Best time-of-use electricity tariff for EV charging in the UK
Compare whole-of-market time-of-use (TOU) electricity tariffs for home EV charging. Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with tariffs that suit your charging times, meter type and household usage.
- Find off-peak windows that fit your charging routine
- Compare EV tariffs and standard TOU tariffs (whole-of-market)
- Switch online with support if you’re unsure about smart meters or schedules
Home energy only. Switching is subject to eligibility, meter compatibility and supplier acceptance. We’ll show options based on the details you provide.
Compare the best time-of-use electricity tariffs for EV charging
A time-of-use electricity tariff charges different unit rates depending on the time of day. If you can charge your EV during the cheaper window (often overnight), a TOU tariff can reduce the cost per mile compared with a flat-rate tariff.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service. We help you narrow down TOU options based on:
- Your charging pattern (overnight, weekend top-ups, daytime solar charging)
- Your meter type (smart meter required for most TOU tariffs)
- Household electricity use (important because peak rates can be higher)
- Whether you want an EV-specific tariff or a flexible TOU tariff
Why a time-of-use tariff is usually best for home EV charging
Most EV drivers can shift a large chunk of electricity use to off-peak hours. That’s exactly what TOU tariffs reward. The right tariff depends on how much you can move into the cheaper window and how your household uses power at peak times.
Lower overnight unit rates
Many TOU tariffs offer a discounted rate overnight, ideal for scheduled charging when the grid is quieter.
Better control over costs
With a set off-peak window, you can build a routine: plug in, schedule, and avoid peak pricing for most charging.
Works with smart chargers
Many home chargers and EV apps can automatically charge in the cheapest hours, reducing effort and mistakes.
Can suit solar & batteries too
If you have solar or a home battery, some TOU structures can help you optimise export, import and charging.
Whole-of-home view
The best EV tariff isn’t always the one with the cheapest off-peak rate—we compare day, evening and standing charge too.
Avoid common switching pitfalls
We highlight meter requirements, restrictions and peak-rate trade-offs so you can switch with confidence.
How time-of-use tariffs work for EV charging
A time-of-use tariff splits your electricity price into different time bands (for example, off-peak overnight and peak daytime/evening). Your smart meter records half-hourly usage, and your bill applies the relevant unit rate for each time band.
Identify your cheapest charging window
We look for tariffs where the off-peak window matches when your EV is usually at home (often late evening to early morning).
Check the peak-rate trade-off
Some TOU tariffs have higher peak rates. The “best” option is the one that reduces your total annual cost once EV and household use are combined.
Schedule charging to avoid peak hours
Use your EV’s onboard schedule or a smart charger app to start charging automatically in the off-peak period.
Switch and monitor for the first month
After switching, confirm your schedules match the tariff window and check your first bill for correct time bands.
EV tariff types in the UK (and which one suits you)
There’s no single “best time-of-use electricity tariff for EV charging” for everyone. The best option depends on your EV charging behaviour, how much electricity your home uses at peak times, and what meter you have.
| Tariff type | Best for | Watch-outs | What we compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| EV overnight TOU | Drivers who can charge mostly overnight on a set schedule | Peak unit rate may be higher; check standing charge and exact window | Off-peak rate, peak rate, window length, standing charge, contract terms |
| Multi-rate / day-night TOU | Homes with predictable evening/night patterns (EV + appliances) | Not always “EV-branded” but can be cheaper overall | Day vs night price split, typical annual cost, meter requirements |
| Dynamic / half-hourly pricing | Flexible drivers who can shift charging to the cheapest half-hours | Prices can spike; needs active management or automation | Typical low-price periods, volatility, app/automation support |
| Flat-rate (not TOU) | Drivers who can’t reliably charge off-peak | Usually higher EV charging cost per mile vs off-peak tariffs | Overall annual cost comparison vs TOU, standing charge |
EV charging costs: what really drives savings on TOU tariffs
When people search for the best EV time-of-use tariff, they often focus only on the headline off-peak unit rate. In practice, your total cost depends on how many kWh you shift into the cheaper window and what you pay the rest of the day.
Key factors that affect EV charging bills
- Off-peak window length: longer windows can be easier if you arrive home late.
- Peak unit rate: if your household uses lots of power 4–9pm, a high peak rate may offset EV savings.
- Standing charge: a higher standing charge can reduce savings, especially for low-usage homes.
- How often you charge at home: regular home charging makes TOU benefits more meaningful.
- Charger/EV scheduling: the easiest wins come from reliably avoiding peak hours.
Quick self-check: will a TOU tariff suit you?
You’re more likely to benefit if you can answer “yes” to most of the following:
- My EV is parked at home overnight most days.
- I can schedule charging (EV app or smart charger).
- I have (or can get) a smart meter.
- My household can avoid running big appliances in peak hours where possible.
Eligibility checklist for EV time-of-use tariffs
Most UK EV time-of-use tariffs are designed for households with smart metering and the ability to measure electricity use in time bands. Use this checklist to avoid surprises before you switch.
Smart meter
Many TOU tariffs require a working smart meter for half-hourly readings. If you’re not sure, we’ll help you check.
Supplier compatibility
Some tariffs are limited by region, meter type or network constraints. We factor this into your matched options.
Charging control
To benefit, you need to time-shift charging. Most EVs support scheduled charging; smart chargers make it even easier.
Common mistakes when choosing an EV TOU tariff (and how to avoid them)
Mistake: choosing purely by the cheapest off-peak rate
If the peak rate is significantly higher (or the standing charge is high), your overall household cost can rise. We compare total cost based on how you use electricity across the day.
Mistake: charging starts before the off-peak window
Manual charging often begins at peak time. Set a schedule (EV app or charger) so charging reliably starts in the cheap window.
Mistake: not checking meter suitability
Some meters or configurations can limit tariff availability. We ask the right questions up front so you’re only shown realistic options.
Mistake: ignoring lifestyle changes
If your commute changes or you start charging during the day, a different tariff could be better. We can help you re-compare anytime.
FAQs: best time-of-use tariff for EV charging
What is the best time to charge an EV in the UK?
In most homes, the cheapest time is during the tariff’s off-peak window (often overnight). The exact best time depends on your supplier’s TOU schedule. If you’re on a flat-rate tariff, there isn’t a cheaper time—you pay the same unit rate throughout the day.
Do I need a smart meter for a time-of-use EV tariff?
For most TOU and EV tariffs, yes. They rely on half-hourly or time-banded readings to apply different unit rates. If you don’t have a smart meter (or it’s not working in smart mode), we can help you compare alternatives and plan the best route to TOU.
Is an EV-specific tariff always better than a standard TOU tariff?
Not always. EV-specific tariffs can have excellent overnight rates, but some households do better on a non-EV TOU tariff with a more suitable window or lower peak/standing charges. That’s why we compare whole-of-market options rather than only EV-branded deals.
Will a TOU tariff increase my daytime electricity costs?
It can. Some TOU tariffs trade a cheaper off-peak rate for a higher peak rate. The key is whether your combined household and EV usage shifts enough into off-peak hours to reduce your total bill. We help you weigh this up based on your situation.
Can I use a TOU tariff if I charge with a 3-pin plug?
Yes, as long as you can charge within the off-peak window. A 3-pin plug charges more slowly, so a longer off-peak window can matter. A dedicated home charger may give you more flexibility and reliable scheduling.
Do I have to switch both gas and electricity?
Not necessarily. Many EV TOU tariffs are electricity-only. If you have gas, you can keep it where it is or compare dual-fuel options. We’ll focus on the choice that works best for your home energy setup.
Trusted help switching to an EV-friendly electricity tariff
“Clear options for overnight charging”
EnergyPlus helped me understand peak vs off-peak pricing and pick a window that fits when I get home.
Home EV driver, UK
“Whole-of-market comparison saved time”
I thought I needed an EV-branded tariff, but a standard TOU option worked better for my household usage.
Homeowner, UK
“Switching support was straightforward”
The checklist around smart meter setup was useful and made the switch feel low risk.
EV owner, Great Britain
Ready to find your best EV time-of-use tariff?
Tell us when you charge and whether you have a smart meter. We’ll match you to whole-of-market TOU tariffs that fit your home and EV routine.
- Compare EV tariffs and standard TOU tariffs
- See peak/off-peak windows clearly before you switch
- Home energy switching support available
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