Smart EV charging is a simple way to charge your electric vehicle at home using a charger that automatically runs at the best times. Instead of charging straight away, it can wait until electricity is cheaper, helping you save money and making charging more convenient.
How does smart EV charging work?
Smart EV charging works with a compatible smart EV charger, which connects to a smart system to control when your car charges. Once you plug in your vehicle and set your preferences, the charger automatically manages the process. It can start and stop charging at different times, typically choosing periods when electricity demand is lower and prices are cheaper.
Here’s exactly how the process works in steps:
Step 1. Plug in your EV
Simply connect your electric vehicle to your smart EV home charger, just as you would with any standard EV charger. Once plugged in, you can leave it connected - for example, overnight or during days where you work from home and do not leave the house.
Step 2. Set your preferences
Use your charger app on your phone or tablet to choose when you need your car ready and the level of charge you want. For example: “80% charged by 6am every Monday.” You can also adjust these settings directly on the charger if you prefer.
Step 3. Charging is scheduled automatically
Your smart charger will calculate the best time to charge based on electricity demand and cost. If you use an EV tariff, the ensures your EV charges when electricity rates are lowest, so you can save money without guesswork or manually working out the best time to plug in.
Step 4. Return to your EV when you need it
When you return to your electric car at the time you need it, it will be charged to the level you’ve set, for the best possible cost. You can repeat this process each time you charge, and update the charging preferences whenever you need to.
What are the benefits of smart EV charging?
Smart EV charging has a host of benefits. While it’s best known for helping you save money by charging at cheaper times, it also makes charging more convenient, gives you greater control over your energy use, and can help reduce your environmental impact.
Better for the environment
By shifting charging to off-peak times, smart EV charging can help support greater use of renewable energy sources (like solar) and reduce overall strain on our electricity grid.
Convenient, hands-free charging
Once you’ve set your preferences, your charger manages everything for you — so you don’t need to remember to plug your car in at certain times or adjust your routine.
More control over your energy use
With app-based controls and real-time insights, you can monitor your charging, track costs, and adjust settings to suit your lifestyle and household energy usage.
Saves money on EV home charging
Smart EV chargers automatically use cheaper, off-peak electricity when used with an EV tariff. This significantly reduces charging costs compared to peak times.
What are the requirements for smart EV charging?
It’s really simple to get started with smart EV charging in Northern Ireland, here’s everything you’ll need to get up and running, whether you’re a Power NI customer or not:
- A smart EV home charger
At Power NI, we offer a range of smart EV chargers to suit different budgets and setups. We can supply and install the charger for you. - A suitable place to charge
You’ll need off-street parking or a safe, accessible space where your EV can be plugged in and left to charge. For example, a driveway. - Internet connection
Smart chargers use Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity to enable features like scheduling, remote control and energy monitoring through an app. - An EV electricity tariff
To get the cost-saving benefits, you’ll need to pair your charger with an EV tariff. These offer lower off-peak rates for electricity, and are easy to switch to.
Best Smart EV Home Chargers
Choosing the right smart EV charger is important, as every home in Northern Ireland is different. At Power NI, we offer a free home survey to help you find the best charger for your setup. We then handle the full installation, with product warranties included as standard.
In the UK and Northern Ireland, Ohme and Zappi are considered two of the best brands for smart EV chargers.
Ohme Smart EV Chargers
Ohme chargers are designed to help you save money by automatically charging your EV at the cheapest times. They connect to your energy tariff and use smart technology to schedule charging based on electricity prices.
- Smart app control
- Charges at the lowest-cost times
- Integrates with your energy tariff
- Dynamic load management
- 3-year warranty
Zappi Smart EV Chargers
Zappi chargers are great for homes with solar panels or those looking to make better use of renewable energy. They charge your EV using a mix of grid and green energy, helping reduce reliance on traditional electricity sources.
- Smart app control
- Solar and renewable energy compatible
- Multiple charging modes
- Dynamic load management
- 3-year warranty
Smart charging FAQs
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What is dynamic load management?
Dynamic load management is a smart feature that adjusts how much power your EV charger uses based on your home’s electricity demand. If you’re using appliances like an oven or shower, it can reduce or pause charging to prevent overloading your system. This helps keep your home safe while making the most efficient use of available energy. -
Are there grants available for smart EV chargers in Northern Ireland?
Yes, there are currently grants available in Northern Ireland to help reduce the cost of installing a smart EV home charger, which can cover up to 75% of installation costs (typically up to £350 per charger). Eligibility depends on your circumstances, with grants mainly available for:- Renters
- Flat owners
- Landlords
- Businesses
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Can I benefit from smart EV charging if I don't have off-street parking?
It’s unlikely you’ll currently be able to benefit from smart EV charging if you don’t have off-street parking. Smart charging means leaving your EV connected to a smart charger overnight, and that’s not something that can be done safely and securely in most on-street parking spaces. -
Are there other charging options for electric cars?
Yes, you can continue to just plug your car into a regular EV charger at the times you want it to charge. This could be a home charger or a public charger. Smart charging is just a more cost-effective and convenient way of charging electric vehicles.
Ready to save with smart EV charging?
Whether you’re already a Power NI customer or switching for the first time, it’s easy to get set up with our EV tariffs. Pair your smart charger with lower off-peak rates and start reducing your charging costs straight away.
Explore EV Tariffs
