Do you simply plug in your car when you get home from work at the end of the day? Raise your hand if you agree. (I just requested that my hubby raise his hand.) Okay, we'll have to stop because it's peak time, which means a higher electric cost.
Instead of waiting for the cheapest time to plug in, more than a quarter of EV drivers (28%) charge their cars as soon as they arrive home. (That statistic is from the United Kingdom, but it is likely to be similar in other nations.) It's clearly in my driveway.)
According to Love My EV, a UK-based consumer EV and home energy tariff comparison website, just 12% of EV drivers in the UK wait until a time in the week when they believe energy prices and carbon will be the lowest, and only 3% schedule automated charging when energy is cheapest.
However, there are ways to save money on home charging that aren't limited to one country. Check these out because they're simple to put it into practice:
During off-peak hours, home charging is available.
During off-peak hours, charge your electric car. It costs more money to charge at busy periods. Look it up on the internet if you're not sure when that is. Try going to your utility's website or contact your state's public utilities or service commission, which controls rates and services.
I received the information I needed on the Florida Public Service Commission's website. In the winter, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. is the best time to charge, while in the summer, 10 p.m.-11 a.m. is the ideal time to charge where I reside. (There is no need for air conditioning or heat during the day in the winter, and there is little use of other electrical appliances overnight in the summer.) In Florida, power bills are typically the highest in the summer.)
Peak charging times, on the other hand, are 6-10 a.m. and 6-10 p.m. in the winter, and noon to 9 p.m. in the summer. (This includes electric heat usage in the morning and evening, as well as the entire enchilada of appliances and air conditioning in the summer.)
If you live in the United States, this will differ based on the state you live in, or if you live in another nation, so double-check and make a note.
The battery in your electric Car
Because the first and last parts of the battery take the longest to charge, avoid running your battery below 20% and set it to stop charging at 80% unless you need the range for a longer travel. This is also beneficial to the health and durability of the battery.
A charged morning start
In the fall and winter, if you live in a colder climate like Vermont, finish your charge as close to the time you leave home in the morning as possible. You'll get more range from the same amount of energy because charging heats the battery.
Heat isn't good for your battery.
In general, moderate temperatures result in more kilometres per charge. However, if the temperature rises above 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius), the range begins to decrease. If the weather is hot, try to charge in the shade.
Extremely high and low temperatures
Keep your car plugged in (but not necessarily charging) in extreme heat or cold to keep the battery temperature controls running.
Optional solar power
If you leave your car at home during the day, rooftop solar will allow you to charge it with the cleanest and cheapest electricity available. Even if you previously rejected solar, prices have dropped significantly, so it's worth obtaining a quote today. (There's also the issue of global warming.)
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