What does off-peak EV charging mean?

Off-peak EV charging means charging your electric vehicle during hours when electricity demand is lower. Many UK energy tariffs offer cheaper unit rates during these periods, helping you reduce the cost per mile by scheduling charging overnight or at other low-demand times.

What are typical off-peak EV charging times in the UK?

Off-peak windows vary by supplier and tariff, but commonly fall overnight (often between about 11pm and 7am). Some EV tariffs include additional low-rate periods at other times. Always check your tariff’s exact off-peak hours in your account or tariff documents before scheduling charging.

How much cheaper is it to charge an EV off-peak compared with peak rates?

Savings depend on your electricity tariff and the gap between peak and off-peak unit rates. On many UK time-of-use tariffs, off-peak electricity can be significantly cheaper than daytime rates, which can reduce your typical home charging cost substantially—especially if most of your charging is shifted into the off-peak window.

How do I work out the cost to charge my EV off-peak?

To estimate cost: (battery energy added in kWh) × (your off-peak unit rate). For example, adding 30 kWh at 10p/kWh costs £3.00. Your actual cost depends on how many kWh you add and whether your charge session stays fully within off-peak hours.

Does an EV charger help me take advantage of off-peak rates?

Yes. Many home EV chargers and EVs support scheduled charging, letting you automatically start and stop charging during your cheapest tariff hours. This makes it easier to consistently charge off-peak and maximise savings without manually plugging in at a specific time.

Can I schedule charging if I don’t have a smart meter?

Scheduling is usually possible via your EV or charger settings regardless of meter type, but access to certain time-of-use tariffs may require a smart meter. Check your energy supplier’s requirements to ensure your off-peak rates are applied correctly.

What’s the difference between Economy 7 and EV-specific tariffs for off-peak charging?

Economy 7 typically offers a longer overnight low-rate period with a higher daytime rate. EV-specific tariffs may provide very low rates for shorter windows, or multiple off-peak periods, sometimes designed around overnight vehicle charging. The best option depends on your driving, home energy use, and how much of your consumption can move to off-peak times.

Is it better to charge an EV to 100% during off-peak hours?

For daily use, many manufacturers recommend charging to around 80% to help preserve battery health, then charging to 100% only when you need the extra range (often just before a longer trip). You can still schedule charging so the battery reaches your target level by the end of the off-peak window.

What if my off-peak window isn’t long enough to fully charge?

If your off-peak period is short, you can prioritise charging during the cheapest hours by setting a schedule and limiting charge power if needed. Upgrading to a faster home charger (where suitable) can also help you add more miles within the off-peak window.

How do I get a home EV charger installed?

You can start by choosing a home charger that supports scheduling and fits your parking setup. For installation options, eligibility and guidance, visit https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ev-charger/ to explore EV charger solutions and request a quote.

Off-peak EV charging times and costs in the UK

Find your cheapest overnight EV charging window, compare whole-of-market tariffs, and see what you could pay per mile—based on your car, charger, and postcode.

Check typical UK off-peak times (and why they vary by supplier and meter)
Estimate your off-peak charging cost in p/kWh and £ per full charge
Compare EV-friendly tariffs for home energy (whole-of-market comparison)
Get a quick quote and switch options via one simple form

Compare off-peak EV tariffs See off-peak times & costs

Figures are estimates for guidance. Actual rates and off-peak windows depend on supplier, tariff, meter type and region.

Compare off-peak EV tariffs (whole-of-market)

If you charge at home, the biggest lever on cost is when you charge. EV-friendly tariffs can offer a lower unit rate during set overnight hours, but the best option depends on your meter, your typical mileage, and how much electricity you use outside that window.

Tip: A very cheap off-peak rate can be offset by a higher peak rate. We’ll help you weigh up your overall household usage—not just EV charging.

What you’ll get

Likely off-peak windows for your setup (smart meter, Economy 7, or EV tariff)
Estimated cost per kWh and per full charge for typical EV battery sizes
Comparison of suitable home energy deals from across the market
Switch support and next steps (including what to ask your supplier)

Why off-peak charging matters for UK households

Lower p/kWh overnight

Many EV tariffs reduce the unit rate during set hours (often late evening to early morning). Shifting charging into the window can materially reduce your cost per mile.

More predictable charging

When you know your cheap window, you can schedule your charger (or your car) to start automatically—useful if you’re on a time-of-use tariff.

Better whole-home value

The best tariff isn’t always the cheapest off-peak rate. We compare the overall deal for your household electricity use and EV charging pattern.

Home only: This page focuses on domestic EV charging at home, not business energy tariffs.

Typical off-peak EV charging times in the UK

“Off-peak” simply means the hours where your tariff applies a cheaper electricity unit rate. The exact times depend on your tariff and meter. In practice, UK off-peak charging windows tend to fall overnight, often between late evening and early morning.

Important: Some tariffs use fixed hours, while others can vary by region, meter configuration, or daylight-saving changes. Always confirm your exact off-peak window with your supplier or in your online account/app.

Tariff / meter type	Typical off-peak time pattern	What it means for EV charging	Best for
EV time-of-use tariff (smart meter)	A fixed overnight “cheap window”, commonly 4–6 hours, plus a higher peak rate outside it.	Schedule the charger/car to charge only in the cheap window. Great if you can reliably plug in overnight.	Drivers with regular mileage and a home charger.
Economy 7	Typically 7 off-peak hours overnight. Exact start/end can vary by region and meter setup.	Longer cheap period can suit slower charging or topping up multiple times. Check the precise switch-over time.	Homes already on E7 / night storage heating users.
Standard single-rate tariff	No off-peak window—same unit rate 24/7.	Charging overnight is convenient, but not automatically cheaper unless your supplier offers a TOU alternative.	Low mileage households or those who can’t shift usage.

Why off-peak hours can differ

Meter setup & registers

Some Economy 7 meters switch at times set historically for your area. Smart meters can support time-of-use tariffs with specific periods programmed by the supplier.

Tariff design

Some EV tariffs offer one overnight cheap block; others may include extra low-rate hours (for example, at weekends). Your eligibility can depend on having a smart meter.

How much does off-peak EV charging cost in the UK?

Your charging cost depends on your unit rate (p/kWh), how many kWh you add, and your car’s efficiency. Use the tables below to sanity-check what “cheap overnight” might look like, then compare tariffs for your postcode.

Quick cost formula

Cost to add energy (£) = kWh added × (unit rate in £/kWh)
Cost per mile (p) ˜ (unit rate in p/kWh) ÷ (miles per kWh)
kWh added depends on battery %, charging losses and how full you top up

Charging losses mean you typically draw more than the battery receives. As a rule of thumb, allow ~5–15% depending on charger, temperature and setup.

Typical home charger speeds

Charger	Power	Energy added in 4 hrs	Typical use
3-pin plug	~2.3 kW	~9 kWh	Occasional/top-up
Home wallbox (single-phase)	~7 kW	~28 kWh	Most UK homes

Example cost per mile (illustrative)

If your EV averages 3.5 miles per kWh (varies by model, season and driving style), the table below shows how your unit rate affects your running cost.

Unit rate	Approx. cost per mile	Approx. cost for 100 miles	When you might see it
10p/kWh	~2.9p per mile	~£2.90	Some off-peak windows on EV tariffs
20p/kWh	~5.7p per mile	~£5.70	Some Economy 7 night rates / mixed deals
30p/kWh	~8.6p per mile	~£8.60	Typical of many peak rates

Want a more accurate estimate? Use your real-world efficiency (miles/kWh) from your car’s trip computer, and charge within your confirmed off-peak window.

How to charge your EV off-peak at home

Off-peak charging is mostly about timing. Here’s a simple process to make sure you’re actually getting the cheaper unit rate, not accidentally charging at peak prices.

Confirm your off-peak window in writing (supplier app/account, tariff details, or meter notes). Don’t rely on “typical” hours.
Check your meter type: smart meter time-of-use, Economy 7 (two-rate), or single-rate.
Set a charging schedule in your EV, your wallbox app, or both. Use one system to avoid conflicts.
Test it once: start a short scheduled charge and verify the time aligns with your cheap window.
Review after the first bill: confirm the right kWh landed on the off-peak register/time band.

If you have a smart meter

You’re more likely to be eligible for EV time-of-use tariffs. These often have a short, cheap overnight block—so a 7kW home wallbox can be important if you need to add lots of miles in a limited time.

If you’re on Economy 7

You may have a longer off-peak period, but the day rate can be higher. It can work well if you can shift other household usage too (dishwasher, washing machine) into the night rate where safe and appropriate.

Common off-peak charging mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Charging outside the cheap window

If your schedule starts 30 minutes early (or ends late), you may pay peak rates. Set a buffer and confirm the tariff’s exact start/end times.

Focusing only on off-peak p/kWh

A very low night rate can come with a higher day rate or standing charge. Look at the whole-home bill based on your usage pattern.

Assuming all EV tariffs are compatible

Some deals require a smart meter, specific payment methods, or certain meter configurations. We’ll help you identify what you can actually switch to.

Savings checklist: what to gather before you compare

Having the right info makes it easier to pick the best off-peak option and avoid surprises.

Your home energy details

Your current supplier and tariff name (if known)
Whether you have a smart meter or Economy 7
Approximate annual electricity usage (kWh) or latest bill
Standing charge and unit rate (peak/day and off-peak/night if applicable)

Your EV charging details

Typical weekly mileage and when you can plug in
Whether you have a 7kW wallbox or use a 3-pin plug
Battery size (kWh) if you know it
Any other big electricity loads (heat pump, electric cooking)

FAQs: off-peak EV charging times and costs

What are the cheapest times to charge an EV in the UK?

Typically, the cheapest time is an overnight off-peak window on a time-of-use EV tariff or Economy 7. The exact hours vary by supplier and meter type, so it’s best to confirm your specific window before relying on a schedule.

Do I need a smart meter for off-peak EV tariffs?

Many EV-specific time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter because your usage must be measured by time band. Economy 7 can work without a smart meter if you already have a compatible two-rate meter, but eligibility depends on your setup.

How many miles can I add in an off-peak window?

It depends on charger power and your car’s efficiency. As a guide, a 7kW wallbox can add around ~28kWh in 4 hours. If your EV does ~3.5 miles/kWh, that’s roughly ~98 miles (before losses). Real-world results vary.

Is Economy 7 good for EV charging?

It can be—particularly if you can shift a meaningful amount of electricity use into the night rate. However, because the day rate may be higher, the best choice depends on your whole-home usage plus EV miles.

Why does my off-peak time look different after the clocks change?

Some meters and legacy Economy 7 setups can appear to “drift” by an hour around daylight-saving changes. If you suspect this, confirm the actual switching time with your supplier and adjust your charging schedule accordingly.

Can I charge off-peak without a wallbox?

Yes, but a 3-pin plug is much slower (around 2.3kW). If your off-peak window is short, you may not be able to add enough energy overnight. A wallbox can make it easier to fit charging into the cheapest hours.

Trusted comparison support

Whole-of-market view

We look beyond a single supplier to find EV-friendly options that suit your household usage and charging routine.

Clear, practical guidance

We’ll help you understand peak vs off-peak trade-offs, standing charges, and what to check on your first bill.

Real customer feedback

“Easy to follow and no pressure. Helped me understand whether a cheap night rate actually worked for my usage.”
— EnergyPlus customer, UK

Ready to cut your home EV charging costs?

Compare off-peak EV tariffs across the market and find a deal that fits your charging window and whole-home usage.

Start my comparison Read FAQs

You’ll need your postcode and a couple of contact details. Switching options depend on availability and eligibility.

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026