7 EV Charging Tips Every Owner Should Know

One of the biggest benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) is the cost-saving potential compared to gasoline. However, EV owners can save even more by following smart charging tips to make EV charging at home and on the go more efficient.

1. Choose the Right Charging Times

Did you know that the time you charge your EV can directly impact your expenses? For home charging, switching to a Time of Use (TOU) electricity meter can significantly reduce costs, especially during Off-Peak hours (10:00 PM - 9:00 AM). Electricity rates during Off-Peak can be as low as 2.60 Thai baht per unit compared to the regular rate of 4.2 Thai baht per unit (as of December 19, 2024).

For example, if you charge your EV using 20 units of electricity per day, the cost during the Off-Peak period would be only 52 Thai baht. However, charging during regular hours would increase the cost to 84 Thai baht. While this may not seem like much, the savings add up to 960 Thai baht per month.

Additionally, for those charging their EVs at public charging stations, some providers have different rates for On-Peak and Off-Peak periods. Here’s a breakdown:

• PEA Volta On-peak rates range from 5.30-8.80 Thai baht per unit, while Off-Peak rates are between 4.5-5.5 Thai baht per unit.
• EV Station PluZ On-peak rates are 7.5 Thai baht per unit, while Off-Peak rates drop to 5.5 Thai baht per unit.

2.  Home Charging is Cheaper than Public Charging

Charging your EV at home is not only more convenient but also much cheaper compared to public stations.

Comparison Example:

• At Home: Wall Chargers cost 2.60 Thai baht per unit during Off-Peak.
• Public Stations: Rates often exceed 7.5 THB/unit, you would end up paying nearly three times more.

Additionally, installing a wall charger at home can improve both charging efficiency and safety. It allows for faster charging compared to using a standard power outlet and reduces the risk of overheating. 

3. Use Solar Energy to Charge Your EV

Installing solar panels (Solar Roof) at home can drastically cut long-term energy costs. Solar panels allow you to generate your electricity, perfect for EV charging at home during the day.

Example Calculation:

If your solar roof can generate an average of 20 units of electricity per day, and you use approximately 10 units of that energy to charge your EV, you could save up to 1,200 Thai baht per month or 14,400 Thai baht per year on electricity costs.

Although the initial installation cost of a solar roof ranges from 150,000 to 300,000 Thai baht, in the long run, the savings from charging your electric vehicle and powering other home appliances can help you break even within 8-10 years.

4. Plan Your Trips Wisely

For long-distance travel, careful planning can prevent unnecessary expenses. Without planning, you may end up using high-cost public chargers or detouring to find a station.

Tips for Smart Trip Planning:

• Map out charging stations along your route.
• Maximize the range of a full charge.
• Avoid letting your battery drop below 20%-30% to maintain its health.
• The EVme application, equipped with the EV Chargers & Trip Planner feature, is an essential tool that makes traveling more convenient. This feature helps you locate the nearest charging stations, plan your travel routes, and estimate basic costs, ensuring you never have to worry about running out of battery during your journey.

5. Sign Up for Charging Station Memberships

Many public charging providers offer memberships with perks such as discounts, reward points, and free charging hours. Subscribing to a plan that matches your charging habits can lead to significant savings.

6. Maintain Your EV Properly

Proper maintenance ensures your EV charges efficiently and prevents costly repairs. Key maintenance tips include:

• Regularly check tire pressure to avoid energy wastage.
• Avoid charging to 100% or letting the battery drain to 0%.
• Get your battery and electrical systems inspected regularly.

7.  Leverage Smart Charging Systems

The Smart Charging system is a crucial tool for EV owners looking to manage energy efficiently. This system allows users to schedule charging during Off-Peak hours automatically and monitor the EV charging status through a dedicated application.

Benefits of Smart Charging:

• Reduces electricity costs by setting charging during Off-Peak hours.
• Prevents energy overuse, which could lead to higher electricity bills.
• Enhances safety during charging.

If you’re looking to save more money, try incorporating the tips shared above into your routine. And for anyone eager to fully experience the benefits of driving an EV car 100% firsthand, you can test drive or rent an electric car—whether short-term or long-term—from a wide range of top brands via the EVme app. EVme, Everything EV in One App. Download it now for free on both iOS and Android.  

References:

1. ประเภทที่ 1 บ้านอยู่อาศัย. Retrieved December 19, 2567, from https://www.mea.or.th/our-services/tariff-calculation/other/D5xEaEwgU
2. อัพเดท ! ราคาชาร์จรถไฟฟ้า EV ปี 2567 . Retrieved December 19, 2567, from https://www.autoinfo.co.th/online/469478
3. คำนวณค่าไฟชาร์จรถยนต์ไฟฟ้า 1 ครั้ง เสียเงินกี่บาท. Retrieved December 19, 2567, from https://www.autospinn.com/2021/07/calculate-the-cost-of-charging-an-electric-car-83553