The Time of Use Algorithm allows charging sessions to be intelligently paused during certain hours—typically when electricity prices are high or when the grid is under stress. Once the exclusion period ends, charging automatically resumes.
As a Charge Point Operator (CPO), you can offer this feature to EV drivers using a private home charger, enabling them to save costs and contribute to a more sustainable energy ecosystem.
For home users, this is available through the Consumer-configured ToU Algorithm. It gives private EV drivers control over their own charging schedule directly from the Charge Assist Web (CAW) Portal.
If you are interested in learning more about this feature or want it enabled for your organisation, please contact your Customer Success Manager (CSM).
Step 1: Invite the Home User to the Charge Assist Web Portal
To give a home user access:
- In the EV Portal, go to:
Admin → Charge Assist Web → Users
- From this screen, you can invite the user.
- The invited user will receive an email with login details for the CAW Portal.
Step 2: Create and Configure a Smart Charging Group
To enable the Time of Use Algorithm for a home user:
- In the EV Portal, go to:
CPO → Smart Charging
- Click Create Smart Charging Group.
- Enter a Name for the group and select the CPO under which it should be created (this must match the CPO of the EVSE). Click Next.
- Under Algorithm, select Time of Use Algorithm.
- Toggle Enable Exclusion Time if you want the algorithm active immediately.
- Set the Exclusion Start and End Time. Charging will be paused between these hours. Click Next.
- Under Select Charge Assist User, add the home user who owns the charging station.
- Only this user will be able to interact with or override the schedule from their Charge Assist App.
- Under EVSE, assign the EVSE belonging to this user.
- In the Finalize tab, review the summary of the Smart Charging Group. Click Finalize to save.
Once completed, the home user can log in to Charge Assist Web and configure the Time of Use Algorithm themselves.
Step 3: User Experience in Charge Assist (Web)
Once logged into Charge Assist (Web), the home user will see their assigned Smart Charging Group. From there, they can:
- Start Priority Charge: Immediately begin charging, overriding the exclusion period.
- Edit Exclusion Times: Adjust the hours when charging should be paused.
This gives the EV driver full control of their charging schedule, with the flexibility to prioritise charging when needed.