Settings to minimise charging costs
Article contents
Practical instructions for calculating the energy cost in the original local SmartSystem interface. These apply to units and firmware that include the menus described. Energy cost is configured separately from the charging price charged to the driver.
Open energy cost settings
In the local interface, go to System → Edit → Cost centrum → Short-term market charging. The first row selects the calculation method, the second displays the current calculated energy cost, and the third lets you set the value of energy from local surplus.
1. Select a method for your tariff
| Method | Setting |
|---|---|
| Fixed cost per kWh | Under Setup for method Fixed cost per kWh, enter the price per kWh in the main currency, for example euros. Use this for a single energy cost. |
| Two tariff rates per kWh | Under Setup for method Two tariff rates per kWh, enter the peak and off-peak prices and their time periods. The original interface allows ten off-peak periods per day. |
| Costs calculated from the short-term market | Use this only with a supported source and a calculation that matches your tariff. The original system imports data from OKTE. Check intervals, units and import availability against your firmware. |
For the market-based calculation, configure Short-term market multiplier and Short-term market fixed addon. The calculation is (Market price × multiplier) + addon. The multiplier and fixed addition must match the market price units and the cost items you include. Next-day data appears only after it has been published and imported.
2. Set the value of surplus energy
The third row lets you enter a separate energy cost for a local source, such as solar PV. It can be zero or a value you select. This price applies only to the portion of charging covered by measured surplus.
Example: a vehicle charges at 11 kW, the building has no other load, and the supply connection draws 5 kW from the grid. The charging split is 5 kW from the grid and 6 kW from the local source. If the building has other loads, this simple calculation cannot be used without accounting for them.
3. Select a supported charging mode
Depending on the available features, you can use Eco mode, a weekly schedule, or a maximum energy cost per user above which charging pauses. Specific settings depend on the firmware and selected calculation. The Eco procedure is described in How to configure and use solar power with Eco mode. Priorities and limits remain additional charging conditions.
4. Compare results in reports
- System → Edit → System logs → Transactions file: a transaction file containing energy cost data.
- User → View → Reports: filters and individual transaction details.
Compare both price and energy consumption under similar vehicle usage. Configuring the calculation does not itself change the electricity supplier's bill. The report supports evaluation; it is not automatically an accounting document or a guaranteed saving.
How to select a method: Charging costs and their evaluation. Current platform guides: MyAgeVolt guides.