Settings to minimise charging costs
Article contents
Assess charging costs according to consumption and your tariff. Correct price settings in SmartSystem allow you to compare periods and changes in modes. The energy cost rate is configured separately from the price charged to the driver.
What data you need
- Charging consumption and available transaction data.
- The actual electricity price and the components you want to include in the calculation.
- For a two-rate tariff, the times and prices of each rate.
- For a market-based calculation, a consistent source, units and price intervals.
- For solar power, surplus metering and the selected cost value of this energy.
Three methods in the original SmartSystem
| Method | When it makes sense |
|---|---|
| Fixed cost per kWh | One cost rate per kWh for the monitored period. |
| Two tariff rates per kWh | Different peak and off-peak rates with configured time periods. |
| Costs calculated from the short-term market | A tariff linked to the short-term market. The calculation uses the market price, a multiplier and a fixed surcharge according to the configuration. |
The methods and menu names describe the original local interface. Availability depends on the firmware. The market-based calculation uses the formula (market price × multiplier) + surcharge. The configuration must match your tariff and the units of the data.
Configuration and assessment are separate tasks
Surplus mode, priorities or a supported schedule affect when charging takes place and at what power. The cost rate calculation shows the financial outcome in reports. Changing the calculation method alone does not change the electricity supplier's price.
When comparing results, consider the price, the amount of energy charged and how the vehicles are used. A report provides a basis for assessment; it is not automatically an accounting document or a guarantee of savings.
Where to continue
Specific menus and steps: Configuring cost rates in the original SmartSystem. Using your own energy: Solar power and Eco mode. Current platform reports: MyAgeVolt guides.