Best EV Tariffs in the UK (Updated 2025)
Cut the cost and carbon of every mile. Compare cheap overnight rates and smart-charging plans from leading suppliers, then choose the EV tariff that fits your driving, your home, and your budget.
- Lower night-time prices or smart-charging credits
- Optimised for SMETS2 smart meters and compatible chargers
- Works with most EV brands and home energy setups
What is an EV tariff?
An EV tariff is a specialist electricity plan designed to make charging an electric vehicle at home cheaper and greener. Most tariffs offer one of two approaches:
- Overnight time-of-use – a lower unit price for a fixed off-peak window (typically 4–7 hours overnight). You set your car or charger to top up in the cheap window.
- Smart-charging credit – the supplier tracks your EV charging (via a compatible charger or vehicle API) and gives a per-kWh credit when charging is scheduled intelligently, often irrespective of the clock time.
Both can unlock substantial savings compared with standard single-rate plans, especially if you drive frequently or cover long commutes.
Who benefits most?
- Drivers with off-street parking and a home charger
- Households with flexible schedules that can shift charging to overnight hours
- Homes with SMETS2 smart meters (or upgraded SMETS1)
- Solar PV and battery owners looking to stack savings with smart charging
Quick answer: Which EV tariff is best?
It depends on your driving, meter, and region. Here’s a simple rule-of-thumb to start your shortlist:
For simple cheap nights
Look at time-of-use plans from providers such as Octopus Energy (Go / Go-like plans), E.ON Next (Drive), EDF (GoElectric variants), or British Gas (EV-focused time-of-use). These typically give a 4–7 hour off-peak window overnight.
For set-and-forget smart charging
Consider smart-charging plans such as Intelligent Octopus or OVO Charge Anytime, which schedule charging automatically and apply cheaper rates or credits when your EV charges intelligently.
Tip: If you can shift most charging off-peak, time-of-use often wins. If your schedule is unpredictable, a smart-credit plan can be simpler and still highly cost-effective.
Compare popular UK EV tariffs
The snapshot below is a feature comparison, not a live price list. Availability, prices, off-peak hours, and eligibility change by region. Always verify with the supplier before switching.
| Supplier & Tariff Type | Core idea | Off-peak window | Smart charger/vehicle API | Smart meter required | Solar/battery friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy Go (time-of-use) |
Fixed cheap night rate for a short overnight window | Typically 4–6 hours overnight | Not required for basic use | Yes (half-hourly) | Works well; consider export compatibility |
| Octopus Energy Intelligent Octopus (smart) |
Schedules charging automatically for extended cheap periods | Supplier-scheduled slots incl. overnight | Yes (supported car or charger) | Yes (half-hourly) | Good with automation; check battery rules |
| OVO Energy Charge Anytime (smart credit) |
Per-kWh credit for verified EV charging via car/charger | Flexible; credits applied when criteria met | Yes (compatible EV/charger) | Usually required | Pairs well with flexible usage |
| EDF GoElectric (time-of-use variants) |
Cheaper overnight rate, standard day rate | Commonly 4–7 hours overnight | No for basic, yes for smart features | Yes | Check export if you have solar |
| E.ON Next Next Drive (time-of-use) |
Lower night rate for home charging | Typically overnight block | No | Yes | Works with storage; check terms |
| British Gas EV time-of-use |
Night discount and standard day rates | Overnight off-peak window | No for basic, integrations vary | Yes | Confirm compatibility |
| ScottishPower Smart EV (time-of-use) |
Overnight EV charging discount | Overnight block | No for basic, integrations vary | Yes | Regional availability varies |
| Dynamic tariffs (e.g., half-hourly pricing) |
Prices change every 30 minutes; automate charging | Not fixed; follow price signals | Recommended (for automation) | Yes | Advanced users, great with home battery |
Disclaimer: Names, structures, and features are indicative. Specific rates, windows, eligibility, credit values, and terms change regularly. Always review the supplier’s latest documentation for your region and meter.
How to choose the right EV tariff
- Check your meter – You’ll usually need a SMETS2 smart meter set to half-hourly reads.
- Estimate your EV kWh – Multiply your yearly miles by your car’s typical miles/kWh. Example: 9,000 miles at 3.5 mi/kWh ˜ 2,570 kWh/year.
- Assess flexibility – Can you reliably charge overnight? If yes, time-of-use is often the simplest and cheapest.
- Consider smart credits – If your schedule varies, look at smart-charging plans that apply credits even outside a fixed window.
- Check standing charges – A very low night rate can be offset by a high standing charge. Compare the whole bill, not just the headline rate.
- Think about solar/battery – If you have PV or plan a home battery, pick a tariff that plays nicely with export and storage.
- Review exit fees and terms – Some plans are variable; others have fixed terms. Make sure it suits your goals.
Typical savings: a quick worked example
Assume you use 2,600 kWh/year for EV charging. If you can shift 80% of that into an off-peak window priced substantially lower than your day rate, the saving can be sizable:
- Energy shifted off-peak: 2,080 kWh
- Energy at day rate: 520 kWh
If the night rate is, for example, significantly cheaper than your day rate, you could save hundreds of pounds per year compared with a single-rate plan. Your actual saving depends on the specific rates in your area and your standing charge.
Smart-credit plans can deliver comparable savings by discounting verified kWh even when you charge outside a fixed overnight window.
Popular providers and what they’re known for
Octopus Energy
Go style plans are straightforward for cheap overnights. Intelligent Octopus adds automation by scheduling charge sessions for you when the grid is cleaner and cheaper, often unlocking longer cumulative cheap periods.
OVO Energy
Charge Anytime typically provides a per-kWh credit for verified EV charging through a compatible charger or connected car, helping drivers with irregular schedules benefit without micromanaging timers.
EDF
GoElectric variants generally offer off-peak windows with competitive night rates, suitable for drivers who can charge reliably at night.
E.ON Next
Next Drive tends to keep things simple with a defined overnight window and standard day rates.
British Gas
EV-focused time-of-use options may provide reduced night rates for easy, predictable savings if you can shift the bulk of charging.
ScottishPower
Smart EV tariffs target overnight charging discounts; availability and specifics can vary by region.
Always confirm the latest eligibility, compatible vehicles/chargers, off-peak hours, and exact pricing with the provider.
EV tariffs with solar PV and home batteries
Pairing an EV tariff with solar panels and a home battery can reduce costs further:
- Charge your EV overnight on a low tariff and during the day from your solar surplus.
- Use a battery to store cheap night electricity for daytime home use.
- Consider a suitable export tariff if you regularly export solar energy.
Some tariffs have rules around charging home batteries on EV night rates. Check your plan’s terms.
Dynamic pricing: for advanced users
Dynamic half-hourly tariffs can be extremely cost-effective if you automate charging and avoid peak price spikes. They tend to suit:
- Drivers with flexible charge windows
- Homes with smart chargers and integrations
- Households with a home battery to shift usage away from peak prices
They require more engagement, but the rewards can be significant when paired with good automation.
Business and fleet EV tariffs
Workplaces and fleets often benefit from bespoke structures, including competitive night rates for depot charging, demand-based contracts, and tailored metering. To scope the best option you’ll usually need:
- Half-hourly usage data and charger power details
- Number of vehicles, typical arrival/departure times
- Any on-site generation (solar) or storage (battery)
Request a business EV tariff review to see what’s possible for your site.
Regional and meter considerations
- Region: UK energy regions have different distribution costs, so off-peak rates and standing charges vary.
- Smart meter: Most EV tariffs require SMETS2. If you have SMETS1, check if it’s enrolled and supports half-hourly reads.
- Economy 7 vs EV tariffs: Classic E7 off-peak windows can work for EVs, but dedicated EV tariffs often offer better alignment and features.
EV tariff FAQs
Do I need a smart charger?
Not for basic time-of-use plans. However, a smart charger or compatible vehicle link is typically required for smart-credit or automated charging tariffs.
Can I switch if I’m on the price cap?
Yes, but check current deals and any exit fees. EV tariffs may be variable or fixed; compare the whole bill impact.
Will charging at 7kW overnight be enough?
Most drivers recover a typical day’s mileage in a 4–7 hour night window at 7kW. For very high mileage, consider occasional daytime top-ups or a smart-credit plan.
What about public charging?
Home EV tariffs don’t affect public charging prices. Use subscriptions, off-peak rates, or loyalty schemes to reduce public costs.
Can renters get EV tariffs?
If you have permission for a smart meter and charger, yes. Otherwise, smart-credit plans using a compatible car connection might still be an option. Always check tenancy and installation permissions.
Get your tailored EV tariff comparison
Tell us a little about your home, driving, and current meter and we’ll guide you to a shortlist that fits your usage and region.
Why compare with us?
- Independent guidance focused on your usage
- Up-to-date market monitoring across major suppliers
- Clear, jargon-free explanations and next steps
Next steps
- Gather a recent bill and confirm your smart meter status.
- Estimate your annual EV kWh and your flexibility to charge at night.
- Request your tailored comparison to see which tariff best matches your home and driving.