Compare EV tariffs for cheaper overnight charging
Find a UK electric vehicle tariff that suits your home, your charger and your driving habits. Compare whole-of-market EV-friendly energy deals with EnergyPlus and switch with confidence.
- Whole-of-market comparison for home energy (not business)
- See off-peak rates, peak rates and time windows clearly
- Designed for EV owners, smart meters and home charging
- Quick form — we’ll match you to suitable EV tariffs
Quotes are based on the details you provide. Availability varies by region, meter type and supplier criteria. Switching is for UK domestic properties only.
Compare EV energy tariffs in the UK
An EV tariff is a home electricity plan designed to make overnight EV charging cheaper, usually by offering a low off-peak unit rate for a set time window (for example, late evening to early morning). Some EV tariffs also split the day into multiple price bands, so it’s important to compare the full picture — not just the headline off-peak price.
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy options (where available), helping you find EV-friendly tariffs that fit your home setup — whether you charge via a 3-pin plug, a smart wallbox, or you’re planning an installation.
Tip: The best EV tariff for you depends on when you can charge, your household’s daytime usage, and whether you have a smart meter. If you can’t reliably use the off-peak window, a standard tariff may work out cheaper overall.
Get EV tariff matches
Tell us a few details and we’ll show suitable EV-friendly electricity deals for your home.
Why switch to an EV tariff?
Lower overnight charging costs
Many EV tariffs offer a discounted electricity unit rate overnight — ideal if you can schedule charging when demand is lower.
Better fit for smart charging
Time-of-use pricing works well with EV apps, smart chargers and vehicle scheduling — helping you charge at the cheapest times automatically.
Compare the real total cost
We help you look beyond headline rates by considering standing charge, peak rates and your likely usage pattern.
Works for EV + household usage
An EV tariff should suit your whole home — cooking, heating, laundry and day-to-day electricity use — not just the car.
Clear eligibility checks
Some EV tariffs need a smart meter or specific meter configuration. We’ll highlight what’s required before you commit.
Switch with less hassle
Most domestic switches are handled by your new supplier. You typically won’t have an interruption to supply.
How EV tariffs work (and what to compare)
EV tariffs in the UK are typically a form of time-of-use electricity tariff. That means you pay different unit rates at different times of day. Some plans give you a simple cheap overnight window; others have multiple bands (for example, peak, off-peak and super off-peak). To choose the right plan, compare these key elements:
EV tariff checklist
- Off-peak window: the exact times you get the cheaper rate (e.g. 00:30–04:30).
- Off-peak unit rate (p/kWh): what you’ll pay for EV charging (and any household usage during that window).
- Peak/day unit rate (p/kWh): often higher than standard tariffs — important if you use lots of electricity in the day.
- Standing charge (p/day): a fixed daily cost regardless of usage.
- Smart meter requirement: many time-of-use tariffs require one for accurate billing.
- Exit fees & contract length: particularly relevant if you may move or change tariff soon.
- Compatibility: check if your meter setup, EV/charger app and payment method fit the tariff rules.
Typical steps to switch
- Share your details — postcode, current tariff type and whether you have a smart meter.
- Compare suitable EV tariffs — focusing on the full cost, not just the overnight rate.
- Choose a plan — we’ll highlight key terms like time windows, standing charge and contract length.
- Switch — your new supplier manages the transfer; your electricity supply stays on.
- Set your charging schedule — use your EV or charger settings to prioritise off-peak charging.
Good to know: If you’re on Economy 7, an EV tariff may or may not be better — it depends on the off-peak length, your day rate, and how much of your total usage you can move into cheaper hours.
EV charging costs, savings and what to watch
Your savings usually come from shifting EV charging to cheaper hours. But an EV tariff can be poor value if the day rate or standing charge is high and most of your household electricity is used outside the off-peak window. The table below shows what to compare on any EV-friendly electricity plan.
| Feature | Why it matters | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Off-peak unit rate | This is the price that mainly affects EV charging costs. | Exact p/kWh and whether it applies to all household use during that time. |
| Off-peak window length | A short window may not be enough for your typical charge. | Start/end times and whether weekends differ. |
| Day/peak unit rate | If it’s high, your household usage can outweigh EV savings. | Compare to your current tariff and your typical daytime usage. |
| Standing charge | A higher standing charge can reduce savings even with a low night rate. | p/day in your region (it varies across the UK). |
| Smart meter requirement | Time-of-use billing often needs half-hourly readings. | Whether you already have one, or if installation is required. |
| Contract & exit fees | Early exit fees can matter if you plan to move or refix soon. | Length, cancellation terms, and whether it’s a fixed or variable rate. |
When an EV tariff usually makes sense
- You can reliably charge overnight (or during the tariff’s cheap window).
- Your EV mileage is significant enough to benefit from a low off-peak rate.
- Your household can shift some flexible use (dishwasher, laundry) into off-peak times.
- You understand (and can manage) any higher day rate.
When to be cautious
- You have high daytime electricity usage (e.g. home working, electric cooking, daytime heating).
- You can’t consistently charge during the cheap window.
- You’re on a good-value single-rate deal with a low standing charge.
- You don’t have a smart meter and can’t get one installed promptly.
EV tariff eligibility in the UK
Eligibility depends on the supplier and tariff. Some EV tariffs are open to any household; others are targeted at EV drivers and may have specific requirements. These are the most common checks:
Smart meter
Many EV tariffs require a smart meter to record time-of-use consumption accurately. If you’re unsure what you have, we can help you identify it.
Payment method & credit checks
Some deals are only available with monthly Direct Debit. Suppliers may run standard eligibility checks as part of switching.
Meter configuration
If you have an older multi-rate setup, a supplier may need to reconfigure or replace the meter to support a new time-of-use tariff.
Regional note: Unit rates and standing charges vary by where you live (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different market arrangements and pricing). Your postcode helps us show accurate options for your area.
Common EV tariff mistakes (and how to avoid them)
1) Comparing only the off-peak price
A very low overnight unit rate can look attractive, but a high day rate and standing charge can make the tariff more expensive overall. Compare the full tariff structure based on how your home actually uses electricity.
2) Choosing a window that doesn’t match your schedule
If your cheap window is too short or at awkward times, you may end up charging at peak rates. Make sure your EV or charger can schedule charging reliably — especially after updates or clock changes.
3) Forgetting household usage
Your EV may be a big load, but your home still uses electricity all day. If you can shift flexible tasks (dishwasher, washing machine) to off-peak, you can improve the value of an EV tariff.
4) Not checking smart meter readiness
Many EV tariffs need a smart meter. If you don’t have one, check whether you can get an installation and how it affects switching timescales.
Quick win: If you’re unsure, start with a comparison based on your postcode and current setup. You can then weigh up EV-specific deals against strong standard tariffs.
EV tariff FAQs
Do I need a smart meter for an EV tariff?
Often, yes. Many time-of-use EV tariffs rely on smart meter readings to bill the correct rates at the correct times. Some suppliers offer alternatives, but a smart meter is typically the simplest route.
Are EV tariffs always cheaper than standard tariffs?
Not always. EV tariffs can be cheaper if you use the off-peak window for most charging. If your household electricity usage is mainly during the day, a high peak rate may outweigh the EV savings.
Can I get an EV tariff if I don’t have an EV yet?
Sometimes. Some tariffs are open to any household, while others are intended for EV owners. If you’re planning an EV soon, comparing now can help you understand which suppliers fit your timeline and requirements.
Will switching tariff interrupt my electricity supply?
Normally, no. A domestic energy switch is an administrative change managed by suppliers. Your electricity supply should stay on throughout the process.
Is Economy 7 the same as an EV tariff?
Not exactly. Economy 7 is a traditional two-rate tariff with a longer off-peak period, but it may not be tailored to EV charging. EV tariffs can have different time windows, multiple bands and different pricing structures.
Do EV tariffs apply to my whole home or just my charger?
In most cases, the tariff applies to your whole home electricity meter. That means all electricity used in the off-peak window is billed at the cheaper rate, and all use outside it is billed at the higher rate(s).
How do I charge at off-peak times?
Most EVs and smart chargers let you schedule charging. You set the start time (or a target time to be ready) to match your tariff’s cheap window. Always double-check after app updates and time changes.
Want personalised results? Go back to Compare EV tariffs and we’ll match options to your postcode and setup.
What customers like about comparing with EnergyPlus
“The comparison made it clear that the cheapest overnight rate wasn’t the best for my daytime use. I switched to a tariff that actually reduced my bill.”
“I didn’t know whether my meter qualified for time-of-use. EnergyPlus explained what to check and helped me find options that fit.”
“The form was quick, and the results were easy to compare. I liked seeing the off-peak window and standing charge side by side.”
Trust & transparency: We focus on clear comparisons for domestic energy. If an EV tariff has important conditions (like smart meter requirements or specific time windows), we highlight them upfront.
Ready to find the right EV tariff?
Compare whole-of-market EV-friendly electricity deals for your home. We’ll help you weigh up off-peak savings against daytime costs, standing charges and eligibility.
EnergyPlus is a comparison service for UK domestic energy. Tariff availability, rates and eligibility vary by region and supplier. Always review the full tariff information before switching.
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