Understanding EV tariffs is essential for anyone charging at home and looking to save money on electricity bills.
Electric vehicle (EV) ownership is growing quickly across the UK. On July 15, 2025, the government announced a £650 million grant that will slash electric car prices, saving up to £3,750 when you upgrade or switch to electric. With more EVs hitting the road and public chargers popping up everywhere, the cost of charging at home has become a key focus.
That’s where EV-specific electricity tariffs come in.
These plans offer lower prices for overnight or off-peak charging. Some are smart, adjusting charging times based on grid demand. Others are straightforward—set a time, plug in, and wake up to a full battery. Choosing the right tariff depends on when and how you charge, what type of home charger you use, and how flexible your routine is.
In 2025, energy suppliers have stepped up with competitive options. Whether you want full control, automated scheduling, or a fixed rate, there’s something that fits. Many require a smart meter, and a few need an EV-specific charger too. But once in place, these tariffs can slash your costs by more than half compared to standard electricity rates.
Quick Takeaways on the Best EV Tariffs in the UK:
- Octopus Intelligent offers one of the cheapest night rates at 7p/kWh.
- British Gas Hive SmartCharge gives extra credits for staying plugged in.
- OVO Charge Anytime applies a low rate to all EV charging, 24/7.
- EDF provides simplicity with a 10-hour off-peak window and no app needed.
- Good Energy focuses on flexibility and green electricity with no exit fees.
- Ecotricity targets eco-conscious households with fully green tariffs.
- Most EV tariffs need a SMETS2 smart meter.
- Off-peak hours typically run between midnight and 7am.
- Smart chargers may unlock extra savings but aren’t always required.
Why EV Tariffs Matter
Understanding EV tariffs is essential for anyone charging at home. Unlike standard energy plans, EV tariffs offer time-of-use pricing, where electricity costs less during off‑peak hours, typically overnight.
Smart tariffs reduce pressure on the grid and encourage greener behavior by shifting charging to low-demand hours. A recent UK trial involving 110,000 EV drivers found that dynamic pricing discounts of 15–40% led to a 30–117% boost in charging volumes, particularly among lower-income households.
Although these results come from public settings, the principle applies to home charging too. When utilities offer cheaper overnight rates, drivers save, and the grid stabilizes. From E.ON to Octopus to OVO, providers now offer EV-specific plans with off-peak rates as low as 6.7p/kWh in 2025.
Some tariffs also let you run household appliances or store solar power on cheap electricity. That level of flexibility can add up to hundreds saved each year.
Octopus Energy EV Tariffs
This provider leads the EV tariff space with two standout products: Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Go.
Octopus Go
With Octopus Go you get a cheap night-time rate from 11:30 pm to 5:30 am. It’s ideal if your car can be scheduled to charge overnight. As of July 2025, the night rate is typically 8.5p per kWh, with a higher daytime rate of around 29p.
To use Octopus Go, you need a smart meter and must be able to track usage through half-hourly readings. No special charger is required, so it suits most EV households.
- Night rate: 8.5p per kWh
- Day rate: 28.57p per kWh
- Best for: Fixed overnight charging with standard chargers
Intelligent Octopus Go
This option takes it further with automated smart charging. You tell the Octopus app when your car needs to be ready, and it handles charging during the cheapest grid periods. The rate can drop to 7p per kWh—but for up to 6 hours per night, sometimes more.
To access this, you need a compatible charger (like Ohme or Wallbox Pulsar), a smart meter, and an EV that links with Octopus (most do). It’s hassle-free and adapts to daily demand.
- Smart charging window: Usually 6+ hours
- Rate: 7p per kWh
- Best for: Drivers who want effortless savings without manual scheduling
Pros
- Low overnight rates
- Strong customer support
- Flexible switching between Go and Intelligent Go
Cons
- Requires a smart meter
- The intelligent plan needs a supported EV and charger
OVO Charge Anytime EV Tariff
OVO Energy’s Charge Anytime is a flexible EV charging add-on. It works with any time of day—yes, even during peak hours—and offers a flat EV charging rate of 7p per kWh, no matter when you plug in.
This works through smart technology. The charger or app communicates with OVO to decide the best grid time to pull power. You don’t need to worry about setting timers or staying up to plug in. Your car gets the charge it needs, and the savings show up on your bill.
- EV charging rate: 7p per kWh
- Other electricity rate: Varies by plan
- Best for: Flexible drivers with compatible smart chargers
To qualify, you’ll need a compatible smart charger like Ohme Home Pro or Hypervolt and a smart meter. The offer works alongside standard OVO energy tariffs, so your general household electricity rate won’t change unless you switch.
Pros
- Same low rate all day
- Automated charging
- Works with most EVs and chargers
Cons
- Requires a smart charger
- Must be an OVO customer
British Gas Electric Driver / Hive SmartCharge
British Gas offers one of the more tech-integrated EV tariffs through its Electric Driver plan, especially when paired with Hive SmartCharge. The tariff provides a five-hour off-peak charging window, with an overnight rate of 7.9p per kWh from midnight to 5 am.
The real savings come if you leave your car plugged in for six hours or more. In that case, you earn 4p per kWh in credit, dropping your effective cost down to between 3.9p and 4.5p per kWh. That’s among the lowest in the UK.
- Night rate: 7.9p per kWh (12 am–5 am)
- Credit: 4p per kWh for 6+ hours plugged in
- Effective rate: 3.9–4.5p per kWh
- Best for: Hive users or tech-savvy households already using British Gas
To qualify, you’ll need a SMETS2 smart meter, the Hive app, and a compatible charger. The Hive system automates charging to make the most of the discount, but setup can take time depending on meter compatibility.
British Gas offers the plan on a dual-fuel basis, which may simplify billing for homes already using their gas supply. There’s also a FreeCharge bonus in the first year for new Hive customers.
Pros
- One of the cheapest off-peak rates available
- Bonus credits reduce real charging costs
- Hive automation for easy charging
Cons
- Shorter off-peak window than competitors
- Setup may require app integration and hardware
- £50 exit fee per fuel
EDF EV Go Electric Tariff
EDF keeps things simple with its EV tariff. It’s a fixed-rate plan offering a consistent price of around 9p per kWh for overnight charging from 9 pm to 7 am, with standard rates during the day.
This suits EV drivers who don’t want to deal with automation or app scheduling. Just plug in during the window, and you benefit from the discounted rate.
- Night rate: 9p per kWh (9 pm–7 am)
- Day rate: Around 23.9p per kWh
- Best for: Traditional off-peak users who prefer fixed windows
To qualify, you’ll need a smart meter capable of recording half-hour usage. EDF offers an app to help track consumption, though smart charger integration isn’t mandatory.
This tariff is often bundled with green energy options and supports dual-fuel plans for households that want gas and electricity from the same supplier.
Pros
- Clear off-peak hours
- No smart charger needed
- Well-known supplier
Cons
- Slightly higher night rate than some rivals
- No automation features
Good Energy Smart EV Tariff
Good Energy’s Smart EV Tariff blends green credentials with household flexibility. It features a five-hour off-peak period, with rates varying by region, typically around 9.4p per kWh, and as low as 6.6p in some postcodes.
Unlike many competitors, Good Energy allows other appliances to run during the discounted window, not just EV charging. That opens up savings across the home, from dishwashers to tumble dryers.
- Night rate: 6.6p per kWh (some areas 9.4p)
- Day rate: Varies by region
- Best for: Eco-conscious households that want to run appliances too
The plan doesn’t require a specific charger or app. All you need is a compatible smart meter. The exit fee is £75/fuel, and may not be appealing to renters or households unwilling to commit for a year.
The per-kWh rate is also higher than other green suppliers, especially in areas without access to the lowest tiers. Timing your charging session also matters, as there’s no automation—plug in late, and you could miss the window.
Pros
- Appliance use is allowed during off-peak
- Sourced from 100% renewable generation
Cons
- Higher kWh rates than some
- No automation or smart scheduling
- The off-peak rate varies significantly by region
Ecotricity EV Tariff
Ecotricity’s EV tariff offers a fully renewable supply with fixed pricing for a full year. Its off-peak rate is 8p per kWh, active between midnight and 5 am (or 1 am–6 am BST, depending on daylight saving).
This makes it a stable, eco-first choice for households that want to avoid energy sourced from fossil fuels. The tariff is easy to understand and open to any EV or charger setup—no branded gear or apps required.
- Night rate: 8.0p per kWh (12am–5am or 1am–6am BST)
- Day rate: 30.78p per kWh
- Best for: Green-focused households who want stable pricing
Customers benefit from transparent billing and strong green credentials. The company claims 100% of its electricity comes from UK-based wind and solar projects.
The plan does come with a £100 exit fee per fuel, which may be steep for some. And the five-hour window—while typical—is shorter than tariffs offering longer off-peak spans.
Pros
- Fixed prices for 12 months
- Fully renewable electricity
- No tech restrictions
Cons
- High exit fees
- The off-peak window is not customisable
- Day rates are slightly above average
UK EV Tariffs Comparison Table:
| Tariff Name | Off-Peak Rate | Off-Peak Hours | Day Rate (Approx.) | Smart Charger Required | Exit Fee | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Go | 8.5p/kWh | 12:30am – 4:30am (4 hrs) | 28.57p/kWh | No | None | Stable pricing, popular nationwide |
| Octopus Intelligent | 7p/kWh (automated sessions) | 6 hours (varies nightly) | 28.57p/kWh | Yes (approved models) | None | Longest off-peak charging when automated |
| OVO Charge Anytime | 7p/kWh (anytime, tracked) | Any time (smart usage-based) | Varies | Yes (connected models) | £75 per fuel | Flat low rate whenever EV is plugged in |
| EDF EV Tariff | 9p/kWh | 9 pm – 7 am (10 hrs) | 23.9p/kWh | No | Varies | Long off-peak window, no automation needed |
| British Gas Hive SmartCharge | 7.9p/kWh (3.9–4.5p after credit) | 12 am – 5 am (5 hrs) | 26.17p/kWh | Yes (Hive charger) | £50 per fuel | Credits for keeping EV plugged in longer |
| Ecotricity EV Tariff | 8p/kWh | 12 am – 5 am or 1 am – 6 am | 30.78p/kWh | No | £100 per fuel | Fixed rate, 100% renewable |
| Good Energy Smart EV Tariff | 6.6p/kWh (some 9.4p) | 5 hours (regional) | Varies | No | None | Clean energy and no smart charger needed |
Things to Consider When Choosing EV Tariffs
Choosing the best EV tariff isn’t only about price. A few practical points can make or break how useful a plan is in daily life.
1. Smart Meter Requirement
All EV tariffs listed above require a smart meter that records half-hourly usage. If your home doesn’t have one yet, you’ll need to get one installed before switching.
2. Smart Charger Compatibility
Some tariffs, like Intelligent Octopus and OVO Charge Anytime, only work with specific charger brands. Check compatibility before signing up.
3. Flexibility vs Simplicity
Do you prefer a set-and-forget plan or like to control when you charge? If you’re happy scheduling each night, Octopus Go is great. If you’d rather let the system handle it, go for something automated like Intelligent Octopus or OVO.
4. Whole Home Tariff vs Add-On
Some plans change your entire home electricity rate (e.g. EDF, Octopus Go), while others like OVO keep household usage separate from EV charging.
5. Public Charging Use
If you rely on public chargers often, consider options like Shell that combine home and road features.
Final Thoughts on the Best EV Tariffs in the UK
The best EV tariffs in the UK give drivers meaningful ways to lower their home charging costs. From fully automated smart charging to fixed off-peak pricing, there’s a plan to match nearly every routine and setup.
Octopus remains a top choice for flexibility and innovation. OVO’s add-on model brings simplicity for those who prefer flat rates. British Gas and EDF cater to users who want control or consistency. Meanwhile, Shell and E.ON provide solid support to their loyal customer base.
Before switching, check your charger, meter, and daily habits. A few minutes of planning can save hundreds of pounds a year—and keep your EV topped up without effort.
FAQs on the Best EV Tariffs in the UK
How Do EV Tariffs Work?
EV tariffs offer lower rates during off‑peak hours—typically at night—through smart meters that track usage in half‑hour blocks. When you charge during designated windows, you pay less per kWh.
Do I Need A Smart Meter To Get EV Tariffs?
Yes, the majority of EV tariffs require an SMETS smart meter to record usage patterns and apply lower off‑peak rates.
Are EV Tariffs Worth It?
Absolutely. Drivers who consistently charge during off‑peak hours typically see savings of hundreds of pounds yearly—often cutting charging costs to just 2–3p per mile.
Can I Have EV Tariffs Without Changing My Household Rate?
Some providers, like OVO, separate EV charging rates via smart chargers or vehicle communication. The EV rate applies just to your car’s charging.
What Are Off‑Peak Hours For EV Charging?
Most tariffs offer nighttime discounts, typically between midnight and 7 am. These windows vary by supplier but usually last 5–7 hours.
Sources and References:
- GOV.UK – Discount of up to £3,750 on electric cars set to slash costs for thousands
- Center for Net Zero – The Impact of Dynamic Prices on Electric Vehicle Public Charging Demand: Evidence from a Nationwide Natural Field Experiment
- Octopus Energy – Intelligent Octopus Go
- Ovo Energy – Charge Anytime
- British Gas – Electric vehicle (EV) energy tariffs
- EDF – Electric vehicle tariffs for cheaper home charging
- Ecotricity – Join our EV tariff today