Electric vehicle drivers could potentially save up to £1,416 a year on public charging under a new subscription-based scheme launched by BeEV.
The charging network has introduced two new passes that give drivers a fixed monthly charging allowance, providing an alternative to paying standard public charging rates every time they use a rapid or ultra-rapid charger.
The move comes as the cost of public charging remains an important consideration for electric vehicle drivers, particularly those who cannot rely solely on home or workplace charging.
For businesses operating electric cars and vans, understanding the different charging options available is also becoming an increasingly important part of managing the overall cost of running an electric fleet.
Drivers can already choose between different electric vehicle charging solutions, including home, workplace and public charging, but BeEV’s new approach is designed to make public charging costs more predictable.
BeEV Introduces Two New Charging Passes
The new BeEV system is based around a monthly charging allowance rather than charging drivers the standard rate for every kWh they use.
The Go Pass costs £49 per month and provides 120kWh of charging, which BeEV estimates could provide around 400 miles of driving.
For drivers covering greater distances, the Go Further Pass costs £89 per month and includes 250kWh, equivalent to approximately 800 miles based on BeEV’s estimates.
Once the monthly allowance has been used, drivers can continue charging at BeEV’s off-peak rate of 49p per kWh for the remainder of their billing period.
BeEV says the Go Pass can work out around 51% cheaper than the average UK public ultra-rapid charging price of 83p per kWh when the full allowance is used.
The company estimates that this could result in annual savings of up to £600 with the Go Pass, while the Go Further Pass could provide savings of up to £1,416 a year compared with paying the average UK pay-as-you-go ultra-rapid charging rate.
The actual saving will depend on how much charging a driver uses and whether they make full use of their monthly allowance.
Subscription Charging Could Offer Greater Cost Predictability
BeEV says its new charging model reflects a wider trend already seen in Denmark, where subscription and allowance-based charging has become more established.
The company expects similar pricing models to become more relevant in the UK as electric vehicle ownership increases and drivers look for greater certainty over charging costs.
Rather than paying for every charging session individually, subscription users pay a set monthly amount in return for a predetermined charging allowance.
This could be particularly relevant to higher-mileage EV drivers who regularly rely on the public charging network.
For businesses, predictable charging costs can also make it easier to budget for electricity used by company cars and electric vans, although the value of a subscription will depend on individual mileage and charging habits.
Businesses considering switching to an electric vehicle also need to consider where vehicles will be charged and how often public charging will be required as part of their overall operating costs.
Existing BeEV Subscription Also Changes
The launch of the new charging passes comes alongside changes to BeEV’s existing subscription offering.
The company’s previous Mega subscription, which it says has been its most popular option since launch, has been renamed the Flexi Pass.
The Flexi Pass provides charging at 39p per kWh at any time of day and will now cost £13.99 per month, compared with the previous £9.99 monthly charge.
Despite the price increase, BeEV says Flexi Pass customers can still save 25% against the average UK public pay-as-you-go price after their second charging session.
The network is also introducing a single standard price covering daytime pay-as-you-go and member charging.
For members, a new 49p per kWh off-peak rate will apply between 7pm and 7am.
BeEV is also changing its rewards offering, with members able to earn Clubcard points from charging sessions regardless of whether they charge during the day or overnight.
What Could Charging Subscriptions Mean For EV Drivers?
The introduction of charging passes gives EV drivers another option for managing the cost of public charging.
For drivers who regularly use rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, a monthly allowance could provide greater certainty over their charging expenditure compared with paying the prevailing PAYG price each time.
However, the potential value of a charging pass depends on individual circumstances. Drivers who use public charging infrequently may not use their entire allowance, while higher-mileage drivers who regularly rely on public chargers could make greater use of the available kWh.
For businesses running electric vehicles, public charging is just one part of the wider cost calculation. Electric vehicle fleets also need to consider vehicle choice, mileage, charging infrastructure, energy costs and how vehicles are used during the working day.
As the UK electric vehicle market continues to develop, different approaches to charging are likely to become increasingly important. Subscription-based charging is one example of how networks are attempting to give drivers more choice over how they pay for the electricity they use.
How Do You Get A Be.EV Charging Pass?
Getting a Be.EV Charging Pass is done through the Be.EV app. Drivers need to open the app, go to Account → Subscriptions and choose the Pass that suits their charging needs.
There are currently three options: Flexi, Go and Go Further. Once a Pass has been selected, drivers can use a stored payment card to pay for the subscription, or add a payment card during the sign-up process.
After the Pass has been activated, drivers can charge using the Be.EV app or their Be.EV RFID card, with the relevant subscription benefits applied automatically. Be.EV says drivers should make sure they have the latest version of the app if the Charging Pass options are not showing.
The Be.EV app can also be used to find charging locations, check availability and manage charging activity.
Be.EV Charging Passes can be selected through the Be.EV app.
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