EDF now provides least expensive in a single day EV charging charges and extends off-peak hours
Energy providers are flocking to push their electric vehicle charging rates as millions of motorists shoulder higher prices at the pumps as a result of conflict in the Middle East.
EDF has today launched the ‘cheapest’ off-peak EV charging rates on the market, starting from 6.49p/kWh.
It said the lowest off-peak rate available from a competitor, Octopus Energy, was 8p/kWh.
EDF customers on any of its tariffs can get an extra two hours of off-peak charging every night, with the new window offering cut-price energy between 11pm and 6am, rather than the previous midnight to 5am.
The enhanced EV tariffs aim to incentivise the switch to zero emission vehicles as a cheaper option than petrol and diesel vehicles.
Drivers using a standard 7kW home charger for the seven hours of off-peak charging could add around 200 miles to their range, EDF said.
EDF said its EV customers could now charge their EV overnight for under £7, adding that for an average motorist, charging with its GoElectric plan while using the Smart Charging bolt-on could help drivers save £1,181 a year compared to petrol.
Decent deal? On Wednesday, EDF claimed it had launched the ‘cheapest’ off-peak EV charging rates on the market
If petrol prices rise by a further 19p per litre in the next month, EDF estimates that its EV customers could save £1,345 a year compared to petrol-driving motorists.
The extended hours offer is available to both new and existing EDF customers with an EV already on its GoElectric and Pod Point Plug & Power bundle.
To be eligible for the EV tariffs with EDF, customers need to have a fully connected smart meter and opt in to half-hourly meter readings.
EDF said its tariffs were compatible with all EV vehicles, irrespective of their make or model.
EDF claimed demand for its EV tariffs had jumped 32 per cent annually.
It said interest in EV motors had increased amid higher petrol and diesel prices sparked by war across the Middle East.
Joe Souto, director of retail at EDF, said: ‘We’re making it simpler and more affordable to power our customers’ car and home every night.’
‘By choosing an EDF EV tariff and flexing their energy use, households can help reduce the strain on the grid by using electricity when it’s less in demand.’
There are typically two types of EV charging tariffs, namely two-rate tariffs, that offer cheaper electricity overnight, or add-on tariffs, where you can only charge your car on the cheaper rate. Exit fees can apply in some cases.
Providers such as Scottish Power, Octopus Energy, E.on and Ovo also offer EV tariffs.
The rapid acceleration in motoring costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East has triggered interest towards EV motors as households turn to a more affordable way of driving that is not affected by oil price surges.
Autotrader, the UK’s largest car buying platform, said it has seen a 28 per cent increase in EV interest since the war began.
Data suggests the cost of many EVs is going down, making them more appealling to consumers.
On Tuesday, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: ‘Diesel has now climbed to an average of 182.77p a litre which means the cost of filling a typical 55-litre family car has breached £100 (£100.52) for the first time since early December 2022.
‘With petrol now at 152.83p, a full tank is setting drivers back £84.’
