If you own an EV, good on you! Driving an electric vehicle means you’re already reducing your carbon footprint and have probably slashed your overall car running costs. But with the right electricity plan, you can seriously supercharge the savings, while also supporting the transition to renewables.
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
