RAC and British Gas offer EV charger with specialist tariff

The RAC has partnered with British Gas to offer an electric vehicle (EV) charger and tariff to support drivers of plug-in cars.

It follows the launch of the RAC’s EV leasing website and enables customers to have a smart 7kW home charge point installed by a British Gas engineer paired with a bespoke electricity tariff with cheaper off-peak overnight charging.

RAC director of EVs Sarah Winward-Kotecha said: “We’re very excited to have teamed up with British Gas to offer home charge points and a bespoke EV electricity tariff as they’re as synonymous with taking care of people’s energy needs as we are with fixing and rescuing cars.

“Working with trusted names like British Gas and Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions means customers can now – through the RAC – lease some of the most popular electric cars at market-leading prices and get a smart home charge point installed with a specialist energy tariff that offers cheaper off-peak EV charging. 

“Combine all this with RAC EV breakdown cover, which is unrivalled in the roadside assistance market, and drivers now have everything they need to affordably switch to a zero-emission car with complete peace of mind.”

Customers who want to have a home charge point installed via the RAC have the choice of two models – with either fixed or removable cables – made by Alfen. Both come with a three-year warranty and are installed by a British Gas trained EV installer. The Alfen Eve S-Line Untethered can be installed from £659 and Alfen Eve S-Line Tethered from £745.

Both chargers can be controlled via a smartphone, allowing drivers to schedule charges to take place overnight when the electricity rate is cheaper. They can also look back at their daily, weekly and yearly charging, to see the cost and their electricity usage.   

The RAC-e Recharge Electric Car Tariff costs 6p per kWh between 12-5am, which could save up to £300 annually.

Americo Lenza, portfolio director at British Gas, added: “Working in partnership with the RAC allows us to provide a unique proposition for those looking for hassle free motoring. For the first time, drivers can now combine the vehicle, the charger, the green energy, the servicing and the breakdown cover in one place. Supporting customers with cost effective ways to make the change to electric is vital as we transition away from petrol and diesel cars. Once you’ve switched, you’ll never go back.”