Energy Tips, Solar & Renewables
So You’ve Just Bought an EV… Is Your Energy Plan EV-Friendly?
See what makes an energy plan EV-friendly and whether it’s right for you
Important Points
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EV energy plans offer cheaper charging during off-peak times, helping you save money when demand on the grid is lower.
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Off-peak savings can be offset by higher peak rates, so your household’s charging habits play a big role in whether you benefit.
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To sign up for an EV plan, you’ll usually need proof of EV ownership, a smart meter, and sometimes a time-of-use tariff.
Buying an EV is exciting, but once the new-car excitement wears off, there’s one question many new owners forget to ask: Is my energy plan set up to support EV charging?
The reality is that charging your EV at home can quickly become one of the largest household energy expenses. Choosing the right electricity plan can make a huge difference, not just for your bills, but for how efficiently (and stress-free) you manage your vehicle.
First Things First: What Is an EV Energy Plan?
EV plans are designed with electric vehicle drivers in mind. The big drawcard? Cheaper charging when you plug in during off-peak hours. Instead of paying a flat rate, these plans reward you for shifting your charging to times when the grid is less busy, like late at night or during the middle of the day.
What sets them apart from regular electricity plans is that they often come with extra perks tailored to EV households. Think dedicated low-cost charging windows, smart meter technology that tracks exactly when and how you use power, and handy apps that help you keep an eye on charging costs.
Let’s take a closer look at what key features these plans can offer EV owners.
Discounted Off-Peak Rates and Free Windows
EV plans often feature heavily discounted electricity rates during specific off-peak periods, sometimes referred to as super off-peak rates. OVO Energy, for example, offers an EV Plan with a super off-peak rate of just $0.08/kWh between midnight and 6 a.m., giving drivers a cheap overnight window to recharge. On top of that, OVO also includes a free usage period from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where energy costs drop to $0/kWh.
Powershop takes a slightly different approach with two tailored options: its EV Day Saver plan, which provides free energy between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., and its EV Night Saver plan, which offers super off-peak rates between midnight and 4 a.m.
Smart Meter Integration and App Support
In real-world practice, EV-specific plans like OVO’s EV Plan or AGL’s EV Power Up require a smart meter as a condition of signing up. Without one, you typically can’t access discounted EV rates or sign up at all.
On top of the meters themselves, many providers offer their customers access to digital tools like web dashboards or mobile apps. These platforms let you see exactly how much electricity your EV is drawing, manage your charging schedule, and monitor total energy consumption.
1What Are the Downsides of an EV Plan?
EV plans frequently offer cheap overnight or midday charging, but this is offset by higher electricity rates outside those hours and elevated daily supply fees. This means if you largely charge during peak times or run a lot of home appliances outside the discounted or free periods, your overall bill could run pretty high.
This is where knowing your household’s usage patterns comes in handy. It’s important to determine whether the savings during off-peak really outweigh the higher costs the rest of the time.
Expert Tip
If you’re a solar owner, check how an EV plan affects your feed-in tariff. Compare online or give us a call to find the best plan for your household.
EV plans are only as valuable as how you leverage them. The real cost advantage comes when you maximise charging and energy use during off-peak or free windows. EV drivers who consistently charge overnight or use energy-hungry appliances during these periods benefit the most.
2How Do I Know I’m Eligible for an EV Plan?
If you’ve just bought an electric car, you’re probably wondering if you can actually sign up for one of those EV-friendly energy plans. The short answer is: most likely, yes, but there are a few boxes you’ll need to tick first.
Proof of EV ownership
Most energy providers will ask you to show that an electric vehicle is registered at your household address. This could mean providing your car’s registration number or details like make and model.
A smart meter at your property
Because EV plans are all about when you use electricity, a smart meter is usually required. That means your provider can apply special EV charging rates, like cheap overnight pricing or free midday windows, without affecting your normal power usage.
Time-Of-Use tariff
Certain plans, like Powershop’s EV plans, require the residential address to be on a time-of-use tariff.
What Plan Is Right For Me?
Whether you’re a commuter or a work-from-home parent, your driving habits can dictate what type of EV plan will work best for you. Here are a few examples that can point you in the right direction. Want to see a tailored list of plans available in your area? Simply enter your postcode below to compare.
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The Commuter: Drives daily and needs overnight charging? A discounted off-peak EV plan is ideal.
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The Work-From-Home Driver: Can plug in during the day? A free daytime charging plan could save more.
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The Occasional Driver: Only charges once or twice a week? A simple, low-rate market offer might be better than an EV plan.
Author
Benjamin TomBenjamin is a utility specialist passionate about creating informative content about the energy, internet, and solar markets. With extensive experience in the telecommunications industry, Benjamin drives our unique blog posts, articles, and reviews. He is focused on breaking down the technical jargon so our readers can better understand the telco market and industry. Whether he is comparing the latest internet deals or creating unique guides, Benjamin takes great pride in creating helpful, easy-to-read content.
