Efficient Charging Equals Cost Savings
E.ON, a leading energy provider, is making strides in the electric vehicle (EV) charging sector with the introduction of dynamic charging tariffs. These tariffs, linked to the wholesale electricity price, aim to offer savings through targeted consumption management, although they involve price risks and require active alignment with electricity prices.
Filip Thon, the chairman of the management board of E.ON Energie Deutschland GmbH since April 2021, is spearheading these initiatives. Prior to his current position, Thon held several management positions in the energy industry, including senior vice president for the Central and Eastern Europe region at E.ON SE and CEO of innogy Polska SA.
E.ON's dynamic charging tariffs necessitate a smart, networked wallbox to utilize automatic price optimizations. However, the flexible charging tariff, such as E.ON's "Home & Drive," does not require a specific type of wallbox, only compatibility with "Car Connect" for most electric vehicle models. This tariff combines a fixed kilowatt-hour and basic price with automatic nighttime charging and a potential annual flex bonus of up to 240 euros.
Customers using dynamic tariffs should be prepared to align their charging times with wholesale prices. On the other hand, the savings with dynamic tariffs are possible but are associated with the risk of fluctuating prices.
In addition to dynamic tariffs, E.ON offers two other types: classic and flexible. The classic tariff provides a straightforward kilowatt-hour price, while the flexible tariff offers the benefits mentioned above.
The shift towards EV charging at home has significant potential, with E.ON estimating that it could shift 2.8 TWh of electricity consumption today, and up to 8.2 TWh by 2030. This transition not only supports the energy transition but also offers financial benefits through suitable tariffs.
Moreover, the bidirectional charging system, which allows vehicles to function as a swarm battery and feed energy back into the home (Vehicle-to-Home) or grid (Vehicle-to-Grid) during times of high energy demand or low renewable energy feed-in, adds to the financial benefits. The bidirectional charging system works automatically according to the user's settings to maintain the desired minimum range in the battery.
In conclusion, E.ON's dynamic charging tariffs offer a viable solution for customers looking to save on their EV charging costs while contributing to the energy transition. With the potential of bidirectional charging and the shift towards EV charging at home, E.ON is well-positioned to support the growing EV market.
