Electric car users in the United Kingdom may be missing out on potential annual savings of up to £168 million on their energy bills by not adopting smart tariffs, according to a recent study conducted by EV charging technology company Easee.
The analysis revealed that a significant portion, 28%, of EV drivers in the UK continue to charge their vehicles during peak hours instead of taking advantage of off-peak periods with smart tariffs. By switching to smart tariffs, drivers could save between £265 and £372 per year, depending on their charging requirements.
This oversight amounts to a nationwide total of £168.2 million in unclaimed savings, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. Smart tariffs offer varying electricity rates throughout the day, with lower prices during off-peak times and higher rates during peak hours.
Sam Levy, the UK sales director at Easee, emphasized the benefits of transitioning to smart tariffs for EV drivers, highlighting the potential for substantial cost savings and reduced environmental impact. By opting for off-peak charging times, drivers can significantly reduce their annual energy expenses while also contributing to grid demand management.
Easee currently operates over 82,000 charging stations in the UK and 900,000 units across Europe, aiming to enhance the accessibility of EV charging infrastructure throughout the continent.
Recent research by Motability Operations revealed that the average distance from UK households to a public charger is nearly 12 minutes. This disparity in charging infrastructure accessibility, with longer walking times in some regions like the East of England compared to London, could deter potential EV adoption, especially as the UK government plans to ban new petrol and diesel vehicle sales by 2030.
Improving local charging infrastructure will be crucial in encouraging more drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles in line with the government’s environmental goals.
