As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, many drivers are discovering the benefits of low-cost charging options provided by energy suppliers like Octopus Energy. However, not everyone is fully aware of how to maximise these savings—especially those who haven’t yet invested in a dedicated EV charger. Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who drives a Tesla, and it was a real eye-opener. He was paying far more than necessary to charge his car simply because he hadn’t taken advantage of the lower rates available for EV owners. Here’s what we discussed and how you can ensure you’re getting the best deal, even without a high-powered EV charger.

The Situation

My friend, like many EV owners, was charging his Tesla using a standard mains plug. Given that he doesn’t drive many miles, this seemed like a reasonable solution—just plug in overnight and wake up to a charged battery. However, to my surprise, he was paying the standard electricity rate of around 22p per kWh, which quickly adds up.

What he didn’t realise was that, as an Octopus Energy customer, he could be paying as little as 7p per kWh by using their smart charging feature. The Octopus app is designed to connect directly with your car’s app (whether it’s Tesla, BMW, or another brand) to optimise charging times based on the lowest electricity rates. Unfortunately, my friend had attempted to set this up but found it tricky since the setup seemed geared toward those with dedicated EV chargers. So, he gave up and continued paying the higher rate.

Great Savings for Low Mileage EV Owners

For those who drive only a few miles each day, or for EV owners who haven’t yet installed a dedicated EV charger, there’s still a way to take advantage of lower charging rates. Here’s how:

• Use Smart Charging Apps: Many energy providers, like Octopus Energy, offer apps that connect directly to your car’s smart app. These apps can schedule charging during off-peak times when electricity is cheaper. Even without a high-powered EV charger, you can plug your car into a standard outlet and let the app take care of the rest.
• Optimise Charging Times: If you’re using a standard mains plug, try to charge your car overnight or during off-peak hours manually if the app setup is too complex. This way, you’re more likely to benefit from lower rates, even without the app doing it for you.
• Monitor Your Energy Usage: Keep an eye on how much you’re paying per kWh and compare it to what’s available through your energy provider’s EV tariffs. If you’re not getting the lower rate, it might be worth revisiting the setup or contacting your provider for help.

Preparing for a Dedicated EV Charger

While smart charging through a standard plug is a great interim solution, eventually, you might find that a dedicated EV charger is the way to go—especially if your mileage increases or you want to take full advantage of your energy provider’s lower tariffs.

At Smart Power Electricians, we can quickly and safely install an external socket for your immediate charging needs. And when you’re ready to invest in a high-powered EV charger, you know where to turn. We’ll ensure that your new EV charger is fully compatible with your energy provider’s lower tariffs, so you can charge your vehicle efficiently and affordably.

Conclusion

Charging your EV doesn’t have to be expensive, even if you’re not yet ready to install a dedicated charger. By taking advantage of smart charging apps and optimising your charging times, you can significantly reduce your electricity costs. And when the time comes to upgrade to a dedicated charger, Smart Power Electricians will be here to ensure you get the best setup possible.