# CO₂-Optimized Charging

> Shows how to charge from the grid when its CO₂ intensity is low by adding a CO₂ forecast such as Grünstromindex and setting a CO₂ limit at the charging point.

Self-produced energy is not always enough to cover your own charging needs, and you have to fall back on mains electricity. In this case, it makes sense to start the charging process when there is as much CO₂-neutral energy as possible in the public power grid.

Even if you have a green electricity tariff that advertises 0 gCO₂/kWh, optimized charging still makes sense. Although these tariffs are CO₂-neutral in terms of the national balance sheet, you will be using the local electricity mix. If there is little renewable energy available in the power grid, the additional electricity demand must be covered by fossil fuels.

## Configuring the Data Source

In order to charge in a CO₂-optimised way, evcc needs forecast data about CO₂ emissions in your region. You can add the data source under **Configuration → Tariffs & Forecasts → Add forecast → Add CO₂ forecast**. Select your data source in the **Provider** field, e.g. [Grünstromindex](https://www.gruenstromindex.de/) (Germany only), and fill in the provider-specific fields such as your postcode. See [tariffs](/en/tariffs) for a list of all supported data sources.

## Clean web charging

Open the settings dialog at the charging point.

![Settings at the charging point](/_astro/co2-loadpoint-settings-en-light-1x.CZ3Pcidy.webp)

Settings at the charging point

The CO₂ forecast data is displayed in the bar chart. Each bar represents a 15-minute slot. You can select your desired CO₂ limit via the selection field or by clicking on a bar.

![Screenshot of the Smart Grid Charging dialog with set CO₂ limit](/_astro/co2-modal-en-light-1x.KPEskMnk.webp)

Screenshot of the Smart Grid Charging dialog with set CO₂ limit

This limit applies in **Smart** mode of the current charging point. By clicking on “apply everywhere”, the limit for all charging points is applied. In addition to PV surplus charging, fast charging is now activated during the hours with low CO₂ emissions (green bars). This setting is useful to ensure a fully charged battery in the winter months, whilst still relieving the power grid.

## Load planning

By using [charging plans](/en/features/plans), you can control CO₂-optimised charging even more precisely. All you have to do is enter your amount of energy (kWh) or your destination charge level (%) and the desired departure time. When a CO₂ data source is configured, the scheduling algorithm automatically selects the hours with the lowest CO₂ emissions.

![Screenshot of the charging plan dialog with optimised CO₂ charging](/_astro/co2-plan-en-light-1x.KfAhRJDZ.webp)

Screenshot of the charging plan dialog with optimised CO₂ charging

> **Tip**
>
> If you have configured a [dynamic electricity tariff](/en/features/dynamic-prices), it will be preferred. The CO₂ data will continue to be collected at your charging sessions. However, the planning algorithm and the “Cheap Grid Charging” function now optimize for price instead of CO₂