Charge anytime: flexible EV & home battery charging

Flexible energy tariffs offer UK homeowners a smarter, more cost-effective way to power their electric vehicles (EVs) and home batteries. These tariffs, often based on the principle of charge anytime - meaning you charge when it is most beneficial - allow you to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours. This guide explores how these tariffs work, their benefits, and what you need to consider to maximise your savings and contribute to a more stable, greener energy grid.

What is flexible EV & home battery charging?

Flexible EV and home battery charging is about optimising when your devices draw power from the grid. Instead of charging immediately upon plugging in, it involves scheduling charging sessions to align with periods when electricity is cheaper, demand is lower, or renewable energy generation is higher. This approach benefits both the individual consumer and the wider energy system.

Understanding time-of-use (TOU) tariffs

Time-of-use (TOU) tariffs, also known as multi-rate or smart tariffs, are electricity plans where the price you pay for energy varies depending on the time of day. Unlike traditional flat-rate tariffs that charge the same price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) around the clock, TOU tariffs introduce different rates for peak, off-peak, and sometimes shoulder periods. Recent reforms by Ofgem mean these tariffs are increasingly offered by energy suppliers, particularly to households with low-carbon technologies.

These tariffs are fundamental to enabling charge anytime flexibility. By shifting your energy consumption to off-peak hours, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills. For example, charging your EV overnight when demand is low and renewable energy is often abundant can be considerably cheaper than charging during the evening peak. Time-of-use tariffs can offer electricity rates significantly lower during off-peak hours, for example, potentially as low as 7.5p to 10p per kWh, compared to peak rates that might exceed 30p per kWh. Eligibility for dual-rate (peak/off-peak) tariffs typically requires a smart meter or a multi-register traditional meter.

The role of smart technology

Smart technology is crucial for flexible charging. Smart meters automatically send your energy readings to your supplier, enabling accurate billing based on your actual consumption patterns. This eliminates the need for manual readings and ensures you benefit from the varying rates of TOU tariffs.

Modern EV chargers and home batteries often come with smart scheduling capabilities. These devices can be programmed to automatically begin charging during pre-set off-peak windows. Furthermore, energy management apps, such as the Fuse Energy app, provide a centralised platform to monitor your energy usage, track costs, and schedule charging sessions with ease, giving you ultimate convenience and control.

Maximising your savings with flexible charging

Leveraging flexible charging can lead to significant reductions in your energy bills. Here is how you can make the most of it for your EV and home battery.

Charging your EV

The primary goal for EV owners is to charge when electricity is cheapest. This usually means scheduling your EV to charge overnight during off-peak hours. Many smart chargers and EV apps allow you to set a desired charge level and a departure time, and the system will automatically manage charging during the most cost-effective periods.

Consider pre-cooling or pre-heating your EV while it is still plugged in and charging during off-peak times. This uses grid electricity at a cheaper rate to get your car to a comfortable temperature, rather than draining your battery once you start driving.

Optimising home battery usage

Home batteries offer even greater flexibility. They can be charged from the grid during cheap off-peak periods and then discharged to power your home during expensive peak times. This arbitrage strategy can drastically cut your electricity costs.

If you have solar panels, a home battery allows you to store any surplus solar generation that your home is not using at that moment. Instead of exporting it to the grid (often at a lower rate than you pay for import), you can store it for use later in the evening, further increasing your self-sufficiency and savings. Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs pay for electricity exported to the grid, though self-consumption remains the primary saving for many home generation setups.

Benefits of flexible charging for UK homeowners

Flexible charging offers multiple advantages beyond just lower bills, contributing to a more sustainable and independent energy future for UK homeowners.

Reduced energy bills

The most immediate benefit of flexible charging is the potential for significant cost savings. By shifting consumption to off-peak hours, when electricity is cheaper, homeowners can substantially reduce their monthly energy expenditure. This is particularly impactful for EV owners and those with home batteries, who consume larger amounts of electricity. The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year, according to Ofgem's medium typical domestic consumption value (TDCV) effective from 1 July 2026. Optimising this usage can lead to considerable savings.

Supporting a greener grid

Flexible charging helps balance the National Grid. By consuming electricity during periods of lower demand or higher renewable generation, homeowners reduce strain on the grid during peak times. This supports grid stability and encourages the integration of more renewable energy sources, contributing to a greener, more sustainable energy system for everyone.

Increased energy independence

For homeowners with solar panels and home batteries, flexible charging enhances energy independence. Storing self-generated solar power or cheap off-peak electricity for use during peak times reduces reliance on grid imports when prices are high. This gives you greater control over your energy consumption and costs, making your home more resilient to energy market fluctuations.

Fuse Energy: your partner for smart, cost-effective charging

At Fuse Energy, we believe in a future where energy is abundant and accessible, giving you the power to play with. Our smart tariffs and digital-first approach are designed to empower UK homeowners to embrace flexible charging and take control of their energy costs.

With Fuse, you gain:

Smart tariffs for optimised usage

Our tariffs are structured to reward you for using energy when it is cheapest and greenest, perfectly aligning with the charge anytime principle. This means you can power your EV and home battery when electricity is most affordable, directly translating into savings on your bills.

Intuitive app control and support

The Fuse Energy app puts you in charge. Monitor your usage, track costs, and manage your EV and home battery charging schedules directly from your smartphone. And if you ever need assistance, our dedicated customer support team is available around the clock to help, ensuring peace of mind.

Seamless EV charger installation

Fuse offers installation of the Easee One EV charger, providing a seamless experience from energy supply to vehicle charging. This integrated approach ensures you have everything you need to start optimising your EV charging from day one.

Choosing Fuse Energy means choosing a partner committed to making your energy experience transparent, convenient, and cost-effective. We challenge the old narrative of scarcity, offering you the tools to thrive in an energy-abundant future.