Charging Smart: How off-peak hours can benefit EV users

 

Charging your electric vehicle (EV) at the right time can greatly reduce charging costs. By strategically planning when to charge, EV users can take advantage of lower electricity prices and save a significant amount of money. In Finland, the most cost-effective time for off-peak charging is typically during the late night and early morning hours, when electricity demand is lower, and prices are at their lowest. By utilizing smart charging strategies, EV owners can not only save a significant amount of money but also contribute to a more balanced and efficient use of the power grid.

What is off-peak charging?

Off-peak charging is mostly referring to charging your EVs when the power demand is low. The off-peak charging often happens when sleeping or less-power using time like late evening or early morning. Therefore, many utilities offer favorable rates and beneficial prices to customers so as to encourage them to shift their charging time to those periods. Shifting the charging time from peak hours to off-peak is an eco-friendly approach that helps to balance the power grid in an efficient and sustainable way. 

Why off-peak charging is the game changer?

Off-peak charging brings a bundle of benefits to the EV charging sector. These are three main following benefits that off-peak charging brings:

Cost Savings

It cannot be denied that the essential benefit of off-peak charging is the reduction in electricity costs. Many electric companies offer time-of-use(TOU) rates, meaning that the price that you pay for electricity will vary depending on the time of the day. The price is low during the off-peak hours, usually on weekends or during night time.Charging at this time can help you to save a substantial amount on your energy bill. 

For instance, in some regions, charging your EV overnight can cost as little as half of what it would during peak daytime hours. For an average EV user who charges their vehicle daily, this could result in hundreds of dollars in savings annually.

Environmental Benefits

Charging your car during off-peak hours not only lowers electricity costs but also supports a more sustainable energy system. During off-peak periods, electricity demand is lower, reducing the strain on the grid and the need for additional energy production from non-renewable sources. While renewable energy like solar and wind power isn’t directly tied to specific times of day, off-peak charging often aligns with periods when these resources are more readily integrated into the grid. By contrast, during peak demand times, utilities may rely more heavily on non-renewable sources such as coal or natural gas to meet the increased energy needs, which leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing off-peak charging, you help optimize energy use, support cleaner energy integration, and contribute to reducing overall carbon emissions.

Prolongs Battery Life

Charging during peak-off hours can help prolong battery life by providing stable electricity from a less strained power grid, reducing the risk of voltage fluctuations and overheating. Cooler conditions and slower charging during these hours are gentler on the battery, minimizing wear over time. Additionally, modern devices often support scheduled charging, aligning with off-peak times to optimize battery health. Charging at these times also reduces energy costs while promoting more efficient and consistent power use.

How to set up the off-peak charging mode?

To enable off-peak charging, there are several easy following steps will help you: 

  • Step 1: Navigate to your device’s charging settings, either through the app or the control panel.
  • Step 2:  Look for the “Charging Mode” option and select off-peak charging. 
  • Step 3: Set your preferred time slots when electricity rates are lower, typically during the night, and save your settings.

Once set up, your device will automatically charge during those hours, helping you reduce energy costs and make more efficient use of power.

At KotiCharge, we offer flexible charging modes to automate charging without the need to use the mobile app. These modes help improve users’ experiences based on their preferences. To experience the off-peak charging from KotiCharge, EV users can choose the option “ From Midnight”. The From Midnight is similar to the auto-schedule mode with the main difference that charging will automatically begin at 12:00 AM which is often when electricity rates are at their lowest, and continue until the car is fully charged. This option is designed for users who want to avoid power payment cost (tehomaksu), as it is not applicable during the night. Moreover, users can take advantage of cheaper off-peak energy rates without having to manually initiate charging in the middle of the night. 

 

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Contact: info@koticharge.com