The leading green energy company ScottishPower has launched a new initiative aimed at helping electric vehicle (EV) drivers save money on home charging in celebration of World Electric Vehicle Day.
Its EV Optimise add-on allows customers to choose to charge their car at home during periods of low demand on the United Kingdom (UK) electricity grid, resulting in savings on their electricity bill.
ScottishPower’s customer business currently has over 10,000 EV customers and has installed more than 4,000 home chargers as demand for low-carbon transport grows.
EV Optimise works as an add-on to an eligible ScottishPower tariff, benefiting customers with a monthly credit on their electricity bill when they allow the company to remotely manage their home vehicle charging.
With EV Optimise, customers can charge their car for as little as two pence per mile, which is approximately six times cheaper than the cost of petrol.
Using the ScottishPower app, drivers can set when they need to charge their vehicle and how much charge they require.
The company will remotely connect to the electric car and schedule charging based on when energy is cheaper and greener.
Savings from these smart charging sessions are then credited to the customer’s electricity bill.
EV Optimise allows ScottishPower customers to charge at a reduced rate day and night, meaning they can benefit from lower EV charging rates regardless of their lifestyle.
Andy Mouat, Director of Smart Mobility at ScottishPower, explains: “We want to make the transition to EVs as seamless as possible and ensure our customers continue to benefit from owning or leasing a low-carbon vehicle.”
“Through EV Optimise, customers can opt in, plug in, and let us handle the rest. We’ll ensure charging happens during the most economical and eco-friendly times, passing the savings on to our customers,” he adds.
EV Optimise can be added to any ScottishPower tariff, except Time of Use tariffs.
It is available to new or existing customers who have a home EV charger, a smart meter, choose to pay by direct debit, agree to half-hourly readings, and are registered with the app.
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