Cheapest off-peak EV home charging tariffs in the UK

Compare the cheapest off-peak EV home charging tariffs (whole-of-market)

Off-peak EV tariffs can reduce the unit rate you pay overnight – often the biggest lever for cutting charging costs at home. But the “cheapest” option depends on your region, meter type, off-peak window and how much electricity your household uses outside charging.

EnergyPlus helps UK households compare whole-of-market options and identify tariffs that fit your charging routine, whether you charge every night, only at weekends, or in larger sessions after longer trips.

Get your best matches

Complete the form and we’ll check available EV/off-peak home tariffs for your postcode and usage details.

Lower unit rates overnight

EV tariffs often offer a discounted off-peak electricity unit rate during set hours (commonly overnight). If most of your charging happens in that window, your pence-per-kWh cost can drop significantly.

Better control of charging costs

With a predictable off-peak window you can schedule charging through your EV, charger app, or smart home setup. That makes it easier to plan for commute miles, weekend trips and seasonal usage.

Supports the grid (and can reward you)

Shifting demand away from peak times can help grid balancing. Some tariffs extend benefits with additional low-rate periods or smart features depending on supplier and meter compatibility.

1. You choose an EV or time-of-use tariff with a discounted off-peak window (e.g. overnight).
2. Your meter records usage by time so the supplier can bill off-peak and peak electricity at different rates.
3. You schedule charging to run within the cheap window (using your EV, charger, or app).
4. Your total cost depends on your split: EV kWh off-peak, household electricity day/peak, plus standing charge.

Key terms you’ll see when comparing

• Off-peak unit rate (p/kWh): what you pay during the cheap window.
• Peak/day unit rate (p/kWh): what you pay outside that window.
• Standing charge (p/day): fixed daily cost regardless of usage.
• Off-peak window: the exact hours the cheaper rate applies (this matters as much as the price).
• Region: rates vary across the UK due to network costs; your postcode is essential for accuracy.

1) The off-peak hours

The cheapest tariff for you is the one where the low-rate hours align with your routine. Consider work-from-home patterns, school runs and when you’re most likely to plug in.

2) Day/peak price impact

A very low off-peak rate can be offset by a higher day rate. If your household uses a lot of electricity in the day (cooking, tumble dryer, home office), the overall bill matters most.

3) Standing charge & fees

Standing charges vary by supplier and region. Also check any requirements (like app-based smart charging) and whether the tariff is fixed or variable.

• What are the exact off-peak start and end times?
• Is the cheap rate every night or only on certain days?
• Is there a second low-rate period (e.g. midday) and can you use it?
• Is the tariff electricity-only or bundled with gas?

• Do you need a smart meter and is it installed/working?
• Do you need a compatible charger/app for smart scheduling?
• Are there exit fees on your current tariff?
• What’s the estimated annual cost using your usage split?

Usually required

• Smart meter (or a meter setup that supports time-of-use billing)
• UK residential supply (not business premises)
• Supplier availability in your region
• Ability to charge within the off-peak window (manual or scheduled)

Sometimes required (depends on tariff)

• A compatible smart charger or EV integration via app
• Agreement to allow the supplier to manage charging times (smart charging)
• Specific payment methods (e.g. Direct Debit)
• Minimum contract term or fixed duration

Focusing only on the lowest off-peak price

If your household uses lots of electricity outside the off-peak window, a higher day rate can outweigh the savings from cheap charging. Always compare total cost.

Choosing an off-peak window you can’t use

If you regularly need to charge earlier (or you don’t have scheduled charging), you may end up paying peak rates. The window needs to fit real life.

Forgetting standing charge & contract terms

Standing charge differences can be material over a year. Also check whether the tariff is fixed or variable and if there are exit fees.

Why postcode matters

• Unit rates and standing charges can change by region
• Some tariffs are limited by supplier coverage
• Meter types and configurations vary between homes

What we do with your details

• Match you to tariffs available for your location
• Prioritise options with suitable off-peak windows
• Help you compare overall costs – not just the headline cheap rate

"I didn’t realise the off-peak hours mattered more than the price. EnergyPlus helped me pick one that fits my overnight charging."

Homeowner, West Midlands

"The comparison was clearer than trying to read tariff PDFs. I switched to an EV tariff and now charge mostly off-peak."

EV owner, Greater Manchester

"Quick enquiry, helpful follow-up, and I got options that actually work with my smart meter."

Driver, Kent

What is an off-peak EV home charging tariff?

It’s a time-of-use electricity tariff that offers a cheaper unit rate during specific hours (often overnight). If you charge your EV within those hours, your charging cost per kWh can be lower than a standard single-rate tariff.

Do I need a smart meter to access EV tariffs?

In most cases, yes. Suppliers typically need smart (or suitable) metering to bill accurately by time bands. If you’re unsure what you have, submit your details and we’ll help you identify what’s possible.

Is the cheapest off-peak tariff always best?

Not always. A tariff with the lowest off-peak rate may have a higher day rate or standing charge. The best choice is the lowest overall cost for your household electricity plus EV charging.

Can I charge my EV off-peak without a smart charger?

Often, yes. Many EVs let you schedule charging in-car, and some basic chargers can be controlled by a timer. Some tariffs may require app-based smart charging, so we’ll check requirements when comparing.

What time is off-peak electricity for EV tariffs in the UK?

It varies by tariff. Some offer a fixed overnight window, while others add extra low-rate periods. The exact hours matter – we compare based on your ability to charge within them.

Will switching affect my gas tariff?

If you have gas, you can switch electricity alone or choose a dual-fuel option depending on what works best. We can compare what’s available for your home based on your details.