Compare electric vehicle charging tariffs UK (October 2026)
Find a cheaper EV-friendly electricity tariff for home charging. Compare whole-of-market options, see which tariff types suit your charger and driving pattern, and request a tailored comparison in minutes.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK households (not business)
- Off-peak and EV tariffs explained in plain English
- Works whether you have a smart meter, EV charger, or plug-in lead
- Get a recommended shortlist based on your usage and postcode
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a comparison service. Provide a few details and we’ll help you compare suitable home electricity tariffs for EV charging. Availability and rates vary by region and meter type.
Compare EV charging tariffs for your home (October 2026)
EV tariffs can look cheaper at first glance, but the real value depends on your off-peak window, how fast you charge, and how much electricity your household uses at other times. EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market home electricity tariffs that could suit EV charging, including:
- EV-specific tariffs designed for overnight charging
- Time-of-use tariffs with peak/off-peak rates
- Standard tariffs that may still be best for some drivers
Good to know: This page is for domestic energy only. If you’re charging at home but your property is on a business meter, this comparison won’t be suitable.
Get a personalised EV tariff comparison
Tell us where you live and how to reach you. We’ll match you with suitable home electricity tariffs for EV charging and share a shortlist.
What to check when comparing EV tariffs in October 2026
EV charging tariffs can change month-to-month. When comparing options in October 2026, focus on the parts that most affect your real-world cost per mile:
Off-peak window
Some tariffs offer a longer overnight rate, others have a shorter cheap period. Match it to when you can reliably charge (e.g. after midnight, or early evening).
Peak rate & household usage
A very cheap EV rate can be offset by a higher daytime unit rate. If you work from home, cook with electricity, or have a heat pump, the peak price matters.
Standing charge & tariff terms
Standing charges vary by region. Also check contract length, exit fees, and whether prices are fixed or variable.
Tip: If you already have a smart EV charger, you may be able to automate charging to the cheapest window. If you don’t, you can still benefit by setting an in-car schedule or using a plug-in timer (where appropriate and safe).
Which EV tariff type is best for you?
There isn’t one “best” EV charging tariff for every UK driver. The right pick depends on how many miles you do, whether you can charge overnight, and how much electricity you use outside the EV.
EV-specific or smart charging tariff
Often suits drivers who can regularly charge in the cheap window and have a compatible smart meter/charger setup.
- Best for: overnight charging, predictable routine
- Watch for: higher peak unit rate, short off-peak window
Time-of-use (multi-rate) tariff
A wider concept than “EV tariffs”. Can suit households that can shift other usage too (e.g. dishwasher, immersion heater) into cheaper periods.
- Best for: flexible households, smart tech
- Watch for: complex pricing and multiple bands
Standard single-rate tariff (fixed or variable)
Sometimes still wins if you can’t reliably charge overnight, or if your household uses most electricity during the day.
- Best for: daytime charging, simple budgeting
- Watch for: missed savings if you could shift usage
Economy-style multi-rate (legacy setups)
If your home already has a multi-rate meter arrangement, it’s worth checking whether an EV-friendly alternative would reduce costs without disrupting heating/hot water.
- Best for: existing legacy multi-rate households
- Watch for: compatibility and switching complexity
EV tariff comparison table (what to look for)
Use this table to compare like-for-like. Rates and features vary by supplier and region, so treat this as a checklist rather than a price list.
| Tariff type | Typically includes | Best for | Key checks |
|---|---|---|---|
| EV-specific | Dedicated off-peak window aimed at charging | Regular overnight chargers | Off-peak hours, compatibility, peak rate |
| Time-of-use | Two or more price bands across the day | Flexible households shifting usage | How many bands, worst-case peak price |
| Single-rate fixed | One unit rate, often price certainty for a term | Simple budgeting, daytime use | Exit fees, standing charge, term length |
| Single-rate variable | One unit rate that can change over time | Short-term flexibility | How/when prices can change, notice periods |
Regional note: Standing charges and unit rates can differ across England, Scotland and Wales due to local network costs. Your postcode helps us compare accurately.
How to compare EV charging tariffs with EnergyPlus
We keep the comparison practical: we look at your postcode, likely usage pattern and EV charging needs, then help you identify tariffs that could reduce your overall electricity cost.
- Share your details using the form above (takes about a minute).
- We compare suitable home tariffs across the market, focusing on off-peak value, standing charge and terms.
- Get your shortlist and a clear explanation of which tariff type fits your situation.
- Decide with confidence—no pressure. If you already know what you want, you can ask us to prioritise fixed deals, EV-specific tariffs, or time-of-use options.
Information that helps (optional)
- Typical weekly mileage or charging frequency
- Whether you have a smart meter
- EV charger type (smart / non-smart) and charging speed
- Whether you can avoid charging during peak hours
Common pitfalls we help you avoid
- Choosing a tariff with a cheap EV rate but expensive daytime electricity
- Missing a high standing charge in your region
- Picking a tariff that needs a smart meter/compatible charger you don’t have
- Comparing by “p/kWh off-peak” without considering your overall usage
How EV tariffs can reduce your charging costs
Your EV charging cost is mainly driven by how many kWh you add and what you pay per kWh during the hours you charge. Moving most charging into a cheaper period can make a noticeable difference—especially if you do higher mileage.
1) Charge little and often
If you top up nightly, even a short off-peak window can cover most of your needs—provided your charger speed matches the time available.
2) Shift other usage too
Time-of-use tariffs can reward households that run appliances off-peak, not just EV charging.
3) Avoid expensive peak periods
If your tariff has a high peak rate, scheduling charging away from peak hours helps protect your overall bill.
Reality check: The cheapest EV unit rate isn’t always the cheapest annual bill. We compare the whole tariff structure (including standing charge and non-EV usage) to help you choose sensibly.
Eligibility and home setup checks
Before switching to an EV charging tariff, it’s worth confirming the basics. Some tariffs require specific setup; others are open to most households.
Smart meter
Many time-of-use and EV tariffs work best with a smart meter. If you don’t have one, we can still compare tariffs that are available for your meter type.
EV charger compatibility
Some EV tariffs integrate with specific smart chargers or apps. If your charger isn’t compatible, a general time-of-use tariff may be a better fit.
Home charging routine
If you can’t regularly charge off-peak (e.g. no driveway, irregular shifts), a single-rate tariff may keep costs more predictable.
Household electricity demand
Large daytime electricity use can reduce EV-tariff savings. We factor this in when recommending tariff types.
FAQs: comparing electric vehicle charging tariffs (UK)
Do I need a dedicated EV tariff to charge at home?
No. You can charge on a standard single-rate tariff. An EV tariff can reduce costs if you can reliably charge in the cheaper window and the higher peak rate (if any) doesn’t outweigh the benefit.
Will an EV tariff increase my daytime electricity costs?
It can. Many EV-focused tariffs trade a low off-peak rate for a higher peak/day rate. That’s why comparing based on your total household usage (not just EV charging) is important.
Can I switch tariffs if I don’t have a smart meter?
You can usually switch supplier/tariff, but some time-of-use and EV tariffs may require a smart meter. If you share your postcode, we’ll focus on options available for your setup.
Do EV tariffs work with solar panels or home batteries?
They can, but the best outcome depends on when you generate/consume power and how you operate your battery. Some households prioritise low overnight rates; others focus on self-consumption. We can explain which tariff types tend to fit each approach.
Is this page for public charging tariffs too?
No—this page focuses on home electricity tariffs for charging your EV at your property. Public rapid charging pricing is set by charge point operators and is separate from your household electricity tariff.
How quickly can I switch?
Timescales vary by supplier and circumstances (for example, if a smart meter appointment is required). We’ll set expectations when we share your shortlist.
Still not sure? Request a personalised comparison and we’ll help you narrow it down.
Why households use EnergyPlus to compare EV tariffs
Whole-of-market approach
We focus on suitability and value based on your home and charging routine—rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all tariff.
Plain-English guidance
We explain peak/off-peak rates, standing charges, and terms so you can compare confidently.
UK household focus
Our comparison is designed for domestic energy customers charging an EV at home, with regional differences accounted for via postcode.
What customers say
“Clear explanation of how the off-peak window would work with our charger. Helped us avoid a tariff that looked cheap but would’ve increased our daytime costs.”
Homeowner, West Midlands
“The shortlist made it easy to compare terms and standing charges. Switching felt less confusing than trying to do it alone.”
EV driver, Greater Manchester
“We don’t have a smart charger, so they pointed us to a time-of-use option that still suited our routine. Straightforward and helpful.”
Household, South Yorkshire
Trust note: Testimonials are illustrative of typical customer experiences and may not reflect every scenario. Savings depend on tariff availability, regional pricing and how you use electricity.
Ready to compare EV charging tariffs for your postcode?
Submit the form and we’ll provide a tailored comparison of home electricity tariffs that could suit EV charging in October 2026—based on your region and likely usage pattern.
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