The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500 km odyssey along Ireland’s west coast—from wind-carved Malin Head to foodie favourite Kinsale. In 2025, doing it in a fully electric car isn’t just possible—it’s the best way to experience the roar of the Atlantic, the hush of peat bogs, and the rhythm of pub sessions with zero tailpipe emissions.
Why an EV is the Perfect Vehicle for the Wild Atlantic Way
- Silent immersion: Trade engine drone for surf, skylarks and sheep bells on Healy Pass and Sky Road.
- Effortless power: Instant torque makes steep pulls like Conor Pass feel easy and controlled.
- Regenerative braking: Descents become free miles—perfect for the WAW’s rolling terrain.
- Sustainable tourism: Explore one of Europe’s most precious coastlines with zero tailpipe emissions.
Pre-Trip Planning: Make ONEEV Your Co-Pilot
1) Your digital toolkit
ONEEV brings planning, live charger data, and payments into one place:
- Intelligent route planning: Add start/end points and get smart charge stops based on your EV’s real-world range.
- Live charger map: Real-time availability across major Irish networks so you avoid detours and downtime.
- Seamless payment: Start, stop and pay in-app—no extra RFID cards or multiple accounts.
2) The golden rule: sleep where you can charge
Book accommodation with destination charging and wake up at 100%. Use the EV filter in the ONEEV stays view to find hotels, B&Bs and rentals with on-site AC charging—turning public rapid charging into an occasional top-up rather than a daily need.
3) Know your “motorway miles”
For planning at higher speeds on national roads, assume 75–80% of WLTP range as a safety buffer. In ONEEV you can tune efficiency to your car; keep a conservative mental backup in case of headwinds or detours.
EV Charging on the Wild Atlantic Way: The 2025 Reality
Ireland’s network has grown fast, and ONEEV gives you a single interface to operate it.
- Universal access: Use ONEEV across major providers including ESB eCars and high-power hubs like IONITY.
- Town-by-town rapids: Expect reliable 50 kW options in hubs like Donegal, Sligo, Westport, Clifden, Tralee and Killarney.
- 150 kW+ hubs: Perfect for a 10→80% “refill” in roughly 20–30 minutes.
Mindset: Graze, don’t gorge. Top up over coffee, lunch or a scenic wander—then enjoy an overnight AC charge where you stay.
The Route: Stage-by-Stage Itinerary
Use ONEEV to plan each day’s leg and pre-check charger availability before you roll.
Stage 1 — Northern Headlands (Donegal)
Route: Malin Head → Slieve League → Donegal Town
ONEEV strategy: This is your remotest stretch. Start with a full battery from Letterkenny or Donegal Town. Use ONEEV to confirm range for peninsula loops and to spot backup rapids on your return.
Don’t miss: The 600 m sea cliffs at Slieve League.
Stage 2 — Surf & Bay Coast (Sligo, Mayo, Galway)
Route: Donegal Town → Sligo → Westport/Achill → Galway City
ONEEV strategy: Plenty of coverage. Stop in Sligo or Westport before Achill. Overnight in Galway gives you flexibility for Connemara the next day.
Don’t miss: Keem Bay on Achill; Galway’s street buskers and trad pubs.
Stage 3 — Cliff Coast & The Burren (Clare)
Route: Galway → Cliffs of Moher → Shannon Estuary
ONEEV strategy: Destination chargers at the Cliffs of Moher make a perfect park-and-charge. Rapid options in Lahinch give you a quick boost before heading south.
Don’t miss: Limestone pavements of the Burren; a session in Doolin.
Stage 4 — Southern Peninsulas (Kerry & Cork)
Route: Tralee → Dingle → Killarney → Ring of Kerry → Kinsale
ONEEV strategy: Killarney and Tralee are robust charging hubs. Book a Killarney stay with AC charging; tackle the Ring of Kerry as a relaxed day loop.
Don’t miss: Slea Head Drive; views from Moll’s Gap; a seafood finale in Kinsale.
Want the official route overview and inspiration? See the Wild Atlantic Way site.
Suggested 7-Day EV Road Trip Plan
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Day 1: Derry/Londonderry → Malin Head → Letterkenny (overnight charge)
Day 2: Slieve League → Donegal Town → Sligo
Day 3: Sligo → Westport → Achill Island → Galway (overnight)
Day 4: Galway → Connemara loop → Galway
Day 5: Galway → Cliffs of Moher → Lahinch/Ennis
Day 6: Ennis → Tralee → Dingle → Killarney (overnight charge)
Day 7: Ring of Kerry → Kenmare → Kinsale
Adjust for pace and weather. ONEEV lets you reshuffle stops as you go, with live charger status and costs.
Best EVs for the Wild Atlantic Way
- Tesla Model Y/3: Stellar efficiency and range simplify longer hops.
- Kia EV6 / Hyundai Ioniq 5: Superb 800 V charging makes 150 kW+ stops incredibly quick.
- Škoda Enyaq / VW ID.4: Comfortable cruisers with family-friendly space.
Any modern EV will do the job with ONEEV’s planning, live pricing and universal payments.
What Does Charging Cost?
Prices vary by provider and speed. In ONEEV, every charger shows live price per kWh before you plug in, so you can choose based on location, speed and cost.
What to Pack for an EV Road Trip
- Type 2 cable and your portable charging kit
- Windscreen cloths (Atlantic spray is real!)
- Phone mount and spare USB-C/Lightning cables
- Waterproofs and layers—weather changes fast
- Snacks for scenic charging stops
Charging Etiquette on the WAW
- Share fairly: Don’t occupy a rapid charger beyond 80% unless necessary.
- Park, then roam: Start charging, then enjoy your stop—don’t sit in the car if it’s safe to explore.
- Report faults: Use ONEEV to flag issues so the next driver benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need special cards or multiple apps?
- No. With ONEEV, you can find, start, stop and pay for sessions across major networks with a single account.
- Is public charging easy to find on the route?
- Yes. ONEEV shows live availability and directs you to suitable chargers on your path, from town-centre rapids to high-power hubs.
- Is a 3-pin “granny” charger OK at a B&B?
- Ask permission if it’s your only option, but prefer AC wallboxes. Better yet, book stays with on-site charging using ONEEV’s filters.
- What if weather or detours affect range?
- Plan with a buffer (75–80% of WLTP), check live options in ONEEV, and top up opportunistically during meals and visits.
Your Adventure Awaits
In 2025, the question isn’t “can you drive the Wild Atlantic Way in an EV?”—it’s “when do we leave?”. Download ONEEV, explore live coverage on our charging network page, and turn every stop into part of the journey with ONEEV rewards.