5 Tips for Cheaper EV Charging in Winter

“What does it cost?” is one of the most common questions when it comes to charging EVs, especially during winter when electricity prices tend to soar. Here are our best tips for saving as much money as possible when charging your car at home.

1) Charge when electricity is cheapest

Electricity prices vary significantly throughout the day, and the majority of EV owners charge when electricity is most expensive. By choosing to charge smartly – when spot prices are lowest – you can save hundreds of dollars each year. If you have a DEFA Power, you can use the PowerSmart function in the DEFA Power app to charge when it’s cheapest. This way, as an EV owner, you don’t have to worry about price peaks and electricity rates; the app customizes the charging for you. The DEFA Power app fetches daily spot prices from Nord Pool so that you know the cost of charging.
When choosing a charging station, it is important that you choose one where you can control the charging

2) Consider home capacity in winter

Cheaper charging in winter? In cold weather, more energy is consumed at home, and when you use household appliances like a washing machine, there is a significant risk that you may not be able to charge your EV at maximum power. If you use many devices simultaneously, the load balancer may also reduce or even shut off the charging completely to protect the main fuse. This is not uncommon during winter and has nothing to do with the charging station but simply with the capacity of your home. Therefore, it’s important to plan your charging so that you have enough time to charge your car sufficiently during the hours when electricity is cheapest.

3) Reduce the power level

Is it expensive to charge right now, and do you not urgently need a fully charged car? Then you can reduce the power level. This way, there are no power peaks, contributing to cheaper charging even in winter. If you have a DEFA Power, you can set this in the PowerSmart function in the Power app.

4. Negotiate with the electricity company

Compare prices with different electricity companies and negotiate with the electricity company you choose. Make sure to choose a contract type that suits you. For many electric car owners, time-of-use billing is advantageous.

5) Maintain the car’s battery

To extend the battery’s lifespan and reduce the frequency of charging, follow the car manufacturer’s recommendations for battery maintenance. Avoid charging to full capacity and avoid driving until the battery is completely empty.
You can read more about how to influence your charging costs here.