New app will save EV drivers hundreds of pounds

New app enables electric vehicle drivers (EV) to save hundreds of pounds by delivering insights to help them balance the grid. 

The Ohme App, which launched today (January 20) provides users with all the capabilities of smart charging but through a free app. 

The creators hope that this will lower the barriers to EV adoption by providing all drivers with access to intelligent, low-cost charging by giving them the ability to control how much they pay to charge their vehicle from their smartphone. 

Combining the app with a time-of-use tariff brings the cost of driving 10,000 miles down to just £160-£210 – an annual saving of £275-£350.

With 10 million EVs expected on UK roads by the end of the decade, this equates to a potential £2.8-3.5bn of savings per annum for UK motorists, compared to using a standard charger on a fixed rate tariff.

The app also offers insights into EV charging patterns and usage, this is crucial for energy companies who are seeking to better understand EV owners behaviour, enabling them to manage demand more intelligently and protect the National Grid as the UK moves to a low carbon economy. 

David Watson, CEO of Ohme, said: ‘Last year the UK government made the bold decision to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.

‘We welcome the ambition, but we must also acknowledge the scale of the challenge. The two biggest short-term obstacles to EV adoption are cost and energy capacity. While prices of EVs are falling, they won’t be as affordable as petrol vehicles for a few years.

‘Meanwhile, our energy grids were not designed to support millions of future EVs, and will not be able to cope unless energy demand is carefully managed in the future.

‘Ohme App demonstrates how a single, smart solution can meet both challenges head-on. By taking advantage of time-of-use tariffs, we can help drivers make significant savings on the cost of charging their vehicles. This also benefits energy operators by spreading demand more intelligently, and providing crucial insights to help them future proof the grid.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay