SSE Energy Services has become the latest supplier to launch an electric vehicle (EV) tariff, allowing drivers to charge for free.
The ‘1 Year Fix and Drive’ tariff is, as the name suggests, a one-year fixed tariff that gives EV drivers up to 2,000 kWh of electricity for free per year, provided they charge their car overnight. For the purpose of the tariff, SSE classifies overnight as midnight to 7am.
All electricity for the tariffs will be matched with 100% renewable energy, the supplier said. The offering is to be available to both new and existing customers and available with no exit fee.
However, a smart meter is needed for the tariff so the overnight energy usage can be tracked by SSE, with consumers having up to 60 days to arrange installation from taking out the tariff.
It’s the first EV tariff launched by SSE, which has previously supplied power for EV charging network Source London and earlier this year committed to electrifying its fleet by 2030.
Other suppliers have been quick to launch EV offerings, including the likes of ScottishPower, E.On and OVO.
OVO is currently in the process of acquiring SSE’s retail division, a move which, if cleared to proceed by regulatory bodies, will cost the group £500 million.
Many suppliers have also taken their offerings a step further to provide end-to-end charging solutions, providing a tariff, chargers and often the vehicles themselves in a single bundle.
Stephen Forbes, managing director of SSE Energy Services, said SSE aims to make using EVs “even more convenient”.
“We know that the majority of EV owners charge their car at home as this is the easiest way to keep their battery topped up.
“We hope this new tariff will help the growing number of electric vehicle owners across the country reduce their carbon footprint and take control of their bills, too.”