Smart Charging with Dynamic Energy Tariffs | BlueBird Power
Smart Charging with Dynamic Energy Tariffs: Save Smarter and More Sustainably
Electric vehicles (EVs) are not only changing the way we travel, but also the way we consume energy. Smart charging combined with a dynamic energy contract makes charging not only cheaper but also more sustainable. By automatically charging your car during the cheapest hours, you can save hundreds of euros per year while also using more renewable power.
In this knowledge centre article, we explain how smart charging works, what benefits it offers, what you need to consider, and how you can get the most out of it with BlueBird Power.
What Are Dynamic Energy Tariffs?
With dynamic energy tariffs, the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) varies depending on the time of day. This means you pay based on the actual market price of electricity, which is influenced by factors such as supply and demand, weather conditions, and the availability of renewable energy.
Unlike fixed tariffs, where you always pay the same amount per kWh, dynamic tariffs let you benefit from lower prices during off-peak hours—like at night or on weekends.
What Is Smart Charging with Dynamic Energy Tariffs?
With a fixed contract, you always pay the same price per kWh, or sometimes a fixed peak/off-peak rate each day. With a dynamic contract, the electricity price changes every hour (and with some providers, every 15 minutes), depending on supply, demand, and renewable availability.
Prices are published a day in advance and can vary significantly. When there’s lots of solar or wind power, prices drop; during peak demand hours, prices rise.
Smart charging means your charger and software automatically respond to these price changes. Your EV charges during the cheapest hours, without you having to monitor prices yourself.
Example: On a weekday, electricity may cost just €0.05/kWh at 03:00, but €0.45/kWh at 19:00. A smart charger will automatically pick the cheaper time.
Negative Prices: Get Paid to Charge
Sometimes electricity prices even turn negative, meaning you get paid to use power. This happens when there’s an oversupply of renewable energy and low demand.
In 2024, the Netherlands had 458 hours of negative prices. By September 1st, 2025, the number had already risen to 463 hours, showing this is becoming increasingly common.
What Are the Benefits of Smart Charging?
The benefits of smart charging with a dynamic contract are substantial:
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Cost savings: By charging at the lowest rates, you can save €200–€400 per year just on charging. With bidirectional charging in the future, savings could easily double to €800. Actual savings depend on how often you charge at home.
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Sustainable charging: Lower tariffs often coincide with high renewable generation, meaning smart charging is greener charging.
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Full control: You decide how much your car charges and by when. The software does the rest.
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Future-ready: Smart charging will become increasingly important as energy markets become more flexible and more EVs connect to the grid.
Up to 40% Lower Charging Costs with Smart Charging
Drivers with a dynamic contract pay a different price each hour. By charging when electricity is cheapest, you can cut annual charging costs by up to 40%.
This is especially beneficial for frequent drivers. Plus, you’ll often charge during times of high solar or wind production—making your journeys not only cheaper but also greener.
What Do You Need for Smart Charging?
To take advantage of smart charging with a dynamic contract, you’ll need three things:
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A smart charger
Not all chargers support dynamic pricing. Always check compatibility. BlueBird Power chargers are fully prepared for this by default. -
A smart charging app
The app connects hourly prices to your charging needs and automatically chooses the best time to charge. No need to monitor prices yourself. -
A dynamic energy contract
Only with a contract that charges by the hour can you benefit from cheap charging times.
When Is It Smart to Charge?
The best times to charge vary daily, but there are common patterns:
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Negative prices: You actually get paid to charge (note: energy taxes and fixed grid fees still apply).
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Night and weekends: Lower demand usually means lower prices. Perfect for charging fully.
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Sunny or windy days: High renewable output often drives prices down.
Limitations and Considerations
While smart charging has clear advantages, keep these points in mind:
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Taxes and grid fees: These are fixed per kWh and don’t decrease with market prices.
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Price risk: Prices can temporarily spike, as during the 2022 energy crisis. But on average, dynamic tariffs are cheaper.
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Negative feed-in tariffs: At times of high solar output, feeding power back to the grid can cost money. Smart charging avoids this by storing solar power directly in your EV.
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Need help? Email info@bluebirdpower.com—we’ll gladly run the numbers for your situation.
Smart Charging: Future-Proof with BlueBird Power
Smart charging with dynamic tariffs offers major benefits: lower costs, greener energy, and more control over usage. With the right charger, app, and contract, you can automatically take advantage of the cheapest hours without lifting a finger.
BlueBird Power’s smart chargers make this process simple, reliable, and future-ready. Want to charge smarter and enjoy the lowest rates? Explore our solutions and contact us to discuss your setup.