Andy: I ​​have owned a BMW ix50 for about 15 months. I beloved it as quickly as I noticed it. I knew I wished an electrical automotive as a result of I’ve all the time been involved about our household’s carbon footprint and I consider the planet wants individuals to make small modifications. Petrol and diesel costs have skyrocketed and turn into unsustainable. So when Octopus launched its wage sacrifice scheme, it appeared like a possibility to check out electrical automobiles with out vital monetary threat.

I do know there are numerous good small electrical vehicles on the market, however we’ve got a household of 5 and two German Shepherds, so we wanted a bigger automotive with sufficient vary and house to accommodate our household.

Andy: After I determined to purchase an electrical automotive, I visited a number of sellers to check drive it and discover my choices. As an Octopus Power buyer, it made sense to decide on them as a result of I knew the customer support and communication could be glorious. The wage sacrifice program made it inexpensive for me, they usually even put in a charging station at my home at no cost.

Andy: I ​​didn’t observe it precisely, however it’s less expensive. Charging a automotive in a single day solely prices me a number of kilos every week, whereas charging a petroleum automotive would value me round £100-150 every week! My mileage is about 15,000 so you’ll be able to think about the associated fee that provides up. Nevertheless, charging my automotive does not actually change my invoice.

Andy: We began with the usual Octopus Go electrical energy price, which supplies 4 hours of cheaper electrical energy in a single day. When the chance arose, I switched to the Sensible Octopus Go tariff, which supplied a extra inexpensive worth of 6 hours per night time. I exploit the automotive’s charging schedule to benefit from the decrease charges as a result of it routinely costs when it is least expensive. General, it has been a easy and cost-effective transition.

All I do is cost my automotive 2 to three nights every week and the tariff takes care of the whole lot else. I additionally signed up for climate notifications so I knew what occasions of day I might benefit from low cost extra energy technology.

Andy: Initially, it was a quiet and peaceable drive. Price is the largest distinction although, as I saved loads. Whereas we do plan extra forward for lengthy street journeys to verify we’ve got chargers alongside the best way, it is principally a simple and seamless course of.

Andy: Sure, fairly a bit! We’ve accomplished some lengthy street journeys, resembling driving from North London to Cardiff for a weekend. You could find public charging stations throughout the UK and past, so that is very possible. This may turn into simpler because the infrastructure expands.

Sure, I’ve photo voltaic panels at dwelling and I attempt to be environmentally acutely aware. Sustainability is one thing I actually worth in my work and each day life. I am additionally contemplating exploring different inexperienced applied sciences, resembling warmth pumps. I want we had extra inexperienced vitality initiatives prior to now, however it’s by no means too late to make modifications.

Andy: I ​​take it with no consideration. I respect the comfort it brings, and it aligns with my efforts to cut back my carbon footprint. I feel it is a very worthwhile funding in our surroundings. I might do it once more!