EV plans vs smart electricity tariffs

EV plans and smart electricity tariffs: a detailed comparison

Choosing the right energy plan depends on your charging habits and overall electricity usage. The table below compares three types of electricity plans:

1. Smart EV plan – Offers ultra-low rates during dedicated EV charging hours (2am - 5am).
2. Standard Smart tariff – Different unit rates based on the time of day.
3. Smart All Day plan – A flat rate for electricity, regardless of when you use it.

Plan type Plan type	Smart EV Electricity plan Smart EV Electricity plan	Smart Standard Electricity plan Smart Standard Electricity plan	Smart All Day plan Smart All Day plan
Plan type New customer discount	Smart EV Electricity plan 20%	Smart Standard Electricity plan 32%	Smart All Day plan 32%
Plan type Urban day unit rate (8am - 11pm excl. peak)	Smart EV Electricity plan 29.22c per kWh	Smart Standard Electricity plan 26.63c per kWh	Smart All Day plan 24.92c per kWh
Plan type Urban peak unit rate (5pm - 7pm)	Smart EV Electricity plan 40.75c per kWh	Smart Standard Electricity plan 32.42c per kWh	Smart All Day plan 24.92c per kWh
Plan type Urban night unit rate (11pm - 8am)	Smart EV Electricity plan 22.04c per kWh	Smart Standard Electricity plan 19.66c per kWh	Smart All Day plan 24.92c per kWh
Plan type Urban EV unit rate (2am - 5am)	Smart EV Electricity plan 7.45c per kWh	Smart Standard Electricity plan 19.66c per kWh	Smart All Day plan 24.92c per kWh
Plan type Annual standing charge	Smart EV Electricity plan €325.52	Smart Standard Electricity plan €218.54	Smart All Day plan €218.54
Plan type Details	Smart EV Electricity plan View plan	Smart Standard Electricity plan View plan	Smart All Day plan View plan

Key takeaways from the comparison

1. Ultra-low EV rates 🔋

• The standout feature of the EV plan is the ultra-low rate of 7.45 cent per kWh during “Urban EV Units” hours (2am to 5am). This is significantly cheaper than the 19.66 cent per kWh rate for “Urban Night Units” under a standard smart tariff and the 24.92 cent per kWh of the Smart All Day plan.
• If you can schedule your EV charging during these hours, the savings add up quickly.

2. Standing charge variations 💳

• The annual standing charge for the EV plan is €325.52, which is €107 more than the €218.54 for both the standard smart tariff and the Smart All-Day plan.
• Consider if the savings from the discounted EV charging rates justify the higher standing charge, especially if you are a frequent EV charger.

3. Day and peak rate considerations ☀️

• For general electricity usage, the Smart All Day plan provides a consistent flat rate of 24.92c per kWh, simplifying budgeting.
• The Standard Smart Tariff provides the cheapest day and peak rates of the variable rate plans.
• The EV plan offers a rate between the other two plans during the day, but the highest peak rate.

4. Simplicity vs potential savings 💶

• The Smart All Day plan offers simplicity and predictable cost.
• The EV plan offers the potential for the greatest savings for EV owners who can charge during the designated hours.
• The standard smart tariff offers savings for those who can shift their usage to off peak times, but do not own an EV.

Explore EV plans Explore smart plans