What is the cheapest overnight EV charging tariff in the UK in January 2026?

The cheapest overnight EV charging tariff in January 2026 depends on your region, meter type, and whether you can reliably shift charging into the off-peak window. To find the best-value option, compare: (1) the off-peak unit rate, (2) the length of the off-peak window, (3) the peak unit rate, and (4) the standing charge. Use the Energyplus EV tariff guides and comparisons to shortlist a tariff that matches your typical overnight charging schedule.

What hours count as "overnight" for EV tariffs?

Most UK EV tariffs define an off-peak overnight window (often 4–6 hours) when electricity is cheapest. The exact hours vary by supplier and tariff, so check the tariff terms and set your charger schedule to start and stop within the off-peak window to maximise savings.

Do I need a smart meter to get an overnight EV charging tariff?

In most cases, yes. Many overnight EV tariffs require a smart meter to record half-hourly usage so suppliers can apply cheaper off-peak rates. If you don’t have one yet, you may be able to request a smart meter installation from your supplier before switching to an EV tariff.

Is an EV-specific tariff always cheaper than a standard tariff?

Not always. EV tariffs can offer very low overnight rates but may have higher daytime rates or standing charges. If you can’t shift most charging (and other usage) into off-peak hours, a standard or time-of-use tariff with a lower standing charge may work out cheaper overall.

How do I work out the real cost to charge overnight?

Estimate your typical kWh added per night and multiply by the off-peak unit rate. For example, adding 20 kWh overnight costs 20 × (off-peak p/kWh). For a more accurate comparison, include: (1) peak usage costs, (2) standing charge, and (3) how many nights per week you charge.

What charger settings help me hit the cheapest overnight rate?

Set a scheduled charge window in your EV or smart charger so charging only runs during off-peak hours. If your tariff has a short off-peak window, reduce the charge current (if needed) or prioritise charging to a target percentage to avoid spilling into peak-rate time.

Can I use an overnight tariff if I don’t have a home EV charger?

You can still benefit if you charge at home via a suitable socket setup, but a dedicated home EV charger typically provides safer, faster charging and better scheduling to stay within off-peak hours. If you’re considering installation, explore home charger options and guides on Energyplus.

What should I compare besides the off-peak unit rate?

Don’t compare on the off-peak rate alone. Also review the off-peak window length, peak unit rate, standing charge, exit fees, and any requirements (smart meter, app-controlled charging, compatible charger). A tariff with a slightly higher off-peak rate can still be cheaper overall if the standing charge and peak rate are lower.

How can Energyplus help me choose and start saving?

Energyplus provides EV tariff explainers and charger guidance so you can choose an overnight tariff that fits your driving and charging routine. Once you’ve shortlisted a tariff, set your charger schedule to the off-peak window and track your overnight kWh to confirm the savings month to month.

Cheapest overnight EV charging tariff UK (January 2026)

Compare whole-of-market overnight EV electricity tariffs for home charging and find a deal that fits your car, charger, and daily routine. Get personalised results from EnergyPlus in minutes.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business)
See off-peak windows, prices, and key terms side-by-side
Switch support available (supplier-dependent) and clear next steps

Check my cheapest overnight options How overnight EV tariffs work

Rates and availability vary by region, meter type, and supplier. We’ll match you to tariffs based on your postcode and EV charging needs.

Find the cheapest overnight EV charging tariff for your home

Searching for the cheapest overnight EV charging tariff in the UK for January 2026 isn’t just about the lowest p/kWh number you’ve seen on social media. The cheapest option depends on your postcode, your smart meter compatibility, your EV charger setup, and how much energy you use outside the off-peak window.

EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy tariffs, including popular EV-focused options and standard tariffs that can still work well for overnight charging. Fill in the form and we’ll show your best-matched overnight options and the key details that matter for switching.

Tip for January: Winter electricity use can be higher (heating, tumble drying, dark evenings). The “cheapest overnight EV tariff” should be judged on total monthly cost, not just off-peak rates.

Prefer to read first? Jump to tariff features to check so you can avoid common EV tariff pitfalls.

What “cheapest overnight EV charging tariff” really means (January 2026)

For most UK drivers, the best overnight EV tariff is the one that minimises your total household bill while giving you a reliable off-peak window that matches when you actually charge. A tariff with a headline-low off-peak rate can still cost more if the day rate or standing charge is high, or if the off-peak window is too short for your charging pattern.

1) Off-peak p/kWh

Important, but only if you can consistently charge within the off-peak hours (and your charger/vehicle can schedule reliably).

2) Standing charge

A higher daily standing charge can wipe out EV savings, especially for low-to-medium household usage.

3) Peak/day unit rate

If your home uses a lot of electricity during the day (home working, electric cooking, heat pumps), the day rate matters a lot.

Whole-of-market note: EnergyPlus helps you compare tariffs across the market (where available) so you can choose based on your actual charging window and overall household usage.

Why compare overnight EV tariffs with EnergyPlus?

Whole-of-market approach

Compare EV-focused tariffs and strong general tariffs that may still be cheaper overall for your home in January.

Designed for real charging habits

We focus on your likely overnight window, not just headline rates—helpful if you need a predictable 4–6 hour slot.

Clear comparisons

See what affects cost: standing charge, peak rate, off-peak rate, and any requirements like smart meters or app scheduling.

Home-only focus: This page is for domestic properties. If you have a mixed-use address, eligibility can vary by supplier.

Time-saving: Avoid jumping between supplier pages—get one view of the market and a shortlist that matches your postcode.

How overnight EV tariffs work in the UK

Overnight EV charging tariffs typically offer a cheaper unit rate (p/kWh) for a set period—often during the early hours—so you can charge your car when demand is lower. Many of these tariffs are time-of-use products and can require a smart meter (or specific meter configuration) so usage can be billed accurately.

Pick a tariff with an off-peak window that fits your routine (e.g. midnight–5am, or a split window depending on supplier).
Schedule charging using your EV, charger app, or home energy management (so you consistently hit the cheap period).
Check day/peak pricing because your household still uses electricity outside the off-peak slot (especially in winter).
Review requirements such as smart meter type, tariff sign-up process, or app-based control.
Switch and monitor your first bill cycle to confirm the off-peak rates are being applied as expected.

If you’d like help choosing the right window for your mileage, use the quote form and we’ll shortlist tariffs suited to typical overnight charging.

Tariff features to check before you switch (avoid expensive surprises)

When you’re comparing the cheapest overnight EV charging tariffs in January 2026, make sure you’re comparing like-for-like. Different suppliers structure EV tariffs differently, and small differences can have a big impact on what you actually pay.

Feature	Why it matters for overnight charging	What to look for
Off-peak window	If your car starts charging outside the cheap period, costs rise fast.	A window long enough for your typical top-up (often 4–6 hours). Confirm exact times.
Peak/day unit rate	Household usage in winter can be significant outside the EV window.	A competitive day rate if you’re home a lot or use electricity for heating/hot water.
Standing charge	You pay it regardless of usage; it can cancel out savings.	Compare standing charges across your shortlist, not just the off-peak p/kWh.
Smart meter requirement	Time-of-use billing usually needs a compatible smart meter setup.	Check if a smart meter is required and whether installation is needed before you can access rates.
EV / charger scheduling	If scheduling is unreliable, you may miss off-peak periods.	A charger or vehicle with dependable scheduling; confirm how you’ll set start/stop times.
Exit fees / contract length	You may want flexibility if prices change later in 2026.	Any exit fees, fixed-term length, and what happens when the tariff ends.

If you already have a tariff in mind, still compare it against alternatives. In January, the best value option often depends on how much electricity your home uses outside the EV charging window.

Typical savings: what cheaper overnight charging can look like

Your costs depend on your EV efficiency, how many miles you drive, your charger power, and the tariff rates in your region. The example below is illustrative only, but it shows why an EV-specific overnight rate can be valuable if you reliably charge off-peak.

Example assumptions

EV charging energy: 250 kWh/month (varies by mileage/season)
Charging done overnight/off-peak
Compare: standard single-rate unit price vs a cheaper off-peak unit price
Standing charges and peak rates can change the result

Simple cost illustration

If 250 kWh/month is charged at:

30p/kWh (single-rate): ~£75/month
10p/kWh (off-peak): ~£25/month

That’s up to ~£50/month difference on EV charging alone, before considering day rates and standing charges.

Want a more accurate estimate? Use the quote form so we can match tariffs to your postcode and typical usage.

Eligibility, smart meters, and practical checks

Do I need a smart meter?

Many overnight EV tariffs are time-of-use, which usually requires a smart meter (or a meter setup that can accurately record usage by time band). If you don’t currently have one, some suppliers may offer installation as part of moving you onto the tariff.

Is it only for EV owners?

It depends on the supplier. Some EV tariffs are intended for EV drivers, while others are open to any household. Either way, you’ll want an overnight window that fits when you can charge at home.

Will an overnight tariff affect my whole home?

Usually yes: the tariff applies to the entire electricity supply. That means you might also benefit by running appliances overnight (dishwasher, laundry), but you should be careful not to increase usage unnecessarily.

What about regional differences?

Unit rates and standing charges vary by region and network costs. That’s why postcode-based comparison is essential for finding the cheapest option in January 2026.

What to prepare for a faster comparison

Your postcode (for regional pricing)
Whether you have a smart meter (if you’re not sure, we can still guide you)
Rough idea of how often you charge at home (e.g. nightly top-ups vs 1–2 times per week)

FAQs: cheapest overnight EV charging tariffs (UK)

What is the best time to charge an EV at home?

Most EV drivers aim to charge during the off-peak window on a time-of-use tariff—typically late night/early morning. The exact cheapest time depends on your tariff’s set hours, so always confirm the window and schedule your charger/vehicle accordingly.

Are overnight EV tariffs always cheaper than standard tariffs?

Not always. The overnight rate can be cheaper, but the day rate and standing charge can be higher. If you don’t shift much charging into off-peak, a standard tariff may cost less overall.

Do I need a smart charger to use an overnight tariff?

You don’t always need a smart charger, but you do need a reliable way to schedule charging so it stays in the off-peak window. Many drivers use their EV’s built-in scheduling, while others prefer a smart charger app for more control.

Can I switch in January 2026 if I’m in a fixed tariff?

You may be able to switch, but check whether your current tariff has exit fees and the date they apply. If you’re unsure, submit the form and we can help you identify whether switching now makes sense.

Will I get the same tariff prices as someone in another region?

Not necessarily. Electricity costs can vary by region due to network charges. That’s why EnergyPlus asks for your postcode—to show the cheapest overnight EV tariff options for your area.

Is this for home energy only?

Yes. This landing page is for domestic/home energy and home EV charging. If you need a business electricity contract, the tariff structures and eligibility can differ.

Still deciding? Go back to tariff features to check or get personalised options via the quote form.

What UK drivers say about comparing with EnergyPlus

“I thought the cheapest EV tariff was obvious, but the standing charge changed everything. The comparison made it clear.”

Home EV owner, West Midlands

“Helpful to see the off-peak window times and the day rate together. Picked a tariff that fits my night charging.”

EV driver, Greater London

“Quick form and clear next steps. I avoided switching to a tariff that looked cheap but wasn’t for my usage.”

Home charger user, Scotland

Trust checklist: Whole-of-market comparison • UK home energy focus • Postcode-based pricing • Clear tariff feature breakdown

Ready to see the cheapest overnight EV charging tariff for your postcode?

Compare UK home EV tariffs for January 2026 with a whole-of-market view. Get a shortlist based on your area and a clear explanation of off-peak windows, peak rates, and standing charges.

Get my personalised results Read FAQs first

Home energy only. Results depend on postcode, meter compatibility, and supplier availability.

Fast checklist

Know your postcode
Check if you have a smart meter (if unsure, still proceed)
Have your typical overnight charging routine in mind

Back to EV Charger

Updated on 11 Jan 2026