SSE Launches New Free Tariff for Electric Vehicle Drivers

One of the ‘Big Six’ energy providers has introduced a One Year Fix and Drive deal for both new and existing customers.

It means electric vehicle (EV) owners can benefit from up to 2,000kWh of electricity free of charge per year, as long as their EV is charged overnight (between the hours of midnight and 7am).

Providing the equivalent of 8,000 free miles a year, the tariff will also be matched with 100% renewable power.

To be eligible for this new tariff, customers must own or lease an EV – for which they may be required to present their V5C certificate to prove ownership – and have a smart meter. This is so that SSE can track energy usage overnight.

According to SSE’s Managing Director Stephen Forbes, the company is addressing the fact that the majority of EV drivers charge their vehicles at home and is making it even more convenient for them to do so.

It is hoped that those on the One Year Fix and Drive tariff will reduce their carbon footprint even more and take control of their bills.

The new tariff also provides yet another incentive for drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles to convert to an EV.

This is a positive move from one of the country’s biggest energy suppliers; SSE is leading by example and it would be great to see its competitors follow suit.

The tariff has been launched in the same week that the Government announced it is considering introducing green registration plates for all EVs.

If implemented, they would not only make EVs more visible to other road users but could allow drivers to benefit from incentives such as free parking and driving in bus lanes.

As with anything, there are cons as well as pros to this, but it is good that such incentives are being encouraged by Government and industry bodies alike, to keep the UK on track for achieving our 2050 net zero emissions target.