FreeCharge: How It Works & Eligibility

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 having your EV charger installed.
  • 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 Power+. 

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 British Gas EV 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. Installed on or before 28th October 2025 (Alfen or EO charger).
  2. A live British Gas electricity online account on their new energy platform (any tariff type accepted, including Time of Use).
  3. Must be a credit electricity tariff customer (not prepayment).
  4. Have a working smart meter in credit mode.
  5. Enable FreeCharge via the Hive app within 6 months of having the EV charger installed.