Energy supplier Pinergy has introduced a new smart metering system aimed at electric car owners, with the promise that - sometimes - you might even be paid to charge your car...
New smart meters
Pinergy has partnered up with Ohme, a specialist provider of innovative smart charging technology for electric vehicles, to introduce a new smart metering system to Ireland. The idea is that the smart meter will allow you to plug in your electric car and charge it either when the electricity supply is at its cheapest, low-demand, price, or when there's more renewable energy being transmitted into the grid.
Excess supply from wind power
If there's excess supply from renewables - such as on particularly windy days, at times of low demand, then drivers who've picked the right tariff could actually be paid to charge, as an EV battery is a useful storage sink for excess wind power.
With these time of use tariffs, Pinergy says that it can price electricity at variable prices at different times of the day, based on demand. For example, Pinergy can offer their customers an EV charge at a 70 per cent discount between 2am and 5am. This works out at about €1 to charge for 150km range.
Pinergy and Ohme are also offering the first 100 electric vehicle customers who sign up to the offer a discounted Ohme cable at €300 (normal price will be €450).
Vital role in green transition
"We're very excited to be working with Ohme on this new partnership," said Enda Gunnell, CEO at Pinergy. "Using the Ohme intelligent cable in conjunction with Pinergy's unique time of use tariffs offers EV drivers a fantastic opportunity, particularly those drivers who want to charge their vehicle at home. The future of electric vehicles in Ireland is huge and the potential for what Pinergy can do for its EV customers is very exciting and we're looking forward to unveiling many more promising possibilities. We're delighted to be a founding partner of World EV Day and look to forward to continuing to deliver innovation solutions for our commercial and domestic customers."
Commenting on Ohme's entry to the Irish market and its smart charging technology, David Watson, CEO and founder at Ohme said: "We are delighted to partner with Pinergy in Ireland. EVs play a vital role in Ireland's transition to green mobility. Pinergy's 100 per cent renewable energy offering, combined with Ohme intelligent charging is great news for EV drivers and the environment. It will not only significantly reduce the total cost of owning an EV by passing on energy cost savings but will have a profound and positive impact on Ireland's green agenda."