Skip to content
Self Service

FreeCharge: How It Works & Eligibility

Created on Thu Mar 13 08:13:50 UTC 2025 | Last modified on Thu Mar 13 08:13:50 UTC 2025

  • PDF
  • Print
  • Share
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
  • Copy To Clipboard
  • Collapse All Expand All

Answer

Here are some key details to help you make the most of your FreeCharge offer:

  • Setup Timing: You don't need to set up FreeCharge right away, but it must be done within 6 months of purchasing your EV charger.
  • Start of FreeCharge Period: The 12-month FreeCharge period starts once you complete the onboarding journey and select your 'ready-by-time'.
  • Charging Times: Charging usually happens when electricity demand is lower, typically overnight, but it can occur at any time. All charging in FreeCharge mode will be credited back to you.
  • Override Option: If you need a quicker charge, you can override the FreeCharge scheduling in the Hive app. Just keep in mind that you won't receive FreeCharge credits for that session.

There is a fair usage limit applied to FreeCharge, at the end of which you will be automatically moved onto SmartCharge. 

For more information on this, please see FreeCharge Allowance Information.

Getting the Best Out of FreeCharge

  • Plug in your EV whenever you're not using it: This allows FreeCharge to charge when electricity demand is lower.
  • Leave it plugged in for at least 6 hours: This maximises the window for charging your EV in the most environmentally friendly way.

With FreeCharge, you won't pay a penny while your car is plugged in.

Setting Up and Using the 'Ready By' Feature

Getting Started:

  • Set a 'Ready By' Time: During the onboarding/setup journey or at any time via the schedule menu, you can set a 'Ready By' time for FreeCharge. This lets us know when you need your car to be charged and ready to use.
  • Default Setting: When you plug in your car and FreeCharge is enabled, the default 'Ready By' time is set to 08:00. You can adjust this time to suit your needs.

Charging Process:

  • Energy Forecast: Once the 'Ready By' time is set, we forecast the amount of energy (in kWh) needed to fully charge your car.
  • Optimised Charging Plan: We create an optimised charging plan to ensure your car is charged to the forecasted amount by the 'Ready By' time.
  • Continued Charging: If your car is not fully charged by the 'Ready By' time, we will continue charging until the session is ended by you.

Time of Use (TOU) Tariffs:

  • Charging Boundaries: With a TOU tariff (e.g., the EV Driver Tariff), we will not charge beyond the boundaries of the off-peak rate (typically 05:00).

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the FreeCharge offer, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. New Hive EV Charger: Purchased after 19th October 2023 (Alfen or EO charger type).
  2. British Gas Account: A live British Gas electricity online account active for at least 28 days (any tariff type).
  3. Credit Customer: Must be a credit customer (not PAYGE/Prepayment).
  4. Smart Meter: Have a working Smart Meter.
  5. Hive App: Enable FreeCharge via the Hive app within 6 months of ordering the EV charger.