Compare smart EV chargers and energy tariffs in the UK
Find the right home charger and an EV-friendly electricity tariff that fits your mileage, property, and budget. EnergyPlus is whole-of-market — compare options in one place and request a tailored quote in minutes.
- Compare smart home EV chargers by features, installation suitability and running costs
- See which UK energy tariffs can cut your overnight charging cost (where available)
- Whole-of-market comparison — no need to visit multiple sites
- UK-based support and a simple form to get personalised recommendations
Home energy only. Quotes are tailored to your details and availability in your area. Tariff eligibility depends on supplier criteria and your meter setup.
Compare smart EV chargers and electricity tariffs — personalised to your home
A great home charging setup isn’t just about the charger. The right smart EV charger plus an EV-friendly energy tariff can make charging cheaper, simpler, and easier to automate — especially if you charge overnight.
Use the form to tell us a few basics (postcode, property type, and contact details). We’ll compare whole-of-market options for home smart EV chargers and highlight tariffs that suit EV charging patterns in the UK, where available.
Good to know: If you already have a charger, we can still help you compare EV tariffs. If you’re switching supplier, we’ll focus on eligibility (meter type, region, and supplier criteria).
What you’ll get
- Charger recommendations based on cable routing, off-street parking and power needs
- Tariff guidance for EV-style time-of-use rates and off-peak windows (when available)
- Clear next steps — no jargon, no guesswork
Why compare a smart charger and an EV tariff together?
In the UK, your home charging cost is driven by two things: how efficiently you can schedule charging and what you pay per kWh when you plug in. Matching the right charger features to the right tariff can be the difference between “it works” and “it works automatically and costs less”.
Lower overnight charging costs
Many EV-focused tariffs use off-peak windows. A smart charger can schedule charging to hit those cheaper periods (where compatible and available).
Safer, tidier home setup
A professionally installed home charger is designed for repeated high-load charging, with suitable protection and cable management.
Smarter control & reporting
See charging sessions, set schedules, and (on many chargers) integrate with solar, dynamic tariffs, or load balancing.
Avoid compatibility surprises
Some tariff benefits rely on smart metering or supplier app scheduling. We help you check what’s realistically achievable in your home.
Future-proof for the next EV
Choosing the right power rating, tethered/untethered type, and smart functions can keep your setup relevant for years.
Whole-of-market comparison
EnergyPlus helps you compare across providers rather than being limited to a single brand or supplier.
How EnergyPlus comparison works
We keep it simple: share a few details, we compare whole-of-market options, then you choose what to do next.
-
Tell us about your home and postcode
We use your location to check installation coverage and region-based tariff availability. -
We match chargers to your requirements
We consider practicalities like off-street parking, cable length needs, and whether a tethered or socketed unit makes sense. -
We compare EV-style tariff options (where available)
We look at off-peak periods, unit rates, standing charges, and any eligibility requirements. -
You get a tailored recommendation and next steps
If you want to proceed, we guide you through the next stage (quotes, installation scheduling, or switching support).
Accessibility note: If you’d prefer to talk through options, submit the form and request a call-back. We’ll explain everything in plain English.
EV energy tariffs in the UK: what to compare
An EV tariff typically rewards you for charging at certain times. But the “best” tariff depends on your wider household usage too — not just your car.
Key tariff factors
- Off-peak window: When cheaper electricity applies (often overnight, sometimes in multiple slots)
- Peak unit rate: What you pay outside the cheaper window
- Standing charge: Daily fixed cost that can materially affect annual spend
- Eligibility: Smart meter requirements, supplier terms, and availability by region
- How scheduling works: Via supplier app, charger app, or both (compatibility matters)
When an EV tariff may not suit
- You use lots of electricity at peak times (e.g., electric cooking + heating in the evening)
- Off-peak windows don’t align with when your car is usually home
- You can’t meet a supplier’s meter or account requirements
- You already have a strong fixed deal that would be costly to leave early
We’ll look at your situation and explain trade-offs — for example, whether a lower off-peak rate is offset by a higher peak rate or standing charge.
Quick comparison checklist
| Compare item | Why it matters | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Off-peak hours | Determines when cheap charging is possible | Does it fit your typical arrival/departure times? |
| Peak unit rate | Affects the rest of your household usage | Is daytime electricity significantly higher? |
| Standing charge | Can reduce savings if it’s high | Compare annual cost, not just p/kWh |
| Smart metering | Some tariffs require specific metering capability | Do you have a smart meter / is it communicating? |
| Scheduling method | Affects reliability and ease of use | Supplier app vs charger scheduling; compatibility with your EV |
Smart EV chargers: what “smart” means for a UK home
A smart home EV charger can do more than just deliver power. The right features can make charging cheaper, safer, and more convenient — especially when paired with off-peak rates.
Tethered vs untethered
Tethered has a fixed cable (quick to plug in). Untethered uses your own Type 2 cable (tidier look, flexible if you change cars).
Power & charging speed
Most UK homes use 7kW single-phase chargers. Some properties may support higher power with the right supply — we’ll help you understand what’s realistic.
Scheduling & smart control
Set start/stop times, track usage, and target off-peak windows. Useful for people who want “plug in and forget”.
Load balancing
Helps manage household demand so charging doesn’t overload your supply when other appliances are running.
Solar compatibility
Some chargers can prioritise surplus solar generation, reducing how much grid electricity you use for charging.
Connectivity (Wi-Fi/Ethernet)
Reliable connectivity helps keep smart features working. We’ll ask about signal strength and placement during recommendations.
Tip: If you’re deciding between a “better tariff” and a “better charger”, think long-term. You can switch tariffs more easily than you can re-run cable routes or change a poorly placed unit.
Costs & savings: what affects your home charging bill
Your true cost to charge an EV at home depends on your electricity unit rate, how many kWh you add per week, and whether you can shift charging into cheaper hours. Below is a practical way to think about it.
A simple calculation
Approximate charging cost:
(kWh added) × (your unit rate) = estimated cost
If an EV tariff gives you a lower unit rate for a set window, a smart charger helps you reliably hit that window without manually staying up late.
What can change the result
- Standing charge: affects annual spend regardless of usage
- Peak vs off-peak split: how much household use you move into cheaper hours
- Charger efficiency & control: better scheduling reduces “accidental peak charging”
- Battery size & mileage: more miles usually means more kWh to replace
- Weather: colder periods can increase consumption
If you share your typical weekly mileage (optional when we call/email), we can estimate the likely impact of different tariff structures on your household.
Common mistakes when choosing an EV charger or tariff
Most frustrations come from small mismatches: the wrong charging schedule, the wrong placement, or assuming a tariff will work the same for every household. Avoid these common pitfalls.
Choosing a tariff by off-peak rate only
A very low off-peak rate can be offset by higher peak rates and standing charges. Compare the overall household impact, not just EV charging.
Ignoring charger placement and cable route
A charger that’s awkward to reach leads to trailing cables, blocked driveways, or extra installation work. Plan where the car actually parks.
Assuming “smart” always means “compatible”
Some schedules are set by the supplier app, others by the charger, and some rely on your EV. We help you choose a setup that works reliably.
Over-optimising for today’s car
A slightly more flexible charger choice can suit future EVs, visitors, or a second vehicle without redoing the installation.
FAQs: smart EV chargers and EV tariffs
Do I need a smart meter for an EV tariff?
Some EV-focused tariffs require a smart meter (and for it to be communicating). Others may offer different structures. We’ll explain what’s required for the tariffs you’re eligible for.
Can I get a smart charger if my Wi-Fi is weak outside?
Often yes. Depending on the charger, you may use stronger Wi-Fi coverage, Ethernet, or alternative connectivity options. When you request a comparison, we’ll consider where the unit will be installed and how it will connect.
Is a 7kW charger enough for home charging?
For many UK households, 7kW is a solid choice and can add a meaningful amount of range overnight. The best option depends on your driving patterns, your home’s electrical supply, and what your vehicle supports.
What’s the difference between charging schedules in the car vs the charger?
Some people schedule charging in the EV itself; others use the charger’s app. Supplier tariffs may also use their own scheduling. We’ll recommend the simplest approach that reliably hits your off-peak window.
Can I compare tariffs without changing my charger?
Yes. If you already have a home charger, we can focus on tariff comparison and eligibility. If your charger is basic, we can also suggest ways to schedule charging more effectively.
Is EnergyPlus whole-of-market?
Yes — we help you compare across the market rather than pushing a single supplier or charger brand. Availability will always depend on your location and eligibility.
What homeowners tell us
People usually come to EnergyPlus because they want clarity: which charger suits their driveway, and which tariff structure makes sense for their household.
“The comparison helped me understand why a cheaper overnight rate wasn’t automatically better for us. We picked a tariff that fits our routine.”
Homeowner, Greater Manchester
“I didn’t realise tethered vs untethered would matter. The recommendation made the install location much more practical.”
Homeowner, West Midlands
“The steps were straightforward. I submitted the form and got clear next steps without a hard sell.”
Homeowner, Kent
Trust: We focus on home energy comparisons and practical recommendations. Your options depend on availability and eligibility, and we’ll be transparent about both.
Ready to compare smart EV chargers and tariffs?
Submit your details and we’ll respond with a tailored comparison for your UK home — charger options, tariff considerations, and clear next steps.
Back to EV Charger