One of the popular selling points of electric vehicles is their low total cost of ownership. This, in part, comes from the cost of charging the battery being low compared with the high cost of gas. However, you can save even further on the cost of charging.
This article shows you exactly how you can keep your charging costs down as much as possible.
Watch out for opportunities to charge for free
Many public establishments offer free EV charging as perks. Some hotels offer it just as they offer free Wi-Fi, parking and their continental breakfast. Malls, too, are also increasingly installing public chargers. Take advantage of the free charging to top up your battery while you are in or around the premises. Plan your hotel stays where you can charge for free if you are on a trip. Pick your favorite restaurant among those that offer free EV charging.
Charge at home during off-peak periods
Utility companies often charge less during off-peak periods due to lower demand. Schedule you’re charging during those optimal time slots. In many places, evening electricity supply falls within off-peak periods, so you only have to make a mental note to plug in overnight, and you wake up to a full battery at a reduced cost. If charging on weekends is cheaper, plan for a full charge on those days and top-up on other days.
Look for electricity plans that are targeted for EV owners
Some electricity plans are marketed towards owners of EV’s. They are usually cheaper than other rates. If you are in a place where energy is deregulated, use energy-plan comparison websites to search for one that suits you. You could score a rebate or discount that leads to significant savings. Don’t be afraid to switch if necessary, as the cost of breaking your contract will usually be outweighed by the potential savings.
Use regenerative braking as much as possible
Many modern EVs offer one-pedal driving, which helps convert some of the energy generated during braking into electricity that will be stored in your battery. You may need to get used to it, but it is worth the effort as it helps top up your battery.
Avoid charging your battery in the first or last 20 percent
Your battery takes more time and energy to charge from 0 to 20 percent and 80 percent to 100 percent. Try to keep your battery level between 20 and 80 percent to minimize the electricity consumed during your charging session if you do not need the full 100 percent. You can set your car to stop charging at 80 percent by using smart chargers. You are even helping your battery health too.
Charge when your battery is neither too hot nor too cold
The most common EV batteries use lithium-ion chemistry and do not perform well during charging at either temperature extremes. Avoid charging under direct sunlight as the temperature of your battery may have risen and cause inefficient charging, requiring more energy than usual.
Explore renewable energy options
You can keep your charging cost down by installing solar panels. Apart from being a green energy source, solar panels produce power for less money and last decades. You may even qualify for some tax credits or incentives, making it cheaper to set up your solar panels. The cost of solar installation keeps dropping, so you may be surprised that the current price is not out of your budget.
Maintain your EV
Simple maintenance can save you some money on charging. For example, keep your tire pressure within the recommended range. This information can usually be found on the inside of your car door.
Cutting the cost of your charging is not difficult if you are willing to accept a few lifestyle adjustments.
One other thing that is not difficult to do is installing your home charger if you let the experts handle it. Our professional team at http://clickelectricusa.com/ will help you select the best charging equipment for your EV and make recommendations that will allow you to charge at home with no stress. Call us today for a FREE estimate (877) 858-5853.