Electric Vehicle (EV) owners in New South Wales (NSW) have a variety of electricity plans to choose from, each tailored to different charging habits and network preferences. The key to finding the best plan is understanding your charging patterns and the specific offerings of the Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, and Essential Energy networks. Here's a breakdown of the top plans and what you need to know to make an informed decision.
Best for Overnight Charging
If you're an EV owner who primarily charges their vehicle at night, these plans offer the most competitive off-peak rates in NSW. All five plans listed below are available to Ausgrid customers, while Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy customers should verify plan availability with their retailer due to varying network coverage.
- EnergyAustralia EV Night Boost: 7c/kWh from 12 am to 6 am.
- Engie EV Night Saver: 6c/kWh from 12 am to 6 am.
- AGL Night Saver EV Energy Plan: 8c/kWh from 12 am to 6 am.
- Powershop EV Night: 5c/kWh from 12 am to 4 am.
- OVO Energy The EV Plan: 6c/kWh from 12 am to 6 am.
Best for Daytime Charging
NSW's strong daytime tariff market is driven by the widespread adoption of rooftop solar, which pushes midday prices close to zero. These plans are ideal for households without solar, allowing them to benefit from the surplus generation during the day.
- Globird Free Lunch: Free charging from 12 pm to 2 pm.
- Powershop EV Day: Free charging from 12 pm to 2 pm.
- OVO Energy Basic Free Plan: Free charging from 11 am to 2 pm.
Best for Flexible Charging
For EV owners who need flexibility in their charging times, these plans offer value at multiple windows. Note that the Synergy EV Add On plan is exclusive to Western Australia (WA) and is included here for comparison purposes.
- OVO Energy The EV Plan: 8c/kWh overnight and free electricity from 11 am to 2 pm.
- Synergy EV Add On (WA only): 8.4c/kWh from 9 am to 3 pm and 18.9c/kWh from 11 pm to 6 am.
- Origin EV Power Up: A smart charging trial that optimizes solar and low-demand periods.
Best for Weekend Charging
If your EV charging is primarily done on weekends, this plan offers free electricity on Saturdays and Sundays, exclusively available to Ausgrid network customers.
- Red Energy Red EV Saver: Free electricity from 12 pm to 2 pm on weekends.
What You Need to Access These Plans
To take advantage of these EV-specific energy plans, you'll need to meet a few requirements:
- Smart Meter: A smart meter is essential, as it tracks electricity usage by time of day. Many providers offer these for free.
- Time-of-Use Tariff: This tariff structure charges different rates for peak, off-peak, and shoulder periods, allowing for cost-effective charging during off-peak hours.
- EV Registration: Some providers may require proof of EV ownership to ensure the plan is used for the intended purpose.
While dedicated EV wall chargers are not mandatory, installing one can significantly speed up charging times during short free-charging windows, maximizing the benefits of these plans.
BONUS TIP: Consider installing a dedicated wall charger to fully optimize your charging experience. A typical wall charger can deliver 21 kWh of energy in a three-hour window, compared to 6 kWh from a standard powerpoint.
In summary, the choice of the best EV electricity plan in NSW depends on your charging habits and network. By understanding your specific needs and the offerings of each network, you can make an informed decision and potentially save on your EV's electricity costs.
