Ovo rolls out type of use tariff to wider market

Ovo Energy has launched its flat-rate ‘type of use’ electric vehicle (EV) tariff to the wider market following a successful trial earlier this year.

In what it claims is an industry first, the company’s new Ovo Drive + Anytime product splits customers’ home energy from that used for EV charging and offers separate rates.

By splitting the EV charging costs from home electricity charges, Ovo said, customers will be credited back for the amount of electricity saved via EV smart charging every month.

Customers will select when they need their car charged by on an app. Ovo said its Kaluza platform will then use AI algorithms to automatically optimise the vehicle to charge during times of low energy demand, when emissions and prices are also low.

It offers EV drivers a flat rate of 5p/kWh, whatever time of day the vehicle is charged. Customers do however have the option to override the smart charging schedule by using the boost feature to charge their vehicle quicker.

Customers who use the boost feature will be charged at the Ovo Drive standard rate for that charge.

Chris Russell, managing director of Ovo Drive at Ovo Energy said: “Our Ovo Drive + Anytime trial in January was a real success and we’re thrilled to be rolling out this pioneering new plan nationwide. To be able to offer our EV-driving customers an affordable and hassle-free way of joining us in our mission to achieve a carbon zero future is amazing.

“We want to encourage the use of electric vehicles as a carbon-conscious lifestyle choice, and it should be easy and accessible – with the help of Kaluza’s cutting edge technology, our new Drive + Anytime plan embodies that vision perfectly.”

Autumn Pray, chief product officer at Kaluza, said: “For the world to step up its response to the climate emergency and drastically cut emissions from energy, we need to take advantage of the latest smart technologies at our fingertips.

“The Ovo Drive Anytime tariff is a prime example of how we can make it easy for individual customers to become the driving force of the energy transition – by rewarding people for trusting in the technology that is enabling a more resilient, greener energy system.

“It is exciting to be working with Ovo on such a pioneering offering that creates a win-win for both drivers and the planet.”

Outfox the Market

Elsewhere in the sector Outfox the Market has released a time of use tariff with its sister company Fischer Future Heat as part of a new EV chargepoint offering.

The heating company has launched an EV charger which enables customers to prioritise their electricity use by using dynamic load balancing technology. This will automatically adjust to balance against electricity usage in the home, for example the EV charger will switch to a low power mode when household appliances are on.

Alongside the new offering is an exclusive time of use tariff for customers who purchase the charger. Under the deal customers are guaranteed four hours of electricity at eight pence per unit.

Keith Bastian, head of Outfox and Fischer Future Heat, said: “The Fischer EV charger is a smart system, showcasing dynamic functionality and innovative electric technology.

“We want to ensure that charging your vehicle suits both your lifestyle and your energy needs. The Fischer EV charger is highly adaptable and suitable for most households, changing the system preferences at the touch of a button.

“This charger removes any uncertainty you may have to plug your car in along with any other household appliances. It does the thinking for you.”