OVO Energy has launched a ‘type of use’ tariff for electric vehicle (EV) charging that offers a flat rate of 6p/kWh at any time of day.
The OVO Drive Anytime tariff is designed to protect drivers from fluctuating electricity prices, utilising Kaluza’s AI technology to do so. Live data on energy pricing, the weather and local network constraints is used to shift EV charging away from peak times to capture the greenest and cheapest electricity on the market.
This ability to change EV charging patterns in real time provides “vital support” to network operators as they manage peaks on the grid, according to the company.
“Our intelligent software is designed to give EV users the energy they need, precisely when they need it, at the lowest environmental impact, and now at a guaranteed price that saves them money,” Marzia Zafar, head of strategy and policy at Kaluza, explained.
The offering is in contrast to most EV tariffs currently on the market, OVO said, which typically require an EV to charge at certain times of day to access cheaper, off-peak rates.
These ‘time of use’ EV tariffs have been launched by the likes of Good Energy, EDF and ScottishPower among other suppliers.
OVO, meanwhile, said the pricing offered through its tariff has the ability to save consumers as much as £200 on charging their car each year compared with the average cost of electricity on a standard tariff.
Jessica Tan, managing director of OVO Smart Home, added that the “pioneering proposition” will enable hassle free charging, with “no more worrying about high energy peak prices or when to plug and unplug”.
The first phase of the tariff is being launched now, with plans to expand it to more customers later in 2021.
