Allego launches overnight Smart Charging across 4,500 charging points in the Netherlands to reduce peak energy demand
Allego, the leading European public charging network, has launched overnight Smart Charging across 4,500 charging points in the Netherlands. Developed with Deftpower’s technology, the solution rewards EV drivers with cashback for participating in grid-aware charging, shifting 70% of consumption from the evening peak to lower-demand moments.
Emiel van Steenselen, Head of Network Development Netherlands at Allego explains the concept behind the launch: “With Smart Charging, we are introducing a positive incentive model that rewards drivers for the flexibility they provide. By focusing on overnight sessions, which are long by nature and start during the evening peak, we can shift demand to times of lower consumption without any impact on the charging experience, while ensuring charger availability during the day.”
Smart Charging is available at over 4,500 Allego AC charging points, amounting to 9,000 sockets. Drivers with a connected vehicle can participate from 6PM via the Allego app or other participating apps. They then receive an average of 5% of their charging costs back as cashback, redeemable via bank transfer or as charging credit for future sessions.
Jacob van Zonneveld, CEO of Deftpower, underlines the role of driver participation in creating flexibility: “By rewarding drivers with cashbacks we can include consumers and fleet drivers to participate in grid-aware charging. Allego's decision to put driver incentives at the heart of this rollout sets a strong example that putting drivers first is exactly the kind of approach that will accelerate the transition to a smarter, more flexible grid.”
Smart Charging is designed to make the experience more transparent by giving drivers full control and cost visibility over their charging experience. The initiative combines lower overnight energy prices with improved charger occupation and coordinated demand balancing within the electricity network. By aligning these elements, Allego addresses key challenges in public charging, improving affordability and availability while supporting a more efficient energy system.
Van Steenselen concludes: “An effective public charging system starts with operating the infrastructure already in place more intelligently. As the number of EVs on the street grows, improving utilisation of existing charging points is essential. This is why we believe rewarding flexibility is a key step in ensuring our charging locations continue to serve drivers wherever and whenever they need to charge.”
Following the initial rollout in the Netherlands, Allego plans to expand Smart Charging to approximately 9,000 charging points and 18,000 sockets, extending the model into Belgium and embedding incentive-based flexibility more deeply into its European network.
