How to save charging costs when using an electric vehicle charger

To save charging costs in the use of electric vehicle chargers, it can be carried out from four dimensions: optimizing charging time, choosing appropriate charging equipment and locations, improving vehicle and charging efficiency, and taking advantage of preferential policies and subsidies. The following is a detailed explanation:

First, optimize the charging period

Avoid peak electricity consumption periods:

Power companies usually raise electricity prices during peak electricity consumption periods, such as working hours during the day and peak electricity consumption periods for residents at night. Therefore, it is advisable to charge during off-peak electricity consumption periods (such as late at night to early in the morning), when electricity prices are lower and can effectively reduce charging costs.

Example: Under the peak-valley electricity price policy in a certain area, the electricity price during peak hours is 1.2 yuan per kilowatt-hour, and the electricity price during off-peak hours is 0.3 yuan per kilowatt-hour. If charging is done during off-peak hours, 0.9 yuan can be saved per kilowatt-hour compared to peak hours.

Utilize the intelligent charging function:

Many electric vehicles and charging piles are equipped with smart charging functions, allowing for the setting of charging times and enabling the vehicle to start charging automatically during the period when electricity prices are the lowest.

Operation suggestion: Set the start and end times of charging through the vehicle's central control system or the APP of the charging pile to ensure that charging is completed during off-peak hours.

Second, choose the appropriate charging equipment and location

Choose a cost-effective charging pile:

Different brands and types of charging piles may have differences in charging efficiency, service fees, etc. When choosing a charging pile, you can compare the charging fees and service quality of different charging piles and select one with high cost performance.

Suggestion: Give priority to choosing the charging piles of large-scale charging operators, such as State Grid and Teldrive. These operators usually have more complete charging networks and more reasonable charging standards.

Discounts for using public charging piles:

Some public charging pile operators will launch charging discount activities, such as cashback for recharges and free charging time. You can pay attention to these promotional activities and make reasonable use of them to reduce charging costs.

A certain charging pile operator has launched an activity where a 100-yuan cashback is given for a recharge of 1,000 yuan, which is equivalent to a 10% reduction in charging costs.

Consider installing a home charging pile:

If the installation conditions are met, installing a home charging pile is an effective way to save charging costs in the long term. The electricity price for household charging piles is usually charged according to the residential electricity standard, which is much lower than that of commercial charging piles.

Cost analysis: The initial investment in installing a home charging pile may include the cost of the charging pile equipment and installation costs, etc. However, in the long run, due to the low electricity price, the charging cost will be significantly reduced.

Third, improve the efficiency of vehicles and charging

Keep the vehicle in good condition:

Regular maintenance of vehicles to ensure that key components such as batteries and motors are in the best condition can enhance charging efficiency and reduce energy loss during the charging process.

Suggestion: Regularly carry out vehicle maintenance and inspection in accordance with the requirements of the vehicle user manual.

Plan the charging capacity reasonably:

Based on actual travel needs, plan the charging capacity reasonably to avoid overcharging or undercharging. Overcharging will increase the burden on the battery and shorten its lifespan. Insufficient charging may affect the vehicle's driving range.

Operation suggestion: Through the vehicle's central control system or mobile phone APP, you can keep track of the vehicle's battery level in real time and plan the charging time and quantity reasonably according to your travel plan.

Use the efficient charging mode:

Some electric vehicles support both fast charging and slow charging modes. When conditions permit, try to use the slow charging mode as much as possible, because slow charging causes less damage to the battery and has a relatively higher charging efficiency.

Fourth, make use of preferential policies and subsidies

Pay attention to government subsidy policies:

To promote electric vehicles, the government may introduce policies such as subsidies for the construction of charging facilities and subsidies for charging fees. You can pay attention to the subsidy policies of the local government and make reasonable use of them to reduce the cost of charging.

The local government of a certain area provides a certain amount of subsidy for newly built home charging piles, reducing the cost for users to install home charging piles.

Participate in corporate discount activities

Some electric vehicle manufacturers or charging station operators will launch charging promotion activities, such as free charging and charging discounts. You can pay attention to these activities and actively participate to reduce the cost of charging.