Cheapest overnight EV charging tariff UK this week
Compare whole-of-market UK EV electricity tariffs built for cheap off-peak charging. Tell us your postcode and EV setup and we’ll match you to the best overnight rates available for your home.
- Whole-of-market comparison: EV add-ons, time-of-use and smart tariffs
- See if you’d save with an EV tariff even if you don’t charge every night
- Switching support: we help you pick a plan that fits your meter and charger
Home energy comparison for UK residents. Rates and availability vary by region, meter type and supplier. We’ll show options available for your address.
Find the cheapest overnight EV charging tariff for your postcode
“Cheapest overnight EV charging tariff UK this week” can mean different things depending on where you live, your meter type (smart/non-smart), and how you use electricity outside the off-peak window. EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy tariffs (including EV-focused time-of-use options) and highlights the plans most likely to lower your total bill, not just the night unit rate.
Complete the form to see overnight charging-friendly tariffs available for your address, including:
- EV time-of-use tariffs with very low off-peak unit rates (often in a fixed nightly window)
- Smart charging tariffs where the supplier can schedule charging in cheaper periods
- Standard tariffs that can still be cheaper overall if your day usage is high
Tip: The best tariff for overnight EV charging isn’t always the one with the lowest night rate. Some plans have higher daytime rates or specific meter requirements. We compare the full household cost based on your details.
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Why EV drivers chase cheap overnight electricity
Most EV home charging happens when the car is parked for hours. That makes overnight off-peak windows ideal—if your tariff offers them and your household usage suits the plan.
Lower cost per mile
Cheaper night unit rates can reduce your pence-per-mile compared with standard tariffs—especially if you drive regularly and can keep most charging off-peak.
Better use of the grid
Off-peak pricing encourages shifting demand away from peak evening periods. Many EV tariffs reward flexible charging times.
Potential whole-home savings
Some households move dishwashers, washing machines or immersion heating to overnight rates—just ensure daytime rates don’t wipe out the benefit.
How overnight EV charging tariffs work in the UK
Overnight EV tariffs are a type of time-of-use electricity plan. Instead of one flat unit price all day, your price changes by time period (for example: overnight, day, and/or peak). Some suppliers also offer smart charging plans that schedule charging automatically.
1) Check your setup
Smart meter? Compatible EV charger/app? These affect which tariffs you can join.
2) Compare total costs
We look beyond the off-peak unit rate to estimate your household’s likely bill.
3) Understand the off-peak window
Some tariffs have fixed hours; others vary. Timing matters for “cheapest overnight”.
4) Switch confidently
We’ll highlight key terms: standing charge, exit fees, and any smart requirements.
Common tariff types you’ll see
| Tariff type | Best for | Watch-outs | What we check |
|---|---|---|---|
| EV time-of-use | Drivers who can charge mostly overnight | Higher daytime/peak rates on some plans | Night window, unit rates, standing charge, contract length |
| Smart charging | Drivers with compatible car/charger wanting automation | App permissions, scheduling constraints, compatibility lists | Device compatibility, control method, guaranteed cheap periods |
| Two-rate legacy | Some homes with older off-peak metering | Limited availability, may not be optimal for EV use | Meter compatibility and whether switching triggers metering changes |
| Standard single-rate | Lower overall rates in your region or low EV mileage | No special cheap window for EV charging | Total bill estimate vs EV-specific options |
Table is indicative to explain plan types. Available tariffs depend on your supplier coverage, region, meter and eligibility.
What “cheapest overnight” really means (and how to estimate savings)
To judge the cheapest overnight EV charging tariff this week, you need to balance off-peak unit price with day/peak unit price and standing charge. The lowest overnight price can look great, but if your household uses a lot of electricity in the day, the overall bill may be higher.
Quick home charging cost guide
- EVs are typically measured in kWh. Your overnight tariff sets the price per kWh during the off-peak window.
- A typical overnight top-up might be 10–30 kWh, depending on mileage and battery size.
- Multiply kWh charged by the off-peak unit rate to estimate the charge session cost.
Accuracy note: Real costs vary with charger efficiency, battery preconditioning, and whether some charging happens outside the off-peak hours.
What we compare for you
- Off-peak window (start/end time) and any extra low-rate periods
- Day and peak rates that affect your wider household usage
- Standing charge (often overlooked)
- Compatibility requirements (smart meter, charger app, EV integration)
- Contract terms, including fixed/variable and any exit fees
| Cost item | Why it matters for overnight EV charging | Common pitfall |
|---|---|---|
| Off-peak unit rate | Directly impacts the cost of charging overnight | Charging starts before the cheap window begins |
| Day/peak unit rate | Affects everything else you use at home (cooking, heating controls, appliances) | Focusing on the night rate and ignoring daytime costs |
| Standing charge | A daily fee that can significantly change overall value | Assuming “cheap unit rate” = cheapest tariff overall |
| Off-peak hours length | Determines whether you can fully charge within the low-rate window | A short window causing some charging at higher rates |
Eligibility checklist: can you get an overnight EV tariff?
Many EV tariffs are available to UK households, but eligibility varies. Use this checklist to avoid wasted time when looking for the cheapest overnight EV charging tariff.
Smart meter
Some time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter to track usage by time. If you don’t have one, we’ll still show options that may work or explain next steps.
EV / charger compatibility
Smart charging plans can depend on your charger brand, vehicle model, and whether you’re happy to use an app to schedule charging.
Home-only
This page is for residential energy only. If you have a business meter or complex setup, tariff availability can be different.
Regional note: Electricity rates vary across Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Your postcode helps us show what’s genuinely available and competitive where you live.
Common mistakes when choosing an overnight EV tariff
Choosing by night rate alone
A very low overnight unit rate can be paired with expensive daytime pricing. If you work from home, have electric cooking/heating controls, or high daytime usage, you may pay more overall.
Charging outside the cheap window
If you plug in too early, you can accidentally charge at peak rates. The best results come from scheduled charging via your EV, charger, or tariff app.
Ignoring standing charge
Standing charges vary by supplier and region. For low-usage households, standing charge can outweigh unit rate savings.
Not checking compatibility
Some smart tariffs require specific charger brands or vehicle integrations. We flag common requirements so you don’t switch to a tariff you can’t use properly.
FAQs: cheapest overnight EV charging tariff (UK)
What is the cheapest overnight EV charging tariff in the UK this week?
It depends on your postcode, your meter (smart/non-smart), and eligibility. Suppliers also update pricing and availability. Rather than listing a single “winner”, EnergyPlus shows the cheapest available to you and highlights the trade-offs (standing charge, day/peak rates, and charging window).
Use the comparison form to see the best overnight options for your home.
Do I need a smart meter for an EV night tariff?
Many time-of-use EV tariffs do require a smart meter so your usage can be billed correctly by time. Some alternatives may exist depending on your region and supplier rules. We’ll show what’s realistic for your address and explain what would unlock more options.
Will an overnight EV tariff increase my daytime electricity cost?
Sometimes. Some EV-focused tariffs offer very low off-peak prices but higher day or peak rates. The best choice depends on how much electricity you use outside the overnight window. That’s why we compare overall cost, not just the night rate.
Can I charge overnight with a standard tariff?
Yes—you can charge at any time on a standard tariff, but you won’t get a discounted off-peak window. If you don’t charge often (or your day rate would rise on an EV tariff), a standard tariff can still be the cheapest overall.
Is this comparison for home energy only?
Yes. This page is designed for UK households looking to reduce the cost of charging an EV at home. Business energy pricing and eligibility can differ.
When is “overnight” for EV tariffs?
It varies by supplier and tariff. Some have fixed hours (for example, a set 4–6 hour window). Others may offer multiple cheap periods or smart scheduling. We show the actual window so you can see if it fits your routine.
What UK drivers like about comparing with EnergyPlus
“I was focused on the cheapest night rate, but EnergyPlus pointed out my daytime usage meant a different tariff was cheaper overall.”
Homeowner, West Midlands
“The comparison explained smart meter requirements in plain English. Switching was straightforward once I understood the off-peak window.”
EV driver, Greater Manchester
“I needed a tariff that worked with my charger schedule. EnergyPlus helped me shortlist options that actually matched my setup.”
EV owner, South East
Trust & transparency: We aim to present clear tariff details (rates, windows, standing charges, and key requirements) so you can make an informed decision for your home.
Ready to see your cheapest overnight EV charging options?
Submit your details and compare whole-of-market UK home energy tariffs designed for overnight EV charging—matched to your postcode and setup.
- Fast form—get relevant options for your address
- Clear breakdown of night window, day rates and standing charge
- Support picking a tariff that fits your EV charging routine
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