Electricity supplier Engie offers a new type of contract, aimed at drivers of electric vehicles. To promote off-peak charging and maintaining grid capacity,  customers can receive a bonus. A dedicated app manages the process.

According to Engie, it is a first that customers can benefit from a financial incentive if they adapt their charging behaviour to low-demand hours. The process is monitored by intelligent control, and customers only need to program an app on their smartphone, after which they can receive a bonus of 1.5 euro cents per kWh. As the capacity tariff already urges EV drivers to spread their charging patterns, this further helps to promote a more thoughtful approach of EV charging. The supplied electricity is 100% green according to Engie.

Balancing the network

“By encouraging customers to recharge during off-peak hours, Engie helps maintain a balance on the grid. The benefit we derive from this is shared with the customer via this bonus,” explains a spokeswoman. Balancing the network keeps network operators from intervening, which influences the cost of its operations.

The new contract type is called Engie Drive and comes in three versions: a variable, fixed and hourly-based tariff. Engie Drive will surely be used most by business drivers, who can charge their cars at the office while at work, or the moment when off-peak charging applies. Also, the weekend is a favourable time for these EV drivers to make some money on their cars.

Not all cars match

However, the app isn’t compatible yet with all car brands, as the automotive OEMs need to grant permission to connect it to their vehicles. But, according to Engie, more brands will join as the contract is being rolled out.

Engie isn’t the only energy provider on the market with a dedicated contract for EV drivers – Luminus offers Comfy Plugin Pro, for example – nor first in handing out benefits, but so far, no competitor has reimbursed clients for their exact off-peak charging behaviour.