Cheapest off-peak EV charging tariff rates in the UK
Compare whole-of-market off-peak EV tariffs for home charging. Tell us a few details and we’ll help you find low night rates that fit your mileage, charger and smart meter setup.
- Check cheap overnight rates for EV charging (home energy only)
- See options whether you have a smart meter, EV charger or both
- Understand the trade-off between off-peak and day rates before switching
- Quick form — we’ll match you to suitable tariffs
Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes. Switching depends on availability, eligibility and your meter/charger setup. Always check unit rates, standing charges and off-peak windows.
Find the cheapest off-peak EV tariff for your home
Off-peak EV tariffs (sometimes called EV night tariffs or smart EV tariffs) offer a cheaper unit rate during set hours — typically overnight — to help reduce the cost of charging at home. The cheapest option isn’t always the one with the lowest night rate: day rates, standing charges, and the exact off-peak window matter just as much.
EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market options for UK households and understand which tariffs suit your setup. Use the form to start your comparison — we’ll match you to tariffs based on your postcode and details.
What you’ll need to compare accurately
- Your postcode (tariffs vary by region and network area)
- Whether you have a smart meter (many EV tariffs require one)
- Your typical charging pattern (overnight vs daytime top-ups)
- Any requirements from your charger/app (some tariffs are app-controlled)
Get your off-peak EV tariff comparison
Fill in the form and we’ll help you compare suitable home tariffs.
Tip: If you frequently charge during the day (e.g. home working with midday top-ups), a very low off-peak rate can be outweighed by a higher day rate. Compare the full tariff, not just the headline overnight price.
Why off-peak EV tariffs can be the cheapest way to charge at home
Lower night unit rates
EV-focused tariffs often reward flexible charging with cheaper electricity during set overnight hours — ideal if your car is usually plugged in at home.
Potentially lower cost per mile
A cheaper off-peak rate can reduce your cost per mile, especially for high-mileage drivers who do most charging overnight.
Better fit for smart charging
Many EV tariffs integrate with smart chargers or apps to schedule charging automatically inside the cheapest window.
Choose based on your home usage
Whole-of-market comparison helps you find the best blend of day rate, standing charge and off-peak hours for your household — not just your car.
Avoid paying more for flexibility you won’t use
If you can’t consistently charge off-peak, you may be better on a competitive standard tariff. We’ll help you sanity-check the numbers.
Support for multi-rate households
Some homes also run appliances overnight. Off-peak windows can benefit EV charging and other flexible loads (e.g. dishwashers, laundry).
How off-peak EV charging tariffs work in the UK
An off-peak EV tariff typically splits your electricity price into at least two time periods: off-peak (cheaper) and peak/day (more expensive). Some tariffs add extra periods (for example, an evening peak) or provide dedicated EV charging rates via an app.
1) Check your setup
Smart meter availability, EV charger type, and whether your supplier needs an app-controlled charger.
2) Confirm the off-peak window
For example: set night hours, or flexible smart charging that aims to use cheaper periods.
3) Compare the full tariff
Look at day rate, standing charge, any extra time bands, and contract terms.
4) Switch and schedule charging
Set your car/charger schedule to start within the off-peak period so you actually get the cheaper rate.
Good to know: Off-peak electricity times and rates can vary by supplier, tariff and region. Always confirm the exact hours (and whether they apply to all household usage or only smart-scheduled EV charging).
Cheapest off-peak EV tariff rates: what to compare (not just the headline)
When people search for the cheapest off-peak EV charging tariff rates in the UK, they often focus on the lowest night unit rate. That’s important — but to find the true cheapest tariff for your household, compare the full cost picture below.
Want help deciding what’s actually cheapest for you? Complete the comparison form and we’ll help you shortlist tariffs based on your household’s likely usage.
How to estimate your off-peak EV charging costs
A simple way to compare tariffs is to estimate how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you typically add at home each week, then apply the off-peak rate. If you’re not sure, start with your usual mileage and your car’s efficiency (miles per kWh).
Quick calculation
- Weekly miles ÷ miles per kWh = estimated kWh needed
- Estimated kWh × off-peak unit rate = off-peak charging cost
- Add any daytime top-ups at the day/peak rate
You can refine this by looking at your charger app history or your vehicle’s charging screen.
Common situations where off-peak wins
- You can plug in most nights and schedule charging automatically
- Your household’s daytime usage is modest (so higher day rates have less impact)
- You regularly add large overnight charges rather than lots of daytime top-ups
- You can shift other loads into the off-peak window (optional)
Standing charge check: Two tariffs with the same off-peak rate can produce different totals if one has a much higher standing charge in your region.
Eligibility: who can get off-peak EV charging tariffs?
Eligibility varies by supplier and tariff. Some off-peak EV tariffs are open to any household with a smart meter; others require proof of an EV, a compatible smart charger, or smart charging via an app.
Smart meter
Many EV tariffs require a communicating smart meter so your usage can be billed accurately by time band.
EV or plug-in hybrid
Some tariffs are designed for EV owners and may ask you to confirm you have an electric vehicle.
Charger/app compatibility
A number of tariffs rely on smart scheduling through an app or specific integrations. Check before switching.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, submit the form — we’ll guide you towards tariffs that typically suit your setup.
Common mistakes when choosing the cheapest EV night tariff
Only comparing the off-peak p/kWh
A very low overnight rate can look unbeatable — but a high day rate and standing charge can make your overall bill higher than a strong single-rate tariff.
Off-peak window doesn’t fit your routine
If your cheapest window starts later than you expect or is too short for your charging needs, you may end up paying day rates more often.
Not checking charger/app requirements
Some smart tariffs need compatible hardware or app control. If you can’t use the smart scheduling, you may miss the cheaper EV rate.
Ignoring regional price differences
Standing charges and unit rates can vary by region. Always check prices for your postcode rather than relying on national examples.
FAQs: cheapest off-peak EV charging tariffs (UK)
What is an off-peak EV tariff?
It’s a home electricity tariff that offers a cheaper unit rate during set hours (often overnight) designed to support EV charging. Some are simple time-of-use tariffs; others use smart scheduling via an app or charger integration.
Do I need a smart meter to get the cheapest EV night rates?
Often, yes. Many off-peak and smart EV tariffs require a smart meter so usage can be recorded and billed by time band. Availability can depend on your meter type and whether it can communicate reliably.
Is the lowest off-peak p/kWh always the cheapest option?
Not necessarily. Your total bill also depends on the day/peak unit rate, standing charge and how much of your household usage falls outside the cheap window. The cheapest tariff is the one that best matches your usage pattern.
Can an off-peak EV tariff apply to my whole home, not just the car?
Yes, many time-of-use tariffs apply to all electricity used during the off-peak period, which can benefit other appliances. Some smart EV tariffs may focus on scheduled EV charging; always check tariff terms.
Will switching affect my EV charger installation or warranty?
Switching electricity supplier shouldn’t affect your physical installation. However, if your tariff relies on smart charging through an app, you should check compatibility with your charger and how scheduling is controlled.
How long does it take to switch to an EV tariff?
Switching times vary by supplier and circumstances, but many switches complete within a few working days. Your supply shouldn’t be interrupted. Exact timescales depend on checks, meter details and any cooling-off periods.
Still unsure which is cheapest for your postcode and charging pattern? Start your comparison here.
What households say about comparing EV off-peak tariffs with EnergyPlus
“I was focused on the cheapest night rate, but the comparison showed the day rate would have cost us more overall. We picked a better balanced tariff.”
“The checklist made it clear what to ask about smart meter requirements and the off-peak window. Much easier to compare properly.”
“We charge mostly overnight, so switching to an off-peak tariff finally made our EV running costs predictable.”
Trust indicators: Whole-of-market comparison approach • UK home energy focus • Postcode-based tariff checking • Plain-English breakdown of rates and time windows
Ready to compare the cheapest off-peak EV tariff rates for your postcode?
Submit the form and we’ll help you shortlist off-peak EV tariffs that fit your home usage and charging routine — with clear guidance on day rates, standing charges and eligibility.
- Whole-of-market comparison
- UK home energy only (not business)
- Quick postcode-based check
Prefer to review the essentials first? Jump to what to compare.
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