Ubitricity has begun the rollout of smart charging technology to over 65% of its charging network, helping to cut costs for drivers.

Smart charging means Ubitricity users can schedule their charge to start when energy prices are cheaper

The company, which runs the largest public charge point network in the UK, said it’s the biggest public smart charging rollout of its kind and will bring big benefits to drivers who aren’t able to charge at home.

Ubitricity’s smart charging allows users to schedule their charge to an off-peak time, such as between 7pm and 4am, which is priced at a cheaper rate.

UK managing director of Ubitricity Toby Butler explained: “We know from our data that most of our users like to charge their cars at the end of their working day – coinciding with when energy demand is already at its peak. Smart charging allows our EV users to plug in at their usual time but schedule their charge to start after peak hours, when energy prices are cheaper.”

It will also adapt the timings of smart charging as electricity supply costs change from winter to summer seasons, helping customers continue to manage their costs.

Smart charging has already proved popular with Ubitricity customers for its ability to cut costs. Since the rollout to over 4,000 charge points began in December 2022, drivers on over 45% of eligible charging sessions have selected to use the feature. The average smart charging user has saved £4.00 on their charging session. A user charging twice a week would save £32 a month.

The software was originally trialled on 300 charge points in Westminster. The borough currently has more than 1,500 Ubitricity lamppost and bollard chargers and says the trial was a significant step in delivering its increased charging provision.

The Government has big plans for charging. The Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Action Plan published in January by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Ofgem sets out steps to “seize on the significant potential of smart charging” and make it the preferred method of long-duration charging by 2025.

Ubitricity says rolling out smart charging will be essential in the UK’s switch to EVs.

Butler commented: “There are now over 100,000 electric vehicles registered in the UK and this number is expected to rise exponentially in the coming years as electric vehicles become cheaper and public changing infrastructure improves.”

Ian Cameron, director of customer service and innovation at distribution network operator UK Power Networks, said: “Our aim is to make it easier for everyone to make the switch to an EV regardless of where they park and whether they have access to the own off-street charger. This is a game-changing development that will open up public charging at a lower cost to a large number of people.”