Let's face it - the energy retail landscape is getting a major shake-up thanks to the EV revolution. Here's how energy retailers can stay ahead of the game.
This is a joint blog by Jorg van Heesbeen of Jedlix (part of Kraken) and Berend Olde Rikkert of NET2GRID.Â
1. EV Customers Are Your Premium Segment
EV owners who charge at home aren't just any customers. They're your premium segment, and the numbers prove it. According to ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association), EV owners typically have 60% higher household incomes than average car buyers. But it gets better - research shows they consume 50-60% more energy than typical households. Smart players like Octopus, Engie and Tibber have already figured this out - they're specifically targeting these high-value customers and winning big. Â
2. The Energy Price Game Has Changed
Remember when electricity was cheap? Those days are gone. We've seen European electricity prices hit record highs, with wholesale prices jumping from 4-6 c/kWh to over 20 c/kWh in some markets during 2022-2023. According to Eurostat, household electricity prices in the EU increased by an average of 30% between 2021 and 2023. In some cases, charging your EV might actually cost more than fueling a traditional car. No wonder EV drivers are desperate for smart charging solutions that can help them save money.
3. Know Your EV Tribe
Smart meter data is your secret weapon. By analyzing consumption patterns, you can spot who's got an EV without even asking. And trust us - these customers are worth keeping. Data from LCP Delta shows that EV drivers are 3x more likely to switch energy providers compared to regular customers if they're not satisfied. Pro tip: EV-related content gets 4x higher engagement rates on digital channels. Your EV community wants to hear from you - don't keep them waiting!
4. Master Your Energy Game
Let's look at the numbers. Implementing smart charging optimization can slash procurement costs by 5-6 c/kWh just by playing the spot market rates. According to ENTSO-E data, intraday market volatility in Europe creates opportunities for even bigger savings by tapping into intraday, portfolio balancing, or balancing services. On top of that, leveraging smart meter data allows forecasting of energy consumption and charging behaviour on individual household level, making energy procurement more accurate, thus reducing imbalance costs.
5. Create an Offer They Can't Refuse
How do you bring all this together? Bundle your energy supply with smart charging and energy insights. Recent research by LCP Delta (2024) reveals that EV users are:
2x more likely to use energy insights
42% more likely to invest in energy equipment
Significantly more engaged with their energy management
The secret sauce? Thanks to Jedlix and NET2GRID's complementary offerings, you can offer smart charging that works with both connected cars and chargers while leveraging smart meter data.
Ready to Supercharge Your EV Strategy?
Need any help with smart charging apps, APIs and insights? We've got you covered! Check out Jedlix or NET2GRID to learn more.
Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Let’s meet at E-World in Essen (February 11-13) or drop us a line - we'd love to hear from you!