EV Flex with ESB Networks
Plug in.
Earn Rewards.
Welcome to EV Flex! Here’s everything you need to know about our electricity innovation trial.
We’re proud to partner with ESB Networks to learn more about EV charging behaviour. Together, we can find out how EV owners in the Republic of Ireland can help make shape a more flexible electricity network by plugging in more. Plus, you’ll unlock rewards along the way. Let’s get started!
What’s my mission?
Just plug in your car a bit more often than usual – ideally every day if it works for you. The best part? You’ll get paid for it.
That’s right – rewards for simply plugging in!
When you plug in, our clever Ohme chargers can start and stop charging to help balance electricity demand. This “smart charging” helps make the network more sustainable, and the more you keep your Ohme charger plugged in, the smarter it gets. Plus, as a thank you, you’ll earn vouchers that can be used at a wide range of retailers.
Simply put, keeping your car plugged in at home is a win-win for both the planet and your wallet.
How do I enter?
Head back to your inbox and click your unique invite link in the email we sent you. Sign up before 26th July, accept the T&Cs, and you’re all set! We’ll confirm your spot in the trial shortly after and send you more details via email before the trial starts on 10th August.
Who can take part?
The trial is invite-only. It’s limited to you and a small number of Ohme drivers in the Republic of Ireland who meet specific eligibility criteria, including managing your charging via the Ohme App. The trial is not open to Ohme or ESB Networks employees, their immediate family, or any other person professionally connected with the EV Flex trial.
What if my car is plugged in but not charging?
This still counts! You’ll earn rewards by plugging in more frequently, not charging more. Why? The more you’re plugged in, the more flexibility the network has to operate efficiently. Learn more here.
How do I claim my rewards?
Every week you plug in, we’ll track your eligible charging sessions and add a reward to your account. At the end of each month, we’ll send you a reward update so you can grab your gift card and start shopping across a wide range of retailers.
What if I want to opt out?
Plans change, we get it! If you want to stop taking part in the trial, simply click on the opt-out link at the bottom of any emails we send about the trial.
Can Ohme remove me from the trial?
You might be removed if you move house, withdraw consent, or delete your Ohme App account.
More plug-ins, more rewards.
To earn at least one reward, you’ll need to plug in for more than 6 hours, on 3 separate days of the week. Your Ohme charger just needs to be plugged in to your EV – no charge needed!
The more you plug-in, the more rewards you can earn:
- 3 Plug-ins per week = €1
- 4 Plug-ins per week = €2
- 5+ Plug-ins per week = €3
That means you can earn up to €12 in rewards each month, or over €70 throughout the trial! These rewards can be redeemed at over 50 top retailers via Runa vouchers.
💡 Keep in mind, “Max Charge” sessions will not qualify.
Gearing up for success
Enable dynamic charging
You’ll find this toggle on your charging screen in the Ohme app. This unlocks additional cheap charging slots and greener ones too. All while helping your battery last longer.
Set a charge target in the app
Tell Ohme how much charge you want and when you need it by with a one-off session. Or create routines based on your regular driving habits (like the school run or your commute).
Check your charger is online
Always check your charger’s status on the Ohme app before plugging in to ensure rewards are calculated correctly. If your Ohme charger is offline, a quick restart should get it working.
Simple tips for seamless plugging in
Plugging in more often might feel a bit different at first, especially if you’re used to just plugging in once or twice a week. But with a little planning and some helpful reminders, it will seamlessly fit into your routine. Here are some handy tips to get you started:
- Set a phone alarm: Schedule a daily reminder for when you usually get home, and label it ‘Park and Plug’.
- Stick a note: Place a reminder on your car door that says ‘Park and Plug’. You won’t miss it!
- Add a reminder: Put a note in your nightly routine spot, like your bathroom mirror.
- Get others involved: Ask your passengers to help remind you to ‘Park and Plug’.
We’ll also be in touch throughout the trial with regular plug-in reminders, helpful tips and tricks, and even limited-time events to keep things going!
Frequently asked questions
Will I end up paying more money?
Not at all! You’ll still be charging for the same amount of time, just spread out across more plugged in periods. Remember: you only need your Ohme charger to be plugged in, not charging, to earn rewards!
Will I risk having too little or too much charge?
We’ll make sure your charging schedule is followed at all times so you always have the perfect amount of charge right when you need it. Find out how to adjust your charging target here.
Will it be bad for my battery?
Rest assured, your battery health is our top priority. We’ll stick to the charge targets you’ve set to keep your battery in the optimal range. Plus, charging little and often, known as graze charging, is actually better for your battery than one big charge.
How do I earn rewards?
Plug in your electric vehicle for at least six continuous hours within a 24-hour period (06:00am – 06:00am), on three separate days each week to earn a reward. If you plug in more than 3 times a week, you’ll earn even more. At the end of each month, Ohme will calculate how many rewards you earnt per week that month and your monthly reward total. We’ll then send you these rewards as a Runa gift voucher link, which you can redeem at a wide range of retailers, including Dunnes Stores, Tesco, and Boots!
A “week” means a period of seven consecutive days beginning at 06:00am on Monday and ending at 05:59am on the immediately following Monday.
How will you contact me?
Throughout the trial, we’ll be in touch to give you regular reminders, hints and tips, and even the chance to take part in limited-time events. We’ll mainly be in touch via email, so keep an eye on your inbox, but you can also opt-in to receive SMS reminders when you sign up. You can opt-out of these comms at any time via the link at the bottom of our emails.
Who can participate in the trial?
The trial is invite-only. It’s limited to you and a small number of Ohme drivers in the Republic of Ireland who meet specific eligibility criteria, including managing your charging via the Ohme App. The trial is not open to Ohme or ESB Networks employees, their immediate family, or any other person professionally connected with EV Flex.
For full Terms and Conditions, click here.
Ready to start earning rewards?
Click the personal sign-up link in the email we sent you. Remember, spots are limited and sign-up closes on 26th July, so don’t wait too long. We’re excited to have you on board!
Need help?
If you have any last-minute questions, our experts are here for you. Drop us a note at [email protected] for trial specific queries or [email protected] for general charging questions.