting high-speed flagship sites to gain confidence in what modern EV charging now looks like.
- Circle K suggests using route-planning tools and viewing charging time as an opportunity to take a short break and recharge personally.
A Collaborative Future
Ireland’s forecourts are proving that traditional businesses can adapt and innovate in response to changing mobility needs. By working together, investing in sustainable technologies, and keeping the customer experience front of mind, forecourts are playing a pivotal role in the nation’s transition to electric mobility. Their efforts illustrate the spirit of Guaranteed Irish values—supporting communities, driving sustainability, and fostering innovation.
Discover how Guaranteed Irish members are combining sustainability with impact and see how your business can join them in supporting other businesses that support Ireland.
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