Hi,
‘The differences in dual fuel charges per supplier, EDF, Octopus Energy or British Gas pail into insignificance when comparing the savings against a petrol or diesel car.
Everyone should look around for the best deal. I currently own a 4 bed detached house with gas central heating which is being used a lot at this time of the year. I have an electric oven, dishwasher, computer, washing machine, separate dryer as well as lots of other electric devices. My daily electric consumption is 7Kw per day. So 20pence or 30 pence or 40 pence per Kw is not going to make a massive difference when compared to the money I will be saving against a petrol or diesel car.
I drive 18000 miles a year and not only will be helping the environment I will also be saving hundreds and hundreds of pounds a year in fuel costs.
5 hours charging each day at a rate of 4.70 pence per Kw will be more than enough to recharge my car. If you are talking about using a 3 pin plug to charge your car then 5 hours is nowhere near enough time. I will be getting the 7Kw charger for home which is a supplied as standard from BMW. I can’t imagine why other manufacturers wouldn’t offer the same unit power.
The BMW i3 has a 42Kw battery. So with the 7Kw charger it would never take longer than 7 or 8 hours from flat to full. That is taking into account the extra time you need to charge the final 20% as to keep the batteries in tip top condition. I have no intention of every running the car down to flat. Therefor I believe that as long as I charge over night during the lower priced rates on offer I will not be exposed to the 20p per Kw charge for normal use.
Compared to driving a petrol or diesel car the figures you are quoting are small. You are right, everyone should look around for a great deal. But from my experience the most important figure is the off peak price that will make or break how much you will be paying each year.
To everyone, If you only drive 100 miles a day then go electric if you can. You Will save a fortune and help the environment- it really is a no brainier but if you like petrol or diesel cars then crack on ?