EV Charging Tariffs: Slash Your Costs

Understanding EV Charging Costs and Tariffs in the UK

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates across the UK, so too has the innovation in energy tariffs designed to cater to EV owners. Major energy suppliers are actively launching specialised EV charging tariffs, all aiming to attract and retain this burgeoning customer base. The core strategy behind these tariffs is the offering of significantly lower electricity rates during off-peak hours, typically overnight. This allows EV drivers to charge their vehicles using cheaper electricity, potentially saving hundreds of pounds annually. This article delves into the top EV charging tariffs available, guides you through the sign-up process, and helps you identify the best options for various household needs. Interestingly, some EV tariffs are not exclusively for EV owners, making them an attractive proposition for homes equipped with solar and battery systems.

The Cost of Home EV Charging: What You Need to Know

The landscape of energy costs has seen shifts, with the energy price cap impacting electricity prices. Following a fall in the cap, the cost per unit of electricity and the standing charge have decreased. For an average household, this translates to a reduction in their annual energy bill. However, even with falling energy prices, it remains crucial to identify the most economical methods for charging your electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle at home. While home charging is inherently more cost-effective than utilising public charging stations, the most significant savings can be unlocked by capitalising on the growing number of energy tariffs specifically tailored for electric car owners. These tariffs typically feature lower rates during off-peak periods, enabling you to charge a family-sized EV from 10% to 80% for just a few pounds. The benefits aren't limited to full EV owners either; plug-in hybrid car owners, who use smaller batteries, can still achieve considerable long-term savings by switching to an EV tariff.

How Dedicated EV Charging Tariffs Drive Savings

The primary motivation for many in switching to an electric car is the reduction in daily running costs. However, navigating the most cost-effective charging methods can be complex. Fortunately, a straightforward way to manage and reduce your EV charging expenses is by migrating to a dedicated EV charging tariff for your domestic energy supply. This is particularly advantageous as most EV owners predominantly charge their vehicles at home, a practice considerably cheaper than relying on public rapid charging points. Despite this, the cumulative cost of charging can still notably impact your electricity bill. EV-specific tariffs are designed to mitigate this by leveraging the lower electricity rates available during off-peak hours. We have analysed various EV charging tariffs to present some of the best options for different EV owner profiles. It's important to note that all highlighted tariffs encompass your total household energy usage, as there are currently no tariffs that allow for the segregation of EV charging costs. The figures presented are based on broad assumptions, and it is always recommended to obtain a personal quote before committing to a specific energy provider.

Our Calculation Methodology

Our cost calculations are based on a hypothetical family-sized electric car that covers 9,000 miles annually, achieving an energy efficiency of 3.5 miles per kWh. This averages out to 25 miles per day, consuming approximately 7kWh of electricity. Over a year, this car would use an estimated 2,571.43kWh. We also factor in average household dual-fuel energy consumption, as reported by Ofgem, which stands at 2,900kWh of electricity and 12,000kWh of gas. Electricity costs are calculated using each company's peak and off-peak rates, with gas charged at the UK average of 5.48p per kWh. Daily standing charges from each provider are also included in the overall assessment.

Key Metrics for Comparison

When evaluating EV charging tariffs, several key metrics are crucial:

• The specific time of day off-peak energy is available.
• The potential amount of charge that can be added to an EV’s battery within the off-peak window, using a typical 7.4kW wallbox charger.
• The peak and off-peak electricity costs per kWh.
• The energy provider’s daily standing charge.
• The estimated annual cost to charge an EV based on our example usage.
• The total estimated annual household energy cost, including EV charging.

Top EV Charging Tariffs in the UK

British Gas – Electric Driver v3

Best for all-purpose EV charging

Pros: Open to new and existing customers, fixed rate, no car or charger restrictions.
Cons: Not the cheapest deal, or the longest off-peak hours.

British Gas’s Electric Driver v3 tariff may not be the most budget-friendly option available, but its convenience factor makes it a strong contender for many. It is accessible to both new and existing customers, compatible with dual-fuel and electric-only contracts, simplifying the sign-up process. Furthermore, it supports all EV and plug-in hybrid models, along with all domestic EV chargers. The rates are fixed until 31 May 2025, providing cost certainty. A significant advantage is that the lower off-peak rate applies to all your household electricity usage, not just EV charging. While the off-peak hours are average, the 37kWh of charge deliverable in this period provides around 130 miles of range, sufficient for most daily commutes.

E.ON Next – Next Drive

Best for high-mileage EV drivers

Pros: Long off-peak hours, fixed rate for one year, available to all customers.
Cons: The most expensive tariff of our picks, dual-fuel only.

Despite being the most expensive tariff overall in this comparison, E.ON Next’s Next Drive tariff earns its place due to its exceptionally long off-peak period, spanning a full seven hours. This extended window allows for the addition of 51.8kWh to our typical EV's battery, translating to approximately 180 miles of range, making it an ideal choice for drivers who cover significant distances. The tariff is available to both new and existing customers on dual-fuel contracts, with no restrictions on car or charger compatibility. The rates are fixed for one year from the contract's commencement.

Ovo Energy – Charge Anytime

Best for EV owners seeking flexibility

Pros: Off-peak rate available at any time of day, low unit charges, clever app.
Cons: Only compatible with certain cars and EV chargers, existing customers only.

Ovo Energy’s Charge Anytime deal stands out as the cheapest dual-fuel option by a considerable margin, potentially saving nearly £80 per year on your overall bill. While the standing charge is relatively high, the peak and off-peak unit rates are notably low. The most distinctive feature, however, is its flexible charging approach. Instead of fixed off-peak hours, you plug in your car and use the Ovo app to schedule charging when electricity is cheapest. You are initially charged at the full rate, with the EV charging discount credited back to your account. Downsides include its availability only to existing Ovo customers and compatibility restrictions with specific car brands and Ohme and Indra chargers.

EDF – GoElectric

Best for all-round value

Pros: Good value, off-peak rate applies to all electricity use – not just your EV charger.
Cons: Existing customers only, unit costs are quite high.

EDF’s GoElectric tariff is the second most expensive in this comparison, though the difference is marginal. However, it offers excellent overall value, particularly as the reduced rate extends to all your household appliances. The midnight to 5 a.m. off-peak period allows for approximately 130 miles of range. While there are car and charger compatibility considerations, GoElectric is available to both new and existing customers, with rates fixed until 31 September 2025.

Octopus Energy – Intelligent Octopus Go

Best for bargain-hunters

Pros: Low costs, recharges when electricity is cheapest.
Cons: Tight restrictions on charger compatibility, you’ll need a separate gas tariff.

Octopus Energy’s Intelligent Octopus Go tariff shares similarities with Ovo’s in that it intelligently schedules your car’s charging for when electricity is cheapest, even if this falls outside the stated off-peak hours. Octopus guarantees that the off-peak rate will not exceed 7.50p/kWh. You simply plug in your car and specify the required charge via the Octopus app, and it will recharge automatically. However, there are significant compatibility requirements: the tariff is only compatible with ‘official’ chargers supplied for cars from VW Group, Tesla, Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, Kia, and BMW Group, or an Ohme charger. It is also an electric-only tariff; if you require gas, you will need to sign up for a separate tariff at an additional cost.

EV Tariff Best Buys Summary (March to June 2025)

Choosing the right EV tariff can lead to substantial savings, potentially hundreds of pounds annually, especially for those who drive frequently. Not all tariffs are created equal, and suitability often depends on individual needs. Here’s a snapshot of some leading options:

Comparing EV Tariff Rates

The energy market is dynamic, and rates can fluctuate. It's essential to compare current prices to find the most advantageous deal. When looking at tariffs, consider the following:

Intelligent Octopus Go

Day Rate: 27.22p-29.57p*
Night Rate: 7.0p
Standing Charge: 43.94p-67.83p/day*
Off-peak hours: 23:30-05:30
*Varies depending on region.

What is it? Octopus Energy's dedicated EV tariff offering six hours of very cheap electricity nightly, suitable for EV charging and other overnight power needs like batteries or heat pumps.
Best for: EV owners with a solid range, requiring a compatible wallbox charger (7.4kW minimum output) for optimal use of the limited cheap hours. Best if you rarely charge during the day.

Example Cost (VW ID.4 Match Pro, 77kWh battery): Overnight: £13.38 (at 7p/kWh). Daytime: £22.77 (at 30p/kWh).

OVO Charge Anytime

Day Rate: 23.14p-29.64p* (Standard Variable)
Night Rate: N/A
Standing Charge: 42.30p-67.65p* (Standard Variable)
Off-peak hours: N/A
*Varies depending on region.

What is it? OVO's smart EV tariff that charges your car at very low rates when grid demand is low. Requires a compatible EV and charger. The low rate applies solely to EV charging, not other household appliances.
Best for: EV owners who are low electricity users at home and use their car infrequently. Ideal for plugging in the car and waiting for cheaper charging windows. OVO recently reduced the charge rate from 10p to 7p per kWh.

Example Cost (VW ID.4 Match Pro, 77kWh battery): OVO Charge Anytime: £5.39 (at 7p/kWh). Other times: £22.82 (at 30p/kWh).

British Gas EV

Day Rate: 25.53p-26.74p*
Night Rate: 7.9p
Standing Charge: 62.13p-65.74p*
*Varies depending on region.

What is it? British Gas’s EV-specific tariff for overnight charging, compatible with any EV and charger.
Best for: Higher energy consumers, offering one of the cheapest standing charges, a low overnight rate, and five hours of charging. The overnight tariff can be used for all electricity consumption, including charging home batteries and EVs.

Example Cost (VW ID.4 Match Pro, 77kWh battery): Overnight: £13.92 (at 8p/kWh). Daytime: £20.59 (at 27p/kWh).

E.ON Next Drive

Day Rate: 27.03p-29.14p*
Night Rate: 6.7p
Standing Charge: 45.13p-69.54p*
*Varies depending on region.

What is it? E.ON Next Drive is designed for EV owners who charge overnight and requires a smart meter. It works with any EV and charger.
Best for: Drivers with large capacity battery EVs requiring longer charging times, thanks to its extended overnight off-peak window (midnight to 7 am). Requires a smart meter for accurate half-hourly energy usage updates.

Example Cost (VW ID.4 Match Pro, 77kWh battery): Overnight: £11.44 (at 7p/kWh). Daytime: £22.44 (at 29p/kWh).

Good Energy EV Charge Tariff

Day Rate: 28.60p-30.94p*
Night Rate: 8.0p
Standing Charge: 62.36p-68.56p*
*Varies depending on region.

What is it? Offers an off-peak rate of 8.0p/kWh from midnight until 5:00 am, requiring a smart meter. As a variant of the Standard Variable Tariff, it is variable.
Best for: Smaller capacity EVs or those who regularly top up their charge and don't cover long distances. The five-hour cheaper charging window is beneficial for these use cases. Be aware of a £75 exit fee.

Example Cost (VW ID.4 Match Pro, 77kWh battery): Overnight: £15.69 (at 8p/kWh). Daytime: £23.82 (at 31p/kWh).

Our Cost Calculation Method Explained

To ensure realistic cost comparisons between energy suppliers, we've used a Volkswagen ID.4 with a 77kWh battery pack. For each supplier, we've considered the highest quoted unit price but excluded the daily standing charge from the EV charging cost calculation, as its allocation varies by household. A full 0-100% recharge using a 7.4kW wallbox charger would typically take around 11 hours. While charge rates aren't constant, we've assumed a consistent rate for estimated recharge prices. The number of off-peak hours is also factored in; for instance, five off-peak hours at the cheapest rate might still necessitate six hours of charging at the higher unit cost. Some low-mileage drivers may exclusively charge during off-peak times, while others may plug in during peak hours and leave the car charging beyond the off-peak window. For wholly off-peak charging, we've multiplied the unit cost by the 77kWh battery size, assuming it could be fully charged within the cheaper period.

What is an EV Tariff?

An EV tariff differs from a flat-rate tariff by offering significantly cheaper unit rates for electricity during specific off-peak periods, typically overnight for four to six hours. This necessitates shifting your energy usage to these overnight hours. While daytime rates are generally higher to compensate for the cheaper off-peak rates, successfully utilising these tariffs can make charging an EV exceptionally cost-effective, with rates starting below 10p/kWh.

Which Providers Offer Tariffs for EVs?

Octopus Energy has been a pioneer in the EV tariff market, offering multiple options such as Go, Go Faster, Intelligent, Flux, Cosy, and Agile, catering to diverse EV owner needs. OVO's offering is an add-on to its Standard Variable Tariff, while British Gas, E.ON, and EDF are more recent entrants to this specialised market.

Is it Worth Moving to an EV Tariff?

In most cases, yes. EV tariffs are typically dual-rate, meaning charging your electric vehicle when energy demand is low (i.e., overnight) will be cheaper. This aligns perfectly with the charging habits of most electric car owners, who plug in their vehicles upon returning home, ready for use the next morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a portable EV charger be available in the UK?

The ZipCharge portable charger garnered significant attention, but progress towards its original Q2 2023 on-sale date has been minimal, with limited recent activity on their platforms. While competitors exist, no comparable portable charging solutions are currently available in the UK, suggesting such an offering may still be some time away.

Can I reject my new EV if it refuses to charge?

If your new EV is not charging due to a fault discovered at the dealership, and you are experiencing significant inconvenience due to a lack of transport, you may have strong grounds to reject the vehicle under consumer rights legislation like the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (which replaced aspects of the Sale of Goods Act). This is because the vehicle is not fit for purpose. It is advisable to give the dealer a reasonable opportunity to rectify the fault. If they are unable to do so, or if the inconvenience is substantial, you could consider rejecting the car. Documenting all communication and issues in writing, and sending it via recorded delivery, is recommended. You might also consider copying MG UK's customer service department. Seeking a replacement vehicle might be a simpler resolution than outright rejection.

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