As you know, we’re passionate about doing our bit for the environment, so we’re all about practical solutions that help encourage and incentivise positive change to support the green transition. That’s why we have teamed up with ChargeNet to allow customers to bill their remote EV charging sessions directly to their Electric Kiwi accounts and pay via their regular EK invoices, rather than paying on the day of each charging session.

We’ll also be working with ChargeNet to promote the benefits of our MoveMaster power plan which we recommend for EV owners because it offers cheap off-peak day rates, plus half-price overnight rates (11pm-7am). Doing your charging at night means you can be confident the power is coming from renewable sources, too. Everyone also gets access to our famous free Hour of Power.

With our MoveMaster plan and ChargeNet partnership, we’re delivering convenient and cost-effective solutions for EV owners.

What is ChargeNet?

ChargeNet is New Zealand’s nationwide electric vehicle charging network, with close to 300 locations across the north and south islands, plus many more to come. Its charging stations are strategically positioned up and down the land, so you can hit the road in your EV with confidence. With a ChargeNet DC rapid charger, you can usually expect to add a 100km range to your vehicle in about 15-30 minutes. You just need to create an account with ChargeNet and you’ll be ready to go.

The switch to electric vehicles is one of the most significant – but challenging – aspects of the green transition, but innovative technology companies like ChargeNet are providing practical solutions to keep us motoring ahead. That’s why we’re stoked to be working with them on this.

How does it work for EK customers?

Using ChargeNet’s stations is already easy after you’ve created your account, but instead of paying for each individual charging session right away, Electric Kiwi customers can instead choose to link their account and therefore have their costs added to their next energy invoice, so you can settle your payments with ChargeNet at the same time as paying for your power at home.

You will still pay the specific prices that come from each individual ChargeNet station, which will be conveniently detailed on each EK bill.

Maximise your EV savings

The truth is electric cars can be expensive to buy outright, but once that initial upfront investment has been made, you have a great opportunity to save in the long run compared to paying for petrol, as long as you’re getting good electricity rates.

Our MoveMaster plan will help drive those savings because it comes with cheaper off-peak rates, as well as half price rates overnight (11pm-7am). Charging at night also means you’re more likely to be using energy generated from renewables and therefore doing your bit for the environment. Charging at a cheaper price really does make it win-win.

MoveMaster is also the perfect plan to power your swimming pool pump or heated spa overnight. And the more power usage you can move off-peak – like washing machines and dishwashers – the more you stand to save.

Head over to our ChargeNet page to learn more about the partnership and how to subscribe.

The post We’re working with ChargeNet to make EV charging more convenient appeared first on Electric Kiwi Times.

So what is solar energy?

Solar energy is generated by the sun. This energy is captured and turned into usable electricity to help power your fridge, washing machine, computer, TV and anything else. Solar power is amazing because it gives individual
households the opportunity to use genuinely renewable energy at home, even if you still have to rely on the power grid at times.

Solar panels are made of conductive materials. The panels absorb sunlight with photovoltaic cells which create direct current (DC) electricity. Through an inverter the DC energy is then converted to usable alternating current (AC) energy. AC energy flows through the home’s electrical panel and is distributed accordingly.

The benefits of solar clearly outweigh the negatives, as long as you can afford the initial upfront cost.

Should you get solar?

Installing solar should be thought of as an investment rather than something that guarantees savings overnight. It’s an investment in your future energy bills, as well as in your property given that having solar could increase the value of your home. You should definitely go into it with a good idea of how much your solar system will cost, how much it will reduce your power bills, and how long it will take before you see a return on your investment.

In the right circumstances – and with the right power plan – it’s possible to drastically reduce your bills with solar. Here are a few steps to run through when considering solar in the first place:

• Size up your roof and the direction the solar panels will be facing. The pitch of your roof is a crucial detail when considering solar panels. A qualified solar installer can help you with this.
• Shop around for the best solar installation deal and ensure that you’re getting the right size system for< your property. The largest system might sound appealing but may not prove the most economic choice in the long run.
• Look into your electricity options. All our plans are solar friendly, and our MoveMaster plan has an awesome buyback rate, but it’s always important to look around.

The installation and setup of a solar system is a large investment, but the payoff can be high. You can also significantly reduce your personal carbon output with solar.

Is solar worth it? How long until I get a return?

The price of solar panels in New Zealand has decreased significantly in the last five years, making it a much more affordable option for homeowners. Rooftop solar is a smart choice for virtually any Kiwi home with an unshaded roof and some daytime power usage. The payback for most solar systems is between three to seven years, but this depends on several factors including available sunlight, panel position, electricity prices, the cost of the system and the amount of self-consumption.

Self-consumption is the key to getting the most out of a solar system these days. This means using as much of the electricity produced by your panels as possible. Self-consuming solar energy helps avoid purchasing energy from the grid. It’s even better if you have a battery to store any unused power for later use. Here’s our guide to using your battery as effectively as possible.

Are solar panels difficult to maintain?

Solar panels are usually not difficult to maintain as they’re designed for the outdoors and made to withstand any type of weather. However, they will need an annual clean to ensure that dirt, leaves and animal droppings aren’t obstructing the effectiveness of them.

What about when it’s rainy or cloudy?

Solar panels need unobstructed access to the sun’s UV rays to work at an optimum level. Therefore, solar panels will still generate electricity on overcast, rainy days – it’s just a little more limited than it would be on sunny days. You can check Solcast.com to see what the typical solar radiation is for New Zealand in your area.

To solar or not to solar?

The benefits of solar clearly outweigh the negatives, as long as you can afford the initial upfront cost, which can be significant. If you own a home you intend to live in or keep for many years, it’s almost a no-brainer. But if you’re not sure how long you will stay, it may not be worth it.

There is, of course, the added bonus of contributing to the green energy transition. By powering your home directly from the sun as much as you can, you’ll be less reliant on the power grid and therefore helping to reduce the need
for dirty power generation. Ultimately though, it’s a personal decision and dependent on your budget. Good luck with it!

The post Solar 101 appeared first on Electric Kiwi Times.

The idea is that drivers will simply take the opportunity to give their EV a little extra juice while they go to the gym, do the weekly shop, or walk around the local park. Not just to ensure they’re charged enough to complete their journey, but just for sheer convenience of it. And the best bit? It’s going to be FREE! Well, if you go to the right places.

We’ve partnered with world famous EV charging network JOLT to help power free charging in New Zealand and play a role in providing the energy infrastructure that’s required to make EV ownership as practical, accessible and affordable as we can.

With our backing, which will see the Electric Kiwi brand displayed on charging stations, JOLT is able to offer EV owners free charging worth about 40-50km in range every single day (based on 7kWh free electricity and takes about 20 minutes to charge but this will vary depending on battery and vehicle type).

It’s great to support current EV drivers but we’re also stoked to be involved because we understand that concerns about batteries and charging are a major barrier to EV ownership in the first place. If we get the recharging infrastructure right, more people will see EVs as not just a viable alternative, but something they can be genuinely excited about in our low carbon future.

We understand that buying an EV is hugely expensive, but as an energy retailer we can certainly help to reduce the cost of charging, both at home (as we’re doing with smart charging experts Evnex) and now in the wild thanks to our partnership with JOLT.

Practical solutions to help power the green transition and save Kiwis money is what we’re all about.

Who is JOLT anyway?

JOLT is already an established EV charging network over the ditch in Australia, as well as in the UK, U.S. and Canada. Their mission is to make EV ownership easier by making charging more accessible with its reliable, free and fast charging network across destination locations. In doing so, they could help reduce range anxiety and lower costs, while simply providing a convenient charging opportunity between home and wherever you’re headed for the day.

JOLT’s charging stations give all EV drivers about 40-50km in range for free, once every 24 hours. They can afford to do this because of the support they receive from their partners whose branding appears at their charge points, including Electric Kiwi.

Charging sessions are started through the JOLT app after you’ve created your account. When you need to charge, pull up at a JOLT location, scan the QR code or input the station ID to get going. If you use 7kWh of electricity or less, there’s no cost. But charges do apply if you charge more. (We’re working with JOLT to allow EK customers to defer their charging costs to their next EK power bill in the future).

JOLT will launch with a handful of charging stations in the Auckland area, but once they’re up and running they expect to be opening new locations every week until there are hundreds across New Zealand.

When it comes to EV charging, JOLT is certainly a disruptor because its model challenges a number of established, paid charging networks. But ultimately, it’s all about making life that bit easier, and more convenient, for EV owners. The Uber of EV charging, if you like…

Save on EV costs at home, too

We’re excited to help make EV charging easier and cheaper in the wild (you don’t get much cheaper than free). But as you know, our primary purpose is making electricity more affordable at home and providing practical solutions to incentivise load-shifting, which in turn supports the green transition.

Charging your EV overnight on our MoveMaster plan is a great way to save on energy costs because you get half price rates between 11pm and 7am. Plus, as a pretty sweet bonus for the environment, the electricity used at off-peak times is more likely to come from renewable generation sources.

MoveMaster is also a great option to power your swimming pool pump or heated spa overnight. The more power usage you can switch off-peak – like washing machines and dishwashers – the more you stand to save overall.

The post We’re helping to power free EV charging network JOLT appeared first on Electric Kiwi Times.

Nice one. Batteries are a great way to flatten your energy usage to avoid peak times, and to save solar generation for busy periods in the day.

We want to help you get the most out of your battery, and with the MoveMaster plan you have a huge opportunity to maximise the cost savings by using off-peak periods to charge. Moving power off-peak can reduce your impact on the environment, so it helps your wallet as well as the planet.

With the MoveMaster plan you have three different prices, and your free Hour of Power too!

1. The peak time slots are between 7am-9am and 5pm-9pm daily.
2. The off-peak shoulder time slots are between 9am-5pm and 9pm-11pm every day.
3. The off-peak night time slot is between 11pm-7am daily.
4. Your hour of free power can be used in any off-peak period

To make the most of MoveMaster, and your battery, we recommend you power the house from the battery during peak times of day, and to charge your battery at the cleanest and cheapest times.

How our MoveMaster plan works

Having a solar battery installed is a great way to save on power costs, as well as support the energy transition. But are you getting the most value from yours?

What this looks like in practice

11pm -7am (Off-peak Night): Fully charge your battery
Power is generally the cleanest and the cheapest (half price on MoveMaster!) during this time.

6am – 9am (Peak): Power the house from the battery
Carbon emissions from electricity generation are generally higher during peak periods. And peak prices are higher. This is the best time to use your battery!

9am – 4pm (Off-peak Shoulder): Power the house from the grid and/or solar if you have it
This period has average emissions and pricing. While rates are cheaper than peak times, it will still be more expensive than your half price overnight rate. If you have solar, make sure it’s fully charging the battery before powering the house during the evening peak.

4pm-5pm (Off-peak Shoulder): Make this your Hour of Power and charge your battery up before the next peak period
If you have solar and your battery is already charged, you could opt to have your Hour of Power at a different time – but make sure you’re charging your battery while the sun shines.

5pm-9pm (Peak): Power the house from the battery
Carbon emissions from electricity generation are generally higher during peak periods. And peak prices are higher. This is the best time to use your battery!

9pm-11pm (Off-peak Shoulder): Use what’s left in the battery
This is the second ‘shoulder period’. Wait to charge your battery until 11pm, and use any charge you have left to power your home.

Assistance with battery optimisation

We’re starting to work directly with customers with batteries to analyse their usage and to conduct trials on optimising their batteries for them. These trials create real-world case studies that we can use to communicate the benefits of batteries to even more Kiwis.

If you would like us to look at your situation, and be part of these trials, get in touch by emailing: batteries@electrickiwi.co.nz

This blog talks about how to optimise your battery for power usage. To optimise your battery for a longer life, we suggest contacting the manufacturer.

The post How to use your battery to save with MoveMaster appeared first on Electric Kiwi Times.

That’s why we’re stoked to be working with leaders in smart EV charging, Evnex, to give Electric Kiwi customers a discount off their new charger (and installation), the option of an interest-free payment plan (subject to eligibility criteria) to pay it off, as well as access to our MoveMaster power plan which offers cheap off-peak day rates and half-price overnight rates (11pm-7am). Everyone gets access to our famous free Hour of Power, too.

The good folks at Evnex are on the same page with us in understanding the importance of shifting as much energy usage as possible away from peak periods when demand on the grid is greatest. Their smart charger means you can power your EV at the optimum time overnight when electricity is likely to be generated from cleaner energy sources, with the bonus of knowing you’re paying cheaper prices on MoveMaster, too.

With MoveMaster and Evnex, you have everything you need to charge your EV at off peak times when prices are lower, while doing your bit for the environment.

Why is smart EV charging important?

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular, but as Kiwis gradually switch from petrol to electric, this is going to put more pressure on our energy infrastructure and potentially create larger or additional peak time demand as owners charge them. Innovative companies like Evnex are across all this, which is why they’ve designed their technology to help reduce the carbon footprint of New Zealand’s growing fleet of electric vehicles, because the greater the peak demand, the more likely dirty power generation is required to meet it.

Evnex are NZ owned and operated, and they’re as passionate about making things better for Kiwis as we are, that’s why we’re proud to be driving this opportunity forward with them.

So, what’s the deal?

For a limited time, Electric Kiwi customers can get $150 off Evnex’s standard price for an installed Smart EV Charger, as well as the option to pay over 12 months via an interest free payment plan (eligibility criteria applies) via your EK electricity bill.

Evnex will manage the installation of your smart charging device. The total price of installation is determined by property types and installation costs, so Evnex will give you a specific quote.

Maximise your EV savings

It’s not cheap to buy an electric car, that’s for sure, but once that initial upfront investment has been made, you have a great opportunity to save in the long run compared to paying for petrol, as long as you’re getting good electricity rates.

Our MoveMaster plan can help drive those savings because it comes with cheaper off-peak rates, as well as half price rates overnight (11pm-7am). In addition to charging off peak and overnight when you can save on costs, you’ll also be using power at a time when it’s more likely to have come from renewable generation sources.

MoveMaster is also a great plan to power your swimming pool pump or heated spa overnight. And the more power usage you can move off-peak – like washing machines and dishwashers – the more you could potentially save.

Head over to our Evnex partnership page to learn more about their smart charger.

Terms and conditions apply

The post Helping to power the green transition one smart EV charger at a time appeared first on Electric Kiwi Times.

We’re very proud of our MoveMaster plan because it’s the perfect option for EV owners and combines the two things we care about most – saving our customers money and helping the environment. In this case, you’ll pay cheaper off-peak prices and get half-price rates when you charge your EV overnight (11pm-7am). Chances are you’re already charging your EV at night, so make sure you plug into a great deal.

Ensuring you charge overnight also means you’re more likely to be using renewable energy as peak time demand typically results in more dirty power generation, so it really is win-win.

The more times you charge your EV overnight, the bigger savings you can get with MoveMaster.

How much does it cost to run an EV?

If you drive a Hyundai Kona (one of the most popular EVs in NZ), you’re looking at paying around $4.43 per 100km if you recharge at home, according to this Canstar article. This will of course vary depending on your electricity provider, tariff and power plan.

According to Gen Less, charging at home, off-peak, is like buying petrol at around 40c/litre, depending on your electricity retailer, location and various other factors, but it’s a reasonable comparison.

Considering an EV?

If you’re on the fence about buying an EV before reading this blog, we’re sure the running costs we’ve highlighted above have motivated you to calculate your own potential savings if you switch to an EV. But in case you need a little more persuading, here’s a quick list:

• Clean Car Discount – By helping New Zealand achieve its goal to be carbon neutral, you can avail rebates if you purchase an EV or plug-in hybrid EV. As of August 2022, you can get up to $8,625 for new vehicles and up to $3,450 for used. The discount applies to cars with a star safety rating of at least three, and under $80,000.
• Better driving – EVs tend to have more reactive acceleration and regenerative braking when easing off the accelerator, according to Gen Less. Which means some people agree they’re easy to drive on hills and they recharge going downhill.
• Requires less maintenance – When you drive an EV, you can wave goodbye to dealings with oil changes, timing belts, and many other parts that you can find in a standard vehicle. A number of maintenance issues won’t apply to an EV but there are still parts that require regular maintenance, like batteries, brakes, tyres and fluids.

Charge your EV for less with MoveMaster

Recharging your EV frequently should definitely be cheaper than filling your car with petrol, regardless of your power plan. But if you sign up to MoveMaster, the savings could be even greater. And by charging overnight, you’re more likely to be using renewable energy – and will certainly be supporting the green transition – so it really is win-win.

More tips to become a Master Mover:
Reduce carbon by using power off-peak
Save on pool costs with MoveMaster
Enjoy your spa for less with MoveMaster
Become a Master Mover
Master the Hour of Power
Solar 101
Appliance Usage Guide

The post Drive more savings from your EV with MoveMaster appeared first on Electric Kiwi Times.

MoveMaster comes with cheaper off-peak rates than our other plans, as well as half price rates at night (11PM – 7AM). It’s all about incentivising customers to ‘move’ as much of their energy usage as practically possible away from peak periods and rewarding them for doing so.

Why exactly do we want to encourage everyone to use things like their dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer and cooling and heating appliances later in the day (or early morning if you prefer)? Well, because using power overnight means it’s more likely to be coming from renewable generation sources rather than coal or gas. Fossil fuel generation is typically most needed during high-demand periods, so reducing the demand reduces the need for coal and gas and therefore helps to reduce our carbon emissions.

It may take some time for New Zealand to totally end its reliance on carbon-emitting sources of energy, but the more households that can move some power usage off peak the better.

Why is less carbon used at night?

New Zealand’s hydroelectricity generators provide the ‘base load’ power we need most of the time. We’re ahead of many countries in this respect because it means renewables are our primary source of electricity, which is great. But when energy demand spikes during the morning rush and early hours of the evening, we usually require additional supply from coal and gas generators to meet this demand. Given the low demand overnight, we can be more confident the energy being used has come from hydro power or other green sources.

The following graph shows how the amount of carbon electricity generation in the grid peaks during the early evening but reduces dramatically overnight.

We have estimated the level of carbon emissions for a given period by multiplying the electricity generated by plant in that period by an assumed emissions intensity factor (CO₂/kwh). Emissions intensity factor varies by generation plant type, and we have used a range of sources to form our assumptions, sources provided at the foot of this page. The example shows average outcomes for each hour across the entire month of August 2021. A specific day may see higher or lower emissions intensity at different times, but the overall trend remains consistent.

This is an example of how the emissions profile of New Zealand could look and is not an exact science. The truth is that, while it is generally accepted that less carbon is used for overnight electricity generation, official sources to confirm this are hard to quantify.

Isn’t carbon offsetting just as good?

Our view is that carbon offsetting your energy usage is better than nothing. But if you’re like us and really passionate about the green transition, then meaningful change is the best way to get there. Sure, knowing that someone is going to plant some trees for you somewhere in the world is nice, but it’s not reducing our reliance on coal and gas today. Changing the way you use energy does have an impact today. And that’s what our MoveMaster plan is about.

Sources to support estimated carbon emissions example:

IPCC
Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation (Special Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)

NZ Geothermal Association
Greenhouse Gas Emissions From New Zealand Geothermal: Power Generation and Industrial Direct Use
Greenhouse Gas Emissions From New Zealand Geothermal Power Generation in Context

Huntly/Coal
Environmental Costs of Electricity Generation (Waikato Regional Council)
Security of Supply in the New Zealand Electricity Market (The University of Auckland)
Emission Factors – CO2 Combustion (MBIE)
Stationary Combustion (2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories)

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