September 29, 2020

◼ Own solar power makes e-cars cheaper

If you "fill up" your electric car with self-generated solar power, you are much more economical on the road than with electricity from the socket.

A recent study proves this point. Consumers can save a full 70 percent if they charge their electric car with electricity from their own photovoltaic system. For many, the cost of electricity is a major reason not to invest in an e-car. Three quarters of private households that would already be ready to buy said they were deterred by this, according to a survey by EUPD Research. This can also be traced back to the underdeveloped and unclear charging infrastructure and non-transparent tariffs. An analysis by the Federal Association of Energy and Water Management e.V. in January showed that an e-car with average consumption and an annual mileage of 14,000 kilometers would mean annual electricity consumption of between 2,100 and 4,200 kWh. This corresponds to electricity costs of around 660 to 1,300 euros – and the trend is rising.

Privately generated electricity from photovoltaics as the "most attractive solution".

With a photovoltaic system and charging technology, on the other hand, an e-car can be fuelled with electricity for less than 10 cents per kWh. This would mean an annual saving of 450 to 900 euros compared to household electricity. According to the study, having one's own system is a good argument for e-cars. And in combination with an electricity storage system, the charging current could even be completely self-generated in some months. For EUPD, as well, privately generated solar power is clearly "the most attractive solution".