What is an EV home charger tariff?

An EV home charger tariff is a specialist electricity tariff designed for electric vehicle owners who mainly charge at home. These tariffs usually offer cheaper unit rates during off-peak hours, such as overnight, so you can schedule charging when electricity is cheaper and reduce your overall running costs. Some EV tariffs also include smart charging features that automatically optimise when your car charges based on grid demand and wholesale prices.

How do I choose the best EV home charger tariff in the UK for 2025?

To choose the best EV home charger tariff in the UK for 2025, compare the off-peak unit rate, peak unit rate, standing charge and off-peak window against your typical driving and charging habits. If you usually charge overnight, a tariff with a long cheap window (for example, 11pm–7am) and a very low off-peak rate will normally save you the most money. Also check whether you need a compatible smart charger, if there are exit fees or fixed-term contracts, and whether the supplier offers app-based controls or automatic smart charging.

Do I need a smart EV charger to get an EV tariff?

Most specialist EV tariffs either require or strongly recommend a smart EV charger so that charging can be controlled and scheduled automatically. A smart charger connects to your home Wi-Fi or mobile data and lets you set charge times, track energy use and sometimes link directly to your energy supplier's system. Some suppliers only unlock their best EV rates if you have a compatible smart charger installed and grant permission for smart charging. Always check the tariff's eligibility rules before switching.

How much can I save with an EV home charger tariff compared to a standard tariff?

Savings depend on your mileage, battery size and how much of your charging you can shift into off-peak hours. As a rough guide, many EV drivers can save hundreds of pounds per year compared with a standard single-rate tariff by using a dedicated EV home charger tariff and charging mainly overnight. If you regularly drive long distances or fully recharge your battery several times a week, the potential savings are usually even higher. Using a smart charger to automate off-peak charging helps you consistently access the lowest rates.

Can I use an EV tariff if I have solar panels or home battery storage?

Yes, you can normally combine an EV home charger tariff with solar panels and home battery storage, but you should check the supplier's terms. Many EV owners use solar generation during the day and then switch to an EV tariff's cheaper off-peak electricity overnight to top up their car or home battery. Some smart chargers and energy management systems can automatically choose whether to charge from solar, the grid or a home battery based on cost and availability, maximising your savings and self-consumption.

Do I need a smart meter for an EV home charger tariff?

Almost all EV home charger tariffs in the UK require a smart meter because the supplier must be able to measure when you use electricity in order to bill different rates at different times of day. If you do not already have a smart meter, the supplier will usually arrange an installation as part of the tariff switch process. Without a smart meter you will normally only be able to access standard single-rate tariffs.

Can I charge my EV on a normal home electricity tariff?

You can charge an EV on a standard home electricity tariff, but you may pay more than necessary, especially if you drive frequently or have a large battery. Standard tariffs usually have the same unit rate 24/7, so you cannot benefit from much cheaper off-peak electricity. Switching to a dedicated EV home charger tariff allows you to take advantage of lower overnight rates and can significantly cut your cost per mile, particularly if you schedule most of your charging during the cheap period.

Is it cheaper to charge my EV at home or at public charging stations?

In most cases it is cheaper to charge your EV at home using an EV-specific tariff than to rely on public rapid chargers. Public charging, especially rapid and ultra-rapid, typically costs more per kWh and may also add connection or parking fees. With a competitive EV home charger tariff and overnight charging, your effective cost per mile is usually substantially lower. Public chargers are still useful for long trips and occasional top-ups, but home charging is usually best for everyday use and for keeping running costs down.

What installation requirements are there for an EV home charger?

To install a home EV charger you will normally need off-street parking, a suitable wall or mounting point near where you park and a safe route for cabling from your consumer unit. A qualified, OZEV-approved or similarly accredited installer will assess your property's electrical capacity, install any necessary safety devices such as an isolator switch and RCD protection, and configure the charger and app. In some cases, if your main supply is limited, your DNO may need to upgrade or approve the connection before installation proceeds.

How can I maximise savings with an EV home charger tariff?

To maximise savings with an EV home charger tariff, schedule as much of your charging as possible within the off-peak window, use your charger's smart scheduling or optimisation features and avoid unnecessary daytime top-ups on the higher peak rate. If you have predictable commuting patterns, set recurring schedules so your car is always ready for the time you leave. Review your monthly usage in the charger app and your supplier's portal to make sure the tariff still suits your driving habits, and consider combining the EV tariff with solar or a home battery if it fits your circumstances.

Best EV Home Charger Tariffs UK 2025

Discover the cheapest and most flexible home EV charging tariffs in the UK for 2025, and learn how to combine the right tariff with your home charger to cut your driving costs dramatically.

Charge your EV at home for pennies per mile

With smart EV home charger tariffs, many UK drivers now pay less than £0.03 per mile. The key is matching the right energy tariff with the right home charger and charging schedule.

Below we explain how EV tariffs work, compare popular UK options for 2025, and show you how Energyplus can help you install a compatible charger and choose a money-saving tariff.

Compare leading EV home tariffs for 2025
Understand off-peak, smart and dynamic pricing
Get a tailored quote for an EV charger & install

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How EV home charger tariffs work in 2025

EV-friendly tariffs are designed to offer cheaper electricity when you are most likely to charge your car – usually overnight. Instead of paying a flat unit rate all day, you can access off-peak prices that are significantly lower than the standard daytime cost.

In 2025, most UK EV tariffs fall into one of three categories:

Simple off-peak EV tariffs – set cheap night-time hours
Smart EV tariffs – use your charger or car to schedule when to charge
Dynamic tariffs – prices change hourly, following wholesale costs

To use these tariffs, you almost always need a smart meter and, for smarter or dynamic tariffs, a smart EV charger or connected EV.

Typical savings vs standard tariffs

Compared to a standard single-rate electricity tariff, UK drivers on an EV-optimised home tariff can often:

Cut EV charging costs by 40–70%
Reduce overall home energy bills by shifting other loads off-peak
Charge a typical 60 kWh battery for under £5 overnight (tariff dependent)

Actual savings depend on your supplier, region, time-of-use prices, and how often you charge at home. Always check the latest unit rates and standing charges before switching.

Types of EV home charger tariffs in the UK

Suppliers regularly update their products, but most EV home charging tariffs in 2025 work in similar ways. Use the guide below to understand which type suits you best.

Tariff type	How it works	Best for	Typical off-peak window	Pros	Things to watch
Flat rate	Same unit cost day and night. No EV-specific discount.	Very low mileage drivers, or where EV tariffs are not yet available.	N/A	Simple to understand; no need to schedule charging.	Usually the most expensive option for regular EV charging.
Off-peak EV tariff	Cheap rate overnight, higher rate during the day.	Most EV owners charging mainly at night.	Commonly 4–7 hours between 23:00–08:00 (varies by supplier).	Easy savings; predictable window; compatible with most smart chargers.	Daytime unit rate is usually higher than standard tariffs.
Smart EV tariff	Uses your car/charger data to optimise when to charge within cheap windows.	Drivers with a compatible charger or connected EV.	Flexible – supplier chooses the cheapest slots each night.	Automatic scheduling; often lower price than simple off-peak tariffs.	Needs stable internet and compatible hardware; terms vary by supplier.
Dynamic tariff	Hourly prices track wholesale market; can be very cheap at times.	Tech-savvy users with flexible usage and smart chargers.	Cheapest hours vary daily; may include occasional negative prices.	Potential for very low charging costs.	Prices can spike; needs active management or advanced automation.

The information above is a general guide only and does not describe any specific supplier product. Always review the latest tariff details for unit rates, standing charges and contract terms.

What makes the best EV home charger tariffs in 2025?

There is no single ‘best’ EV tariff for every UK driver. The right option depends on your driving habits, home energy use and location. In 2025, the strongest tariffs tend to combine:

Low off-peak unit rates – ideally below your current standard rate
A long enough off-peak window to fully charge overnight
Reasonable daytime rates so your other home usage is not penalised
Fair standing charges, which can vary by region
Compatibility with smart chargers, apps and smart meters

Energyplus helps you select a home charger and tariff combination that balances all of these factors and maximises your long-term savings.

Questions to ask before you switch

How many miles do you drive per week and how often will you charge at home?
Can you reliably charge your car overnight during off-peak hours?
Do you already have a smart meter installed?
Is your EV or charger compatible with smart / dynamic tariffs?
Will a higher daytime unit rate increase your non-EV energy costs too much?

If you are unsure, our specialists can talk you through the numbers and help you estimate your potential savings.

Pairing your EV home charger with the right tariff

1. Install a compatible smart charger

A modern 7 kW smart home charger lets you schedule and automate your charging to match off-peak rates. Many chargers can:

Start and stop charging automatically during cheap hours
Limit charge to a specific percentage to extend battery life
Connect to your supplier or third-party apps

2. Choose a smart or off-peak tariff

Once you have a smart meter and charger, you can move onto a tariff that rewards you for shifting usage overnight. In many cases, just changing your charging time is enough to significantly reduce costs.

We stay up to date with the latest EV-friendly tariffs so we can provide guidance tailored to your usage and region.

3. Optimise your whole home

Once you are on an EV tariff, you can save even more by shifting other flexible loads (dishwasher, washing machine, immersion heater) into the off-peak window.

This whole-home approach can lower your overall electricity bill, not just your EV charging cost.

How much could you save by switching your EV tariff?

Your potential savings depend on how many miles you drive and how much of your charging you can move into cheaper time bands. As a rough guide:

A driver covering 8,000–10,000 miles per year could often save £200–£400 per year by switching from a flat tariff to an EV-optimised tariff.
High-mileage drivers may save even more, especially with smart or dynamic tariffs used effectively.

We can estimate your likely savings as part of your home EV charger quote, using your current tariff details and car usage.

Ready to explore your options?

Share a few details about your home, EV and driving pattern. We will explain:

Which charger types fit your property
What kind of EV tariff is likely to suit you
How quickly home charging could pay back

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Key factors when comparing EV home tariffs

Unit rate (kWh price) – compare both off-peak and peak prices.
Standing charge – a higher daily fee can offset savings from cheaper units.
Off-peak window length – can you fully charge in the available time?
Tariff type – fixed, variable, smart or dynamic; each has pros and cons.
Exit fees – check if there is a penalty for leaving early.
Meter requirements – most EV tariffs require a compatible smart meter.
Renewable content – many EV tariffs include a higher share of green electricity.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a smart meter for an EV tariff?

Almost all off-peak, smart and dynamic EV tariffs require a smart meter so your supplier can track when you use electricity. Your supplier will usually arrange installation.

Can I use an EV tariff without a dedicated home charger?

You can usually still join a multi-rate tariff if you charge from a 3-pin socket, but a dedicated charger is strongly recommended for safety, speed and automation.

Are EV tariffs only for EV drivers?

Some suppliers require proof of EV ownership. Others allow anyone to join a time-of-use tariff. Check your chosen supplier’s terms.

Are EV tariffs guaranteed to be cheaper?

Not always. If you use most of your electricity during the day, a high peak rate could increase your bills. It is important to consider your whole home usage, not just your EV.

Get a tailored EV home charger & tariff recommendation

Energyplus provides expert advice and installation for home EV chargers across the UK. Share a few quick details and we will:

Recommend suitable home chargers for your property and vehicle
Explain which 2025 EV tariffs may match your usage pattern
Provide an installation quote with clear, transparent pricing

There is no obligation to proceed, and our guidance is designed to help you make an informed, confident decision about your home charging setup.

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Start saving on EV charging in 2025

A smart EV tariff and the right home charger can turn your driveway into the cheapest, most convenient place to refuel your car. Energyplus is here to help with expert advice, professional installation and ongoing support.

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Updated on 7 Dec 2025