Cheapest off-peak EV home charging tariffs in the UK

Why off-peak EV tariffs can slash your home charging costs

EVs can dramatically cut your running costs compared to petrol and diesel, but the tariff you use at home makes a huge difference. Standard single-rate tariffs charge the same price for every unit of electricity 24/7. In contrast, off-peak EV home charging tariffs offer cheap overnight electricity specifically designed for electric vehicles and smart homes.

By shifting your EV charging to overnight off-peak hours, it is often possible to pay as little as 5–10p per kWh, compared with 25–35p per kWh on a typical standard tariff. For many drivers, that can mean:

• Fuel costs equivalent to 1–3p per mile
• Annual savings of £300–£800 vs standard electricity tariffs
• Even bigger savings if you also run electric heating or use a home battery

In other words, choosing the right off-peak EV tariff is just as important as choosing the right electric car or charger.

How cheap off-peak EV tariffs work

Most UK suppliers now offer time-of-use or EV-specific tariffs for home energy customers. These tariffs use a half-hourly smart meter to record when you use electricity, allowing your supplier to bill different prices at different times of day.

Some advanced EV tariffs also offer:

• Multiple cheap windows across the day
• Smart charging where your supplier or charger automatically schedules charging at the lowest-cost times
• Dynamic pricing linked to wholesale markets, allowing extremely low (and sometimes even negative) prices at certain times

Typical off-peak vs standard tariff costs

The examples below are indicative and will vary by region, supplier and time. They illustrate the potential savings of a cheap off-peak EV home charging tariff compared with a standard single-rate tariff.

*Based on 60 kWh added to the battery. Figures are for illustration only and are not guaranteed rates.

Best tariff types for UK home EV charging

While specific products and rates change regularly, most EV-friendly home tariffs in the UK fall into three main categories. Understanding these makes it easier to choose the cheapest off-peak option for your household.

1. Dedicated EV time-of-use tariffs

These tariffs are built specifically around EV drivers, with a clearly defined overnight off-peak period at a very low rate. They are usually the simplest way to save on charging.

• Fixed cheap rate for 4–7 hours overnight
• Good for consistent, predictable charging needs
• Works with most smart chargers and EVs with built-in timers

2. Agile or dynamic smart tariffs

Dynamic tariffs link your home prices to wholesale electricity markets. They can offer extremely low prices during off-peak periods, but prices can also be higher at peak times. These are ideal for tech-savvy households with flexible usage.

• Prices change every 30 minutes
• Can be very cheap when there is lots of renewable generation
• Work best with a smart charger or home energy management system

3. Two-rate / Economy-style tariffs

Some suppliers offer more traditional two-rate (day & night) tariffs. While not always as cheap as EV-specific products, they can still be a big upgrade from a single-rate tariff, especially for homes with storage heaters, hot water tanks or batteries.

• Simple split between day and night prices
• Longer off-peak window, often 6–8 hours
• Suitable when you also shift other loads (washing, hot water) overnight

What you need to access cheap off-peak EV tariffs

Before you can move to one of the cheapest off-peak EV home charging tariffs in the UK, you will typically need the following in place:

How to choose the cheapest off-peak EV tariff for your home

Every household is different. The best — and cheapest — tariff for your neighbour may not be the cheapest for you. When we assess your options, we look at a combination of factors:

1. Your daily mileage and charging pattern – How many kWh do you need each night, and how flexible are your charging times?
2. Home energy usage – Do you use a lot of electricity during the day for heating, hot water or home working?
3. Charger and vehicle compatibility – Does your setup support smart scheduling, load balancing or dynamic tariffs?
4. Regional pricing – Unit rates and standing charges vary by region, so the cheapest EV tariff in one area may not be the winner elsewhere.
5. Future plans – Are you thinking of adding solar PV, a home battery or heat pump? We can help you choose a tariff that supports long-term savings.

By combining these factors we can quickly narrow down the most cost-effective off-peak EV tariffs available to you today.

Example savings: switching to an off-peak EV tariff

Here is an illustrative example of how much a typical UK household could save by switching from a standard tariff to a competitive off-peak EV tariff.

Potential saving: around £400–£600 per year, just by choosing a different home energy tariff and shifting EV charging to off-peak hours.

Smart charging: automate your savings

Taking full advantage of the cheapest off-peak EV tariffs is much easier when you use a smart home charger or your vehicle’s built-in scheduling features. Smart charging allows you to set your desired departure time and let the system handle the rest.

Benefits of smart charging include:

• Automatic off-peak charging with no need to remember timers
• Load management to avoid overloading your home’s supply
• Integration with solar PV to prioritise free renewable energy
• Dynamic pricing support for tariffs that change half-hourly

If you don’t yet have a dedicated home EV charger, our specialists can recommend models that work seamlessly with the leading cheap off-peak tariffs available in the UK.

Frequently asked questions about off-peak EV tariffs

Do I have to own an EV to get an EV tariff?

Most suppliers will require you to confirm that you either own or have ordered an electric vehicle to access their specialist EV tariffs. Some may also ask for proof such as a vehicle registration document or order confirmation.

Will an off-peak EV tariff increase my daytime costs?

Typically, yes. Peak or daytime unit rates on EV tariffs are often higher than on a standard tariff. However, because a large share of your consumption (EV charging, some appliances) moves into the cheaper hours, your overall bill can still be significantly lower. That’s why it’s important to assess your full usage pattern.

Can I use an off-peak EV tariff without a smart charger?

Yes, but you will need a reliable charger or vehicle timer to make sure you only charge during the cheaper period. A smart charger makes this easier and can track your savings more accurately.

What if my off-peak window is too short?

Even a 3–4 hour off-peak window can add a lot of range. For example, a 7 kW home charger can deliver up to 28 kWh in four hours – enough for 80–120 miles in many EVs. For larger batteries, you may choose a tariff with a longer window or supplement with occasional daytime top-ups.

Can I switch supplier again if prices change?

In most cases you are free to switch supplier or tariff once your minimum term has ended. With many EV tariffs now available in the UK, it can pay to review your options regularly, especially as your mileage or home setup changes.

Why use EnergyPlus to find your cheapest EV home tariff?

At EnergyPlus we specialise in helping UK households reduce their home energy costs while supporting the switch to low-carbon technologies like EVs, heat pumps and solar PV.

• EV-focused advice – We understand how different tariffs work with real-world EV charging habits.
• Whole-home view – We consider all your home energy usage, not just the car, to avoid nasty surprises.
• Up-to-date market insight – We track the latest UK tariffs and deals, so you don’t have to.
• Charger and tariff matching – We help you pair the right hardware with the right pricing structure.

If you are planning a new EV charger installation or simply want to cut your running costs, we can guide you to the most suitable and cheapest off-peak EV home charging tariff available to you today.