Get the most out of your EV charger
EV Charging July 27, 2023
EV chargers are making their way into a growing number of Kiwi homes, but it can be tough to keep up with the fast flying terminology and advancements. So let's get you up to speed on how to get the most out of your charge.
Switch on, off peak
One of the easiest ways to save money on EV charging is to do it overnight. Many power companies offer discounted plans between 9pm and 7am, when the national electricity grid is less busy. Energy is fed to your EV in kilowatts (kW) and is stored in your battery as kilowatt-hours (kWh). Less demand for electricity means charging up overnight gets you further for a lower cost.
Off-peak power isn't just cost-effective, it's generally cleaner too. Off-peak power is more likely to be produced by renewable energy sources like wind, solar and hydroelectric. Peak hour power is more likely to be produced by fossil fuels. So, by charging at the most convenient time, you can save money and reduce your environmental impact at the same time.
Explore home charging solutions to get even more out of your charge
Off-peak power is more likely to be produced by renewable energy sources like wind, solar and hydroelectric.
Shop for the best deal in town
If you're looking to save money on charging your EV, it's worth shopping around for a good deal.
With the Z EV at home plan you don't just get half price rates at night (between 9pm to 7am), you can also charge for free between 3am to 6am.*
*Free hours and half price rates at night do not apply if you have a separately priced controlled meter (such as for hot water).
How can I make the most of these free hours?
The average commute for a New Zealander is 25-35km so as an EV driver, the goal is to replenish that amount of battery in the three free hours. That's where fast charging comes in handy.
If you have an AC fast charger, like Evnex's home charging 7.4kW unit, you can add up to 40km of range to your EV's battery in just one hour. This means you can easily fill up your battery for your daily commute during your free power hours or even recover a full charge overnight at our cheaper off-peak rates. For 25-30km of daily driving, charging an EV costs about 30 cents per litre of petrol. Over a year, that's the equivalent of $2000 saved.
Charge smarter, not harder
Smart chargers, like those provided by Evnex are a great way to make the most of off-peak (otherwise known as time-of-use or TOU) discounts. These chargers work by regulating your charge for you, so you don't have to worry about using more energy than you need to, or getting up in the night to turn it on.
Smart chargers are connected to the Wi-Fi and can be checked on via an app, so you stay in the know wherever you are.