Charge smarter with Lexus and British Gas
Exclusively for Lexus HomeCharge owners, get 25% off smart charging at home with any British Gas electricity tariff. Sign up for our EV tariff to charge at night for just 6.75p/kWh.
Already with us? Access your online account to top up
Benefits of Lexus Smart Charging with British Gas
Affordable
Smart Charging automatically charges at the cheapest possible times – and gives you 25% credit when you use Smart Charging mode as well. The savings mean you could drive 9,000 miles for just £185.*
Simple
Just plug in and let Smart Charging automatically create a charging plan for you, ensuring you are ready for your journey ahead at the best possible price.
Responsible
Whenever possible, Smart Charging will shift your charging away from periods of peak demand on the electricity grid – and charge your EV when the grid can best support it.
Rewarding
Use Smart Charging for 3 months and Lexus will send you regular monthly treats from selected partners. Terms and conditions apply. Find out more here.
Why is Smart Charging cheaper and greener?
Electricity costs more when the grid gets busy during peak hours. And it’s more likely to be generated by fossil fuels, too. Smart Charging helps you fill your battery off peak, when prices are low and there’s more renewable energy available.
To get the most out of Smart Charging, we recommend pairing it with our fixed, standard variable or EV tariff. Please see the FAQs below to learn how Smart Charging works with your tariff.
How it works
Smart Charging uses clever tech to schedule charging when the electricity grid is less busy. It’s the no-hassle way to power your EV with cheaper and greener energy.
Set up Smart Charging, link your British Gas account in the Lexus Link+ app, then tell the app when you need your EV next. That’s it, you’re set up!
Plug in any time worry-free – Smart Charging makes sure your EV’s ready when you need it
Smart Charging prioritises charging at cheaper and greener times
Every month, you get an additional 25% credit back for all Smart Charging sessions
Need to charge in a hurry? Just override in the app and pay your normal rate
How to get started
Already with British Gas?
If you have a British Gas contract and a Lexus HomeCharge charger, go to the Lexus Link + app and activate Smart Charging. During activation, you will be able to link your British Gas account from the Lexus Link + app. Be aware you will need to have a smart meter for the calculation of the 25% discount. If you don’t have one, you can order one for free here.
Not with British Gas yet?
To benefit from the 25% charging discount, you’ll need to switch your energy to us. Choose our best EV tariff to enjoy cheaper charging at night for just 6.75p/kWh. Before your switch is completed, you can already activate Smart Charging in the Lexus Link + app. Once switched, simply open the app and click to link your British Gas account.
Not a Lexus EV driver?
The Smart Charging discount of 25% is only applicable for Lexus EV drivers with a Lexus HomeCharge wallbox. Click below to find your nearest Lexus dealer or explore the different EV offers.
How does Lexus Smart Charging work with different tariffs?
Single-rate fixed tariffs with no bill credit discounts
- You'll pay a fixed price that won't change with the price cap.
- Leave EV plugged in and we will optimise your charging when cheapest/greenest.
- We will aim to charge to your set target state of charge by your ‘ready by’ time.
- You will get a 25% discount on any electricity used to charge your car.
Standard Variable Tariff
- Your prices will vary with the different price caps.
- Leave your EV plugged in and we’ll optimise your charging when cheapest/greenest.
- We’ll aim to charge to your set target state of charge (SOC) by your ‘ready by’ time.
- You’ll get a 25% discount on any electricity used to charge your car.
Multi-rate tariffs such as EV Power, Charge Power and PeakSave Super Sunday
- Lexus Smart Charging will always try to charge your vehicle during your off-peak hours first.
- If your vehicle can reach your target state of charge (SOC) using only those cheaper off-peak hours, all of that charging earns the Lexus Smart Charging credit.
- If more time is needed, Lexus Smart Charging will continue into peak hours, but you’ll still receive the 25% credit for every hour Smart Charging is controlling the charging.
Example TOU tariff:
- Your vehicle needs 7 hours of charging to reach your target SOC
- Your tariff has 5 off‑peak hours at 9p/kWh
- Your tariff's on‑peak rate is 30p/kWh
What happens:
Lexus Smart Charging uses all 5 off‑peak hours first
- Then uses 2 on‑peak hours to ensure your car is ready by your “ready by” time
- You receive the 25% Smart Charging credit for all 7 hours, because the charging was still controlled by Lexus Smart Charging
- Credits are calculated based on the rate at the time:
- Off‑peak charging (9p/kWh): 25% credit = 2.25p/kWh
On‑peak charging (30p/kWh): 25% credit = 7.5p/kWh
Single-rate fixed tariff with bill credit discounts such as Heat Power or PeakSave Weekday
- These are single-rate fixed tariffs, so behave the same as described in the first column.
- With these tariffs, you also receive a discount for your electricity use during your off-peak hours in the form of a bill credit.
- Currently, Smart Charging can’t detect your off-peak hours on these tariffs, and may charge your vehicle during your peak hours. You’ll still receive a 25% discount for your Smart Charging, but the benefit is less than during your off-peak discount period.
- If you’re on one of these tariffs, you may wish to consider changing to another of our tariffs – or disabling Smart Charging if you find you’re frequently charging during your peak hours.
We recommend you read our Terms & Conditions
Getting Started with Lexus Smart Charging
What is Lexus Smart Charging, and how does it work?
Lexus Smart Charging offers a more intelligent and convenient way to charge your vehicle using Lexus HomeCharge. The service automatically schedules your home charging at the best possible times by considering your electricity tariff, mobility needs and target state of charge. With Lexus Smart Charging, your vehicle is ready when you need it while helping reduce your charging costs at home.
What do I need to set up Lexus Smart Charging and how can I enable it?
To set up Smart Charging, you will need a Lexus electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) and your own Lexus HomeCharge. The Lexus Link + app is also essential for setting up and managing this feature.
Smart Charging can be enabled once you've added your vehicle and HomeCharge wallbox to the Lexus Link + app. Simply open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to link your British Gas account and enable Smart Charging.
If your electricity isn’t already supplied by British Gas, you’ll be able to switch your energy to us by following the journey in the Lexus Link + app. Once your switch has completed and we’re receiving smart meter readings, you’ll be able to link your British Gas account in your Smart Charging settings to start benefitting from the 25% discount.
Do I need to have a smart energy meter to use Smart Charging?
Yes. When you link your British Gas account in the Lexus Link + app, we’ll check if you have a smart meter. If you don’t have one, you’ll be able to book a free smart meter installation from British Gas by following the journey in the Lexus Link + app.
After the installation is booked, you can continue to set-up Smart Charging in the Lexus Link + app without linking your British Gas account.
Once the installation is done, simply return to the Lexus Link + app Smart Charging settings and link your British Gas account to begin benefitting from the 25% savings.
Costs, Savings and Billing
How much will I save with Lexus Smart Charging?
British Gas will credit your paired electricity account with 25% off all your EV charging costs when Smart Charging is activated. How much you save depends on your British Gas tariff. Pair Smart Charging with the EV Power tariff from British Gas and you’ll pay a super-low rate of 6.75p for charging your vehicle overnight between 12am and 5am, and 22.5p for charging spillover into peak hours.
How are my Lexus Smart Charging credits worked out?
Each month, we calculate your Lexus Smart Charging credit based on how much electricity your vehicle used while charging through Lexus Smart Charging.
You’ll always be billed at your normal tariff unit rate. For every kilowatt hour (kWh) you smart charge, we’ll credit 25% of your tariff’s unit rate back to your electricity account. You’ll still pay your standing charge as usual.
For more details on how credits are calculated on your tariff, please see https://www.britishgas.co.uk/energy/lexus-tariff for more information.
Example:
If your tariff unit rate is 25p/kWh, we’ll credit 6.25p for every kWh used during Smart Charging.
When is charging NOT eligible for credit?
You won’t receive Smart Charging credit:
- If you manually override in the app, you will not earn credits for the entire charging session
- If there isn’t enough time before your “ready by” time for Smart Charging to work, and the system must override to charge immediately.
- If the system automatically overrides because your battery is below your minimum (range reserve) state of charge. Once minimum SOC is reached, you will be eligible to begin earning credits unless either of the above apply.
In these cases, charging happens as normal at your usual tariff rates with no Smart Charging discount applied.
Will my Direct Debit change?
Your Smart Charging credits won’t have any impact on your monthly payments. If your account builds up a lot of credit, we will write to you to offer a refund into your bank account. Alternatively, you can contact us to reduce your Direct Debit payment.
How do I track my payments?
Credits will be applied to your British Gas account each calendar month and will appear on your statement as ‘Lexus Smart Charging Credit’.
Tariffs, Eligibility and Compatibility
Does Lexus Smart Charging work with a time of use tariff?
Yes, Lexus Smart Charging can work with time-of-use tariffs, but there are some important details to be aware of. Please see https://www.britishgas.co.uk/energy/lexus-tariff for more information.
I’m registered in the PeakSave scheme, can I take part?
Yes, you can participate in Lexus Smart Charging and continue taking part in PeakSave events as normal. If you’re on the PeakSave Weekday tariff, please see https://www.britishgas.co.uk/energy/lexus-tariff for more information.
Can I smart charge more than one vehicle?
Households with multiple vehicles are eligible only for the single vehicle for which Smart Charging has been activated within the Lexus Link + app. Any additional vehicles charged at the property will not qualify for Smart Charging benefits or associated credits.
Using Smart Charging & Controls
How do I set my Smart Charging preferences?
In the Lexus Link + app you can set different departure times for each day of the week. You can also set your target and minimum (range reserve) state of charge, this will be the same each day of the week. You can see the user guide here.
Will my vehicle always be fully charged when I need it?
The charging outcome depends on several factors, including when you plug in, your vehicle’s current state of charge, and the target charge level set within your Smart Charging preferences. To help ensure your vehicle is ready on time, we recommend plugging in at least six hours before your planned departure. For example, if you need your vehicle in the morning, the simplest approach is to plug in when you return home in the evening. If you are on a time of use tariff, your vehicle must also remain plugged in during your off-peak hours to enable the best optimisation and lowest charging cost.
How do I override Smart Charging?
Need your vehicle charged quickly? Select ‘Override Smart Charging’ in the Lexus Link + app and your vehicle will start charging if your EV is plugged in. There’s no scheduling – just simple, direct charging. Please note, electricity consumed by your vehicle when you override Smart Charging will be charged at your normal tariff unit rate and you will not earn a 25% discount.
Who is in control of charging my EV when using Lexus Smart Charging?
You’re always in control of your charging. You can set your ‘Charging Preferences’ to decide when you want your EV ready by and leave Lexus Smart Charging to choose the quietest and greenest times to charge. If plans change and you need your EV sooner, or you just need an urgent in-day charge, just select ‘Override Smart Charging’ in the Lexus Link + app to switch to immediate charging at any time. Please note, electricity consumed by your vehicle in ‘Override Smart Charging’ mode will be charged at your normal tariff unit rate, and you will pay the full standing charge applicable to your tariff.
Account, Setup and Changes
What happens when I connect my British Gas account to the app?
When you connect your British Gas account to the Lexus Link + app, data relating to your vehicle, charging preferences and energy account will be shared between Lexus and British Gas for the purpose of providing Smart Charging services to you. Please see here for British Gas’s privacy policy and here for Lexus Motor Europe’s privacy notices.
How do I opt out of Smart Charging?
You can opt out of Smart Charging at any time through the Lexus Link + app by going to Smart Charging settings and clicking ‘unlink’. This will unlink your British Gas account and you will no longer receive the 25% Smart Charging discount.
What happens if I change my British Gas tariff?
When you switch between British Gas electricity tariffs, your account will remain linked with the Lexus Link + app and Smart Charging will continue seamlessly. Bill credits for your EV consumption during Smart Charging mode will be calculated at your new tariff rate from your new tariff start date.
What happens if I leave British Gas?
We will inform Lexus that you have left British Gas. Lexus will automatically deactivate Smart Charging in the Lexus Link + app, and you will no longer receive any Lexus Smart Charging credits from British Gas.
Moving Home, Vehicles and Equipment
What if I move home?
This product is not portable at home move unless you are able to take your Lexus EV charger with you. You will need to discuss this directly with Lexus. When you move to your new home, you will need to link the Lexus Link+ app to your new British Gas account at the new address.
Can I change my vehicle and still benefit from Lexus Smart Charging?
Yes, you can. If you change your vehicle to another Lexus EV, you will need to disable Smart Charging for your previous vehicle, then re-activate it with your new vehicle. All credits earned on your previous and new vehicle will be applied to your account as normal.
What happens if I change meter?
If you exchange your smart meter for a new smart meter, your MPAN will remain the same and your Lexus smart charging will not be affected. However, if you have a pre-payment meter installed, you will no longer be eligible for Lexus Smart Charging and we will automatically de-link your British Gas account from the Lexus Link + app.
Technical Support & Troubleshooting
What happens if my meter or Lexus HomeCharge stops communicating?
If we lose connection to your Lexus HomeCharge for a period, when the connection is restored, we may or may not have access to the data from offline transactions depending on the connection type and device capabilities. If your Lexus HomeCharge loses connectivity and is unable to provide details of offline transactions, we won’t be able to include these transactions in our calculation.
My vehicle won’t stop/start charging
For enquiries relating to your HomeCharge wallbox once installed, please contact Lexus Customer Support at https://www.lexus.co.uk/help-centre
Safety and Additional Features
Is it safe to unplug during a charging session?
Your charge cable is locked during a charging session. To unplug, you can stop the session via the Lexus Link + app. Alternatively you can double unlock your vehicle to end the charging session before removing the cable.
How do I charge my car using my solar panels?
Currently we are unable to support optimised charging based on your solar generation and/or battery storage.
Additional information
Off-peak Smart Charging on British Gas EV Power tariff with 3.3 miles per kWh efficiency.