As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity, it’s critical to get the most out of your EV driving experience and make sure charging is hassle-free. You could enhance your experience as an EV owner, save money, and help create a more sustainable future by implementing a few smart habits. These pointers will help you maximise the benefits of an electric vehicle and streamline the charging process.
- Utilise Smart Charging Stations
The way we charge our EVs has been revolutionised by smart charging stations. Advanced features like scheduling, remote monitoring, and smartphone app payment choices are provided with these stations.
- Scheduling: To take advantage of off-peak electricity pricing, schedule your charging sessions to begin and end at particular times.
- Remote monitoring: Use your smartphone to monitor your charging status from any location and make sure you always know how much battery life your car has left.
- Payment options: To expedite the procedure and do away with the necessity for paper payments, pay for your charging sessions via practical app-based methods.
- Take Advantage of Off-Peak Rates
Lower electricity rates are often available from several utility companies during off-peak hours, usually overnight. You can reduce your electricity bills by planning your EV charging sessions to take place during these hours.
- Establish charging timers: To charge your EV during off-peak periods, use the built-in scheduling functions on your EV or download smart charger apps.
- Track variations in rate: To optimise your savings, be aware of the peak and off-peak hours for your utility company.
- Explore Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology
With the help of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, EVs can both draw power from and release it back into the grid as needed. During times of high demand, this innovative feature might assist stabilise the grid and even bring in credits or income for you.
- Support system stability: You can help create a more solid and stable electrical infrastructure by returning energy back into the system when demand is high.
- Earn credits: To further enhance the advantages of owning an EV, certain utility companies such as AcetwAGl may provide cash incentives or credits for taking part in V2G programs.
- Optimise Route Planning
Optimising your EVs driving range and reducing the amount of time it takes to charge it is essential. Make use of built-in navigation systems or EV-specific route planning apps that take energy efficiency, traffic patterns, and the availability of charging stations into account.
- EV route planning apps: To identify the best routes with easy charging points, use apps like PlugShare or A Better Routeplanner.
- Features of the navigation system: Use the navigation system on your EV to get up-to-date information and suggestions on the best routes to take when travelling.
- Monitor Energy Usage
Optimising the efficiency and range of your electric vehicle requires regular monitoring of its energy use and charging habits. Utilise third-party apps or onboard diagnostics to learn more about your consumption patterns.
- Energy consumption tracking: Keep track of how much energy your EV uses under various driving conditions and modify your manner of driving accordingly.
- Modify your charging pattern: Utilise the information to improve your charging routine and timetable so that your car is always prepared for your next journey.
- Consider solar power
If it is possible, think about installing solar panels to generate clean electricity for your home’s EV charging needs. Your carbon footprint can be reduced and your dependency on the grid may be reduced with this renewable energy source.
- Home solar installation: To generate sustainable energy, consider installing solar panels on your house.
- Cost savings: Producing your own electricity can save you a lot of money on energy costs over time.
- Explore Incentives and Rebates
Look into any potential subsidies, rebates, or incentives for installing or upgrading your EV charging infrastructure. Financial incentives are provided by numerous governments and utility companies to promote the use of EV and charging infrastructure.
- Research incentive programs: Research government initiatives that offer funding for EV-related costs, or read more on our NSW grants page.
- Make use of rebates to reduce upfront expenses: Apply for incentives on EV purchases or home charging station installations.
- Join Demand Response Programs
Demand response programs, which provide incentives for participants to use less electricity during periods of peak demand, are offered by several utility companies. You can get rewards for modifying your billing schedule to assist balance grid demand by signing up for these programs.
- Engage in demand response: By enrolling in initiatives that reward lowering energy use during peak hours.
- Get incentives: Participating in these programs might result in cash incentives or credits, which can help to stabilise the electricity system.
By following these suggestions, you can maximise your EV driving experience and guarantee hassle-free charging. Adopt these habits today to help create a more sustainable future while reaping the benefits of driving your EV.
Have further questions? Contact us:
sales@evse.com.au
1300 406 210
