Tonik Energy launches smart EV charging bundle

Tonik Energy has launched a new tariff that separates home energy usage from electric vehicle (EV) charging in what it claims is a UK first.

The tariff comes as part of its new Home and Smart EV bundle which also includes a smart charger and installation.

Birmingham-based Tonik Energy will use data from the chargers to give customers a separate rate for EV charging that is cheaper overnight. The supplier said this will deliver “greater transparency and control” to households over the cost of running their EV.

Engineers from Tonik’s in-house renewables specialist, The Phoenix Works, will install chargers from brands such as EO, Ohme and Myenergi.

Chris Russell, chief executive of Tonik Energy, said: “We designed Home and Smart EV to meet the needs of UK households who are increasingly making the switch to EV. We know that those switching to EV often consider where they could charge when they are out and about, but may think late on, or not enough about their home charging choices.

“EVs now have longer battery range, so most of the charging will be done at home. The home replaces the petrol forecourt and it is important to get the right charger to manage charging and minimise costs.”

According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), battery electric vehicles (not including hybrids) accounted for 6 per cent of all car registrations in June. At around 8,900, the figure was more than two-and-a-half times the amount registered during the same period last year.

Sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) also saw a year-on-year increase during May, despite a huge general decline in car registrations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In total, almost 31,000 BEVs have been registered so far in 2020, accounting for a 4.7 per cent of the total market and representing a one-and-a-half times increase when compared to the same period last year.