Since 2023, you no longer pay just for the amount of electricity you use, but also for how much electricity you use at the same time. The capacity tariff was introduced by energy regulator VREG to relieve pressure on the electricity grid by discouraging peak consumption.
What does this mean for you as an EV driver and how can you manage this wisely? Especially if you drive electric, it’s important to understand how the capacity tariff works and how to align your charging strategy with it.
What is the capacity tariff?
According to the Flemish energy regulator VREG:
“Since 2023, the network tariffs on your electricity bill no longer only depend on the amount of electricity you use, but also on how much electricity you use at the same time.” (Source: VREG.be)
Concretely: if you cook in the evening on an electric stove and at the same time run the washing machine, dishwasher, or dryer, your peak consumption increases. And that peak consumption determines the level of your network tariff.
The goal? To protect our electricity grid from overload, now that more and more households are heating, driving, and cooking electrically. Fluvius, the Belgian grid operator, clarifies:
“With the introduction of the capacity tariff, the energy regulator VREG aims to keep the load on the grid – and your energy bill – under control.” (Source: Fluvius.be)
Taking the capacity tariff into account is especially important for EV drivers
Electric vehicles can demand a lot of power while charging if you're not careful. Charging at home with a wallbox (up to 11 kW) creates a higher peak than charging via a standard socket (2.3 kW). If you combine that peak with other household devices, such as an oven or heat pump, your network tariff can increase significantly.
By spreading your usage (for example, charging your car more slowly at night via a regular socket), you avoid high peaks and keep your costs under control.
Home charging via a socket is sufficient for most drivers
A mode 2 charger for your EV limits the charging power to 2.3 kW. This gives you an average of 10 to 12 kilometers of range per hour. That means you can charge up to 100 kilometers of range overnight – more than enough for most daily trips in Flanders.
By charging more slowly:
- You avoid a higher capacity tariff
- You spread your electricity usage without expensive technology
- You use the grid more efficiently without overload or costly upgrades
Caution: a higher capacity tariff means you pay more for all your home usage
A wallbox at home causes higher peaks, directly influencing your capacity tariff. Many people don’t realize this also affects the rest of your household consumption. From the moment you plug in your EV at home just once, you’ll pay a higher tariff for the entire month on all your electricity usage – also for cooking, heating, etc.
Charging via a standard socket is the cheapest solution:
- Avoid extra investments like a wallbox or upgrading your electrical system
- Save up to 40% annually on your energy bill
Smart charging = smart management of the capacity tariff
#Smartcharging via a standard socket is not only simpler and cheaper, but also a good way to manage the capacity tariff wisely.
By charging at 2.3 kW via a regular socket, you avoid peaks and reduce your total electricity bill. On top of that, it’s better for your car battery and for the environment.
Want to split your charging costs between private and professional use? Thanks to the eCloud reimbursement kit, you’ll receive a split invoice with automatic reimbursement.
Conclusion: a new way of thinking about charging
The capacity tariff changes how we think about electricity usage. Not just how much, but also how much at the same time matters.
With #slowcharging and #smartcharging via a standard socket:
- You benefit from a lower capacity tariff
- You pay the lowest energy rate
- You charge more sustainably and consciously
Want to know more about smart charging or The eCloud Company’s reimbursement solution?
Contact us via info@ecloudcompany.eu or call +32 50 590 595
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