As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity, many EV owners are searching for ways to reduce charging costs and maximise energy efficiency. One of the smartest solutions is integrating a home battery energy storage system with an EV charger — leveraging EV tariffs to unlock significant savings on electricity bills.
But how does it work? And how much can you actually save? Let's dive in.
The Hidden Savings in EV Tariffs
In the UK, energy providers offer EV tariffs with cheaper electricity rates overnight, when grid demand is low. This means EV owners can charge their vehicles at a fraction of the normal cost — but what about the rest of the household's energy consumption?
This is where a Home Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) becomes a game-changer. Instead of only using cheap electricity for EV charging, a battery system allows homeowners to store low-cost power overnight and use it throughout the day, reducing reliance on expensive daytime electricity rates.
How It Works
- ⚡ Charge the battery overnight when electricity is cheapest.
- ⚡ Power your home during the day using stored energy instead of expensive grid electricity.
- ⚡ Charge your EV efficiently while optimising overall household energy consumption.
How Much Can You Save?
Let's break it down with real numbers:
Scenario Without Battery Storage
- ◦ Standard electricity rate: 30p per kWh
- ◦ EV night tariff rate: 7p per kWh
- ◦ Average UK household energy use: 3,800 kWh per year
- ◦ EV charging consumption: 2,000 kWh per year
Total Annual Cost (Without Battery):
- ◦ Home electricity: £1,140
- ◦ EV charging (on night tariff): £140
- ◦ Total: £1,280 per year
Scenario With a Home Battery Storage System
- ◦ Store cheap electricity overnight at 7p per kWh
- ◦ Use stored energy for household consumption during peak hours
- ◦ Avoid buying expensive daytime electricity at 30p per kWh
New Total Annual Cost (With Battery):
- ◦ Home electricity (now from stored energy at 7p per kWh): £266
- ◦ EV charging (still at night tariff): £140
- ◦ Total: £406 per year
For households with higher energy use or larger EV battery capacities, savings can be even greater — up to £1,600 per year!
Ready to slash your electricity bills? Get in touch or try our savings calculator.
← Back to News