Growing numbers of drivers are looking at saving fuel by improving their driving style to lower their fuel bill - but rising energy prices mean that drivers of electric cars are also looking at reducing their car's running costs.
With the new price cap increase, electricity will cost approximately 52p per unit. However, if you charge during off-peak hours instead of peak hours, you could save up to £1,229 a year on an 80kWh battery car - that's compared to filling a petrol or diesel car.
You can also set your electric vehicle to only charge during these times with its on-screen menu or internet-enabled home charger’s-controlled charging hour features.
Here, the Mega Lease team take a closer look at how rivers of electric vehicles (EVs) can save cash.
Tip 1: Use a home charger whenever possible
One of the best ways to keep your EV charging costs down is to use a home charger whenever possible. Home chargers are usually much cheaper than public chargers, and you can often get discounts on your electricity bill by using one (see below).
If you don't have a home charger, or if you're away from home for long periods, you can use one of the many public chargers that are now available. However, it's important to note that public chargers can be quite expensive, so it's worth checking the cost before you plug in.
Tip 2: Take advantage of off-peak rates
If you're able to charge your EV during off-peak hours, you could make significant savings. Many electricity companies now offer reduced rates for electricity used during off-peak periods, so it's worth checking with your supplier to see if you could benefit from this.
Off-peak periods are usually at night or at weekends when electricity demand is lower. However, this can vary depending on your location and supplier, so it's always best to check before you charge.
Tip 3: Use a timer switch
If you're not able to take advantage of off-peak rates, you can still save money by using a timer switch to charge your EV during cheaper periods.
Timer switches are relatively inexpensive, and they can be used to automatically start and stop the charging process. This means that you can set your EV to charge during the night when electricity rates are usually lower.
Tip 4: Use a smart charger
Another way to save money on charging your EV is to use a smart charger. Smart chargers can automatically adjust the charging process to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates.
This means that you can charge your EV for less, without having to worry about manually changing the settings. Smart chargers can also be used to monitor your energy usage, so you can keep track of how much you're spending on charging.
You will need to contact your electricity supplier to have the equipment fitted so you can use a smart charger.
Tip 5: Get a discount on your electricity bill
If you charge your EV at home, you could be eligible for a discount on your electricity bill. Many electricity suppliers offer discounts or tariffs for electric car owners, so it's worth checking with your supplier to see if you could benefit from this.
Discounts and tariffs can vary depending on your location and supplier, so it's always best to check before you charge.
Tip 6: Free charging
There are around 5,000 free charging ports available in the UK, most of which are at supermarkets or garages, it's beneficial to keep these in mind for future reference. Zap-Map is an excellent service that pinpoints where all the free chargers are located, so drivers can better plan their routes for the week.
EV Owners - How to Save £££s Charging Hacks
As you can see, there are several ways that you can save money on charging your EV.
By following these simple tips, you can save money on charging your EV.
So, make sure to take advantage of them and keep your costs down.