What is smart EV charging and how does it work?

Smart EV chargers and smart tariffs are becoming the most popular option for cost-conscious EV drivers. But what exactly are smart EV chargers? And how do they work?

We cover all the must-know details about smart EV charging: 

• What is smart EV charging?
• How does smart EV charging work?
• What are the benefits of smart EV charging?
• Do I need a smart EV charger?

Smart EV charging is generally done at home. It optimises your charging by communicating with the grid and other connected devices, including your smartphone and home smart meter.

The charging is typically optimised based on the time of day, real-time electricity prices, and your EV battery percentage. So you can plug your car in and control your charge from anywhere, charging at the cheapest times, without the manual back-and-forth of standard chargers. In short, smart EV charging lets you take advantage of the cheapest, greenest energy, all automated by a synced-up tech system. 

Smart EV charging only works with compatible smart chargers (like the new Octopus Charge). Smart chargers use intelligent algorithms to optimise the charging process based on your personal preferences. For example your desired charge level and when you need the car to be charged by.

Once you've set your preferences, the smart charger automatically stops and starts your car’s charging. It continuously monitors electricity prices and attempts to charge only when rates are at their lowest, while making sure your car hits your target % by the time you’ve set.

You can also set a smart charger to take advantage of renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, by storing renewable energy and using it to charge your car at optimal times. You typically control smart charging remotely with an app on your smartphone or laptop, you'll simply need an active wifi connection.

The smart EV charging process in five simple steps:

Step 1: Set your preferences (e.g. your desired charge level and the time by which you want it charged) on your smartphone or wifi-enabled device.

Step 2: Your smart EV charger schedules charging based on your preferences and when electricity prices are lower.

Step 3: Plug your EV into your smart EV charger.

Step 4: Your EV charges at the optimal time and is ready to use when you need it.

Step 5: Drive off smug in the knowledge that you’ve benefitted from the cheapest rates and helped balance the grid.

The glaring benefit of smart charging is cheaper electricity costs. When your smart charger takes advantage of lower prices during off-peak hours, you'll naturally save money on your energy bills.

But, there are other benefits to smart EV charging:

1. It’s convenient: Smart chargers can be programmed to charge your car at times most convenient to you. Simply set your preferences and continue with your day.
2. Improved reliability: Smart chargers provide real-time information on the charging process, so you can be confident your car is getting the power it needs, when it needs it.
3. Reduced emissions: Smart chargers help reduce emissions by optimising the charging process and taking advantage of renewable energy sources when available. According to research, integrating renewable energy with smart charging can significantly lower your car carbon footprint.
4. Grid stability: Smart chargers can help stabilise the grid by providing accurate information on demand and avoiding charging during peak demand times. This reduces the need for expensive grid infrastructure updates and improves overall electricity system efficiency.
5. Optimised range performance: Smart chargers help optimise the range and performance of your EV by keeping the battery charged to the manufacturer's recommended level, extending battery lifespan.

You can use any EV charger as long as it's compatible with your car. But there are substantial benefits to smart charging, particularly when paired with EV-specific energy tariffs.

If you're considering installing an EV charger at home, you'll need to consider factors such as:

• The type of charger that suits your needs
• Compatibility with your car
• Compatibility with your energy provider (especially if you're interested in an Intelligent EV tariff)

Yes, to take full advantage you’ll need to switch to an EV-specific home energy tariff. Octopus Energy offers the UK’s popular EV tariff, Intelligent Octopus Go. With this tariff, your car will automatically charge when electricity is greenest and cheapest, usually between midnight and 6am. Instead of paying peak rates, you could save £100s vs a standard tariff.

Want to learn more about electric car charging? Visit our EV Charging Hub for additional resources.