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Octopus Energy, a leading energy provider in the UK, has recently introduced the country’s first vehicle-to-grid tariff for electric vehicles (EVs). This innovative offering allows EV owners to sell the power stored in their car batteries back to the grid during peak hours, while also guaranteeing free charging for these vehicle owners.

Under the Octopus Power Pack tariff, EV owners who drive approximately 10,000 miles (16,093km) per year can save over ÂŁ850 ($1,067) annually. This ground-breaking initiative not only benefits EV owners financially but also contributes to the overall balance of power grids. By utilizing the concept of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) or bidirectional charging, millions of EVs can serve as mobile batteries, supplying power to grids when it is most needed.

Currently, only a limited number of EV models, such as the Nissan Leaf, are capable of bidirectional charging. However, other automakers are expected to introduce V2G-ready models in the coming years. Octopus Energy’s tariff leverages their advanced Kraken tech platform, which charges EVs with affordable and environmentally friendly electricity during off-peak hours. This power is then exported back to the grid during peak demand periods.

To participate in this program, EV owners are required to have their vehicles plugged in for approximately six hours per day and drive less than 12,000 miles per year. By adhering to these guidelines, they can effectively contribute to the grid’s stability and enjoy the benefits of free charging.

Octopus Energy’s launch of the UK’s first vehicle-to-grid tariff marks a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable energy solutions. This forward-thinking approach not only supports the growth of the EV market but also paves the way for a more efficient and resilient power grid. As more EV models become bidirectional charging capable, the potential for utilizing these vehicles as mobile power sources will only continue to expand.

If you are interested in installing an EV Charger at your home or business, contact us today on 01268 928 690 or via the ‘Enquire Now’ button below. We are an authorised installer of myenergi products and we can help you with every step of the process, from a free no-obligation consultation to installation to aftercare.

Frequently Asked Questions about EV Chargers

What is an EV charger?

An EV charger is a device that supplies electric power to an electric vehicle (EV) to recharge its battery. EV chargers can be installed at home, at work, or in public places.

How do I charge my EV at home?

To charge your EV at home, you need to have a home EV charger installed by a qualified electrician. A home EV charger can be either tethered or untethered, depending on whether it has a fixed cable or a socket. You also need to have a suitable electricity supply and a dedicated circuit for your charger. You can plug your car into your home charger using the appropriate cable and start charging.

How long does it take to charge my EV at home?

The time it takes to charge your EV at home depends on the charging speed of your home charger and the battery capacity of your car. Most home EV chargers have a charging speed of either 3 kW or 7 kW, which can add about 15 miles or 30 miles of range per hour of charging respectively. Some home EV chargers can deliver up to 22 kW of charging speed, which can add about 80 miles of range per hour of charging, but they require a three-phase electricity supply and a compatible car. The battery capacity of your car determines how much energy it can store and how far it can travel on a single charge. The larger the battery, the longer it takes to charge.

How much does it cost to charge my EV at home?

The cost of charging your EV at home depends on the electricity tariff you pay and the amount of energy you use. The electricity tariff is the price you pay per unit of electricity (kWh) and it may vary depending on the time of day, the supplier, and the type of contract. The amount of energy you use depends on the battery size of your car and the state of charge. The higher the battery size and the lower the state of charge, the more energy you need to charge. To calculate the cost of charging your EV at home, you can multiply the electricity tariff by the amount of energy you use.

What are the benefits of charging my EV at home?

Charging your EV at home has many benefits, such as: Convenience: You can charge your car whenever you want and avoid waiting in queues or searching for available public chargers. Savings: You can save money by using cheaper electricity tariffs at home and avoiding fees or subscriptions for public chargers. Greenness: You can reduce your carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources at home, such as solar panels or wind turbines.

What are some features to look for in a home EV charger?

Some features that can enhance the functionality and convenience of your home EV charger are: Smart charging: This feature allows your charger to automatically adjust the timing and rate of charging based on various factors, such as electricity tariffs, grid demand, renewable energy availability, and your driving schedule. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity: This feature enables your charger to connect to the internet or your smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This allows you to remotely monitor and control your charging sessions, as well as access data and statistics on your energy consumption and costs. Solar integration: This feature allows your charger to work with your solar panels (if you have any) to use the excess solar energy generated by your panels to charge your car. Public network integration: This feature allows your charger to link with a public network of charging points across the UK. This gives you access to thousands of public chargers that you can use when you are away from home. Some networks may also offer discounts or rewards for using their chargers.

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