EV charging tripled last month

SPENDING on electric vehicle charging almost tripled last month, according to analysis by AIB.

The bank published its ‘Spend Trend’ yesterday, analysing customer data to see the biggest spending habits of the past month.

In March, eco-conscious consumers spent 194% more on electric vehicle charging than they had in the same month last year. It also marked a 7% increase on the previous month.

More than €27million was spent on groceries on Easter Sunday alone, a 10% increase on 2023, while overall grocery spending increased by 6% in the month. The biggest increase in spend on groceries year on year was in Kerry (+8%), Monaghan (+8%) and Cavan (+7%).

St Patrick’s Day was busier than ever, with consumers spending 11% more than they had in 2023.

More than €7million was spent by AIB customers in pubs on March 17 last – making it the highest spending day for the sector, that month.

John Brennan, head of SME Banking at AIB said: ‘Spring is in the air with an increase in spend on homewares and clothing as we all look forward to outside living and warmer weather.

‘Easter fell in March this year and so grocery spend for the month peaked the day before Easter Sunday as people prepared for meals and gatherings in their homes and perhaps made lastminute Easter egg purchases.

‘And it’s welcome to see increased spend on electric vehicle charging as our customers continue to make sustainable choices.

‘These data insights are crucial for businesses to help them plan accordingly and support our customers in their choices.’