Hello friends! Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly making their place on our roads these days. With the rising prices of petrol and diesel, owning an electric vehicle seems to be a wise decision. And the biggest saving in this is on charging! Many of you might be thinking that charging your EV at home is the cheapest way, and you are absolutely right. But did you know that there are some smart ways by which you can reduce the cost of charging even more at home?
In this article, I will tell you some amazing ways you can reduce the cost of charging your electric vehicle at home. These tips can really be a game-changer for you!
The math of charging at home: How cheap, how expensive?
It’s really far less expensive to charge your electric car at home than it is to do so at a public charging station. You might be wondering why? Actually, public charging stations cost more because they also charge for their facilities and infrastructure. At home, you charge at your normal household electricity rate.
In India, the cost of electricity varies by state. Some locations may charge ₹5 per unit, while others may charge ₹10 or more. For instance, Mumbai may have somewhat higher electricity rates than Delhi, which has relatively low rates. Your pocket is immediately impacted by this.
How to work out your charging cost?
To determine how much it will cost to charge your electric car at home, use this easy formula:
Total charging cost (₹) = Battery capacity (in kWh) x Electricity rate per unit (₹ per kWh)
Suppose, you have an electric car with a 60 kWh battery and the electricity rate at your home is ₹7 per kWh. So it will cost around ₹420 (60 x 7) to fully charge your car once.
Just imagine how much cheaper this is than public fast charging, which can cost up to ₹15-₹25 per kWh!
How much savings annually?
You will use around 1000 kWh of power a year if you travel 10,000 km on average and your EV gets 10 km per kWh. You will pay about ₹7,000 a year for charging at an average rate of ₹7 per kWh.
If you compare it with a petrol car, then for the same distance you will need petrol worth at least ₹60,000-₹70,000. You see, how many economic benefits there are of owning an electric car!
How Make your charging strategy smarter
To make the most of savings at home, you need to be smart about how you charge your electric vehicle. Let’s take a look at some great ways:
1. Off-peak charging: Charge when electricity is cheaper
The simplest and most efficient method of saving money is this. In India, a lot of power firms maintain low electricity prices during off-peak hours. These times, when there is less demand for electricity, are frequently late at night or early in the morning.
You will save a significant amount of money on your electricity account if you intend to charge your car during these off-peak hours.
Benefits of off-peak charging:
- More Savings: By charging at night or during off-peak hours, you can save 20-40% on your electricity costs.
- Less pressure on the grid: You help reduce pressure on the electricity grid, making power supplies more stable.
- Convenience: Some smart chargers let you pre-set a charging time, so your vehicle will wake up fully charged in the morning.
2. Invest in a smart charger: One-time expense, repeated savings
While the initial cost of a smart home charger may be a little higher than a regular charger, trust me, it will save you a lot in the long run . Smart chargers have features that help you develop better charging habits.
Features of Smart Charger:
- Timer: It automatically starts charging during off-peak hours.
- Monitoring: You can track your electricity usage and costs in real time .
- Integration with renewable energy: If you have solar panels at your home, the smart charger can be programmed to charge the vehicle directly using solar energy. This will reduce your charging costs even further.
3. Check EV-friendly electricity tariffs: Does your company offer discounts?
Electric vehicle owners can take advantage of special rate plans offered by certain electricity companies, particularly in larger cities. During off-peak hours, these prices are frequently reduced. You can save a lot of money by switching to such a plan.
Contact your local electricity company to find out if they have a special tariff for EV owners. This will make charging at your home more affordable.
Take advantage of renewable energy sources
If you invest in solar energy or other renewable energy sources for your home charging setup, it can be a source of huge savings . Especially solar panels, which can give you a lot of freedom from dependence on the electricity grid.
4. Install solar panels: Free charging from sunlight
If you have the space to install solar panels at your home, it can save you thousands of rupees on your electricity bills . When the sun shines, your EV can be charged for free using solar energy.
Benefits of solar charging:
- Saving money: Many solar panel owners claim they charge their EVs for free or at very little cost in the summer.
- Environmental footprint: By using renewable energy, you reduce the carbon impact on the environment and move towards a greener future .
- Energy self-sufficiency: Generating your own electricity means you aren’t affected by fluctuating power company prices.
5. Track your energy usage: Be smart, save smart
Tracking your electricity consumption will help you understand where you’re spending too much and where you can save. Many smart chargers come with apps that let you track your charging habits and adjust them for maximum efficiency.
Tips for tracking energy usage:
- Limit charging: To extend battery life, try to charge the battery to 80% for everyday use . Repeated charging to 100% can damage the battery faster.
- Track costs: Track your charging costs over time using the app. This will help you spot trends and find new ways to improve.
- Adjust charging times: If you notice that rates change at different times of the day, charge at the cheapest time.
Take advantage of incentives and discounts
The Indian Government and state governments offer several incentives and rebate schemes for electric vehicle owners, making purchasing and charging an EV even more affordable.
6. Check out the central and state government incentives
Many state and central governments in India offer subsidies or tax breaks for purchasing EVs and installing home charging stations .
Examples of incentives:
- FAME India Scheme: This scheme provides subsidy on the purchase of electric vehicles. 1
- State-specific policies: Many states offer purchase subsidies and incentives for charging infrastructure under their EV policies.
7. Employer Charging Programs: Does your company help?
Find out if your employer offers any charging benefits. Some companies offer free or discounted charging for their employees , which can significantly reduce your overall charging costs.
Benefits of employer programs:
- Save money: Free or discounted charging can save you a lot of money in the long run.
- Convenience: Charging at work will complete charging at home so your vehicle is always ready.
Adopt smart charging habits
Smart charging will help you save money and make your electric vehicle more efficient.
8. Choose the charging speed according to your need
Charging doesn’t always need to be fast. The more time you have, the slower you can charge, and the slower the charging, the cheaper it is.
Charging Speed Options:
- Level 1 charging: From any normal household socket (15A) — slowest but sometimes free.
- Level 2 charging: 240V home charging station — faster and more efficient charging.
- DC fast charging: The fastest and most expensive, usually used at public stations.
9. Efficient driving techniques: every kilometre counts
The better your driving, the farther your electric vehicle will go on a single charge, and the less often you will need to charge.
Tips for efficient driving:
- Drive smoothly: Avoid sudden braking or rapid acceleration. Maintaining a steady speed reduces battery consumption.
- Take advantage of regenerative braking: Make full use of your EV’s regenerative braking function. This helps recharge the battery a little while braking.
- Reduce weight: Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle. Less weight means more mileage.
conclusion
With these tips, you are sure to reduce your electric vehicle charging costs at home significantly. Taking advantage of off-peak charging, using smart technology, and taking advantage of renewable energy and government incentives — all these methods will help save your pocket.
With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, knowing how to charge them efficiently will not only save you money but also help the environment. Adopt these habits and enjoy the savings of EV home charging!
FAQs
1. Is charging an EV at home cheaper than public charging in India?
Yes, absolutely. Even in India, charging an EV at home is usually cheaper than at a public charging station, because at home you pay domestic electricity rates, which are lower than commercial rates.
2. What is off-peak charging and what are its benefits?
Off-peak charging means charging your electric vehicle during hours when demand for electricity is low (such as late at night). Electricity rates are often lower during these times, which can save you 20-40% on your charging costs.
3. Why is it worth investing in a smart charger?
Smart chargers help you schedule charging times, track power consumption, and charge directly from renewable energy like solar panels, significantly reducing your electricity costs in the long run.
4. Does charging an EV with solar panels actually save money?
Yes, if you have solar panels, you can charge your electric vehicle almost for free on sunny days. This can save you thousands of rupees on electricity bills and reduce your energy dependence.
5. Does my driving style affect the charging cost of an EV?
Yes, absolutely! Efficient driving techniques such as smooth driving, proper use of regenerative braking and keeping vehicle weight low increase your EV’s range, allowing you to charge less often and reducing costs.
6. What percentage should I charge my EV to?
Aim to charge the battery to 80% for everyday use. Repeatedly charging to 100% can reduce battery life. Charge to 100% only before long journeys.