Looking out for special deals from major car manufacturers can save you money when purchasing an electric vehicle. Some manufacturers offer a free wallbox and fitting as part of their promotions.
Understanding Smart Chargers
A smart charger is a type of wallbox that utilizes wi-fi connectivity to sync with smartphone apps. This allows you to remotely customize your car’s charging schedule, giving you the flexibility to choose when charging occurs and how much electricity is used to charge the battery.
With a smart charger, you can optimize charging times to take advantage of lower electricity rates or limit the battery’s charge level to 80% to prevent overheating and extend battery life. Although smart chargers have a higher initial cost, they are eligible for the government’s OZEV subsidy, making them a more cost-effective choice for EV owners who meet the criteria.
Deciding whether to invest in a smart charger depends on your budget and requirements. However, having one allows you to maximize your energy tariff benefits and ensure your car is always charged and ready for use. While the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
Understanding the Wallbox Grant
The government is incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles through the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) by offering financial assistance to EV owners. The grant covers 75% of the cost of purchasing and installing a wallbox, up to a maximum of £350.
Initially, EV owners could apply for a grant for each vehicle they owned, with a limit of two grants. However, starting April 2022, the eligibility criteria have changed, restricting the grant to homeowners living in flats or apartments with off-street parking, tenants in rented properties with landlord permission, and small business owners.
