OVO introduce new EV energy tariff

Intelligent energy platform Kaluza and OVO Energy have launched a new ‘type of use’ energy tariff dubbed OVO Drive Anytime.

The pricing model means that EV drivers can charge at a flat fee of 6p per kWh at any time of the day. When compared to traditional average costs of electricity on standard tariff rates, the firms claim that it creates a saving of 63% – or £200 – on refuelling their car throughout the year.

It is different from EV tariffs that require customers to plug-in at certain times of the day to access cheaper rates. Instead it means EV users can access cheaper rates during peak demand during the day.

Kaluza uses live data on energy pricing, weather and local network constraints to intelligently shift EV charging away from peak times to ‘dynamically capture’ the cheapest and greenest electricity, it claims. The platform’s ability to change EV charging patterns in real time provides support to network operators as they manage peaks on the grid.

The tariff will be rolled out after its initial first phase to all Ovo energy members later in 2021.

Speaking about the move, Marzia Zafar, head of strategy and policy at Kaluza, said: “Our intelligent software is designed to give EV users the energy they need, precisely when they need it, at the lowest environmental impact, and now at a guaranteed price that saves them money. In doing so, Kaluza shields customers from the complexities of the energy transition, while at the same time driving it forward.”

Jessica Tan, managing director of OVO Smart Home, said: “OVO Drive Anytime enables our EV driving members to charge their EVs on the lowest prices throughout the day, hassle free. No more worrying about high energy peak prices or when to plug and unplug, Kaluza’s technology does all the hard work and is good for the planet. This is a pioneering proposition.”