Smart Charging
What is it?
Smart charging is an intelligent system that optimizes when and how an electric vehicle charges, based on factors like electricity prices, grid demand, and the driver's schedule, rather than simply charging immediately when plugged in.
How it works
Instead of drawing power the second the cable is connected, a smart charging system communicates with the vehicle, the charging station, and sometimes the energy provider. If you have a time-of-use (TOU) electricity tariff where power is cheaper at night, the system will delay the charging session until the off-peak hours begin. It ensures the car reaches the desired State of Charge by the time you need to leave in the morning, while minimizing the cost.
Why it matters
Smart charging is the easiest way to drastically reduce the cost of owning an EV. By shifting your charging to off-peak hours, you can often cut your home charging costs in half. It also helps stabilize the local power grid by avoiding charging during peak evening hours when everyone is cooking and watching TV.
The Aximote Advantage
To truly benefit from smart charging, you need to know exactly how much energy you need and how much it costs. Aximote provides the perfect data foundation for this. By tracking your daily driving patterns and exact energy consumption, Aximote helps you understand your true energy needs. When combined with Aximote's precise charging cost tracking, you can clearly see the financial savings generated by your smart charging habits, proving the value of charging off-peak.