For drivers across the UK, the British Gas EV Tariff promises cheaper overnight rates and better control over home charging costs.
Owning an electric car is only part of the equation; how you charge it matters just as much. Statistics show the UK ranks fifth worldwide by electric vehicle revenue and is projected to remain among the leading European and global electric vehicle markets through 2028.
The British Gas EV tariff allows a shift from guesswork to planning, designed to suit the rhythms of real life, not just the grid. With more households switching to electric, it offers a way to make the most of every kilowatt, especially when the sun goes down and the rates drop.
The idea is simple: offer cheaper overnight rates so people can charge their cars when the grid is quieter. That way, drivers save money, and the network avoids stress during peak times.
But what does it look like in practice? This guide breaks it all down, including the actual rate, how it compares to other tariffs, who’s eligible, what you need to get started, and a few catches that are easy to miss.
Quick Takeaways on the British Gas EV Tariff:
- You get cheaper electricity rates of 7.9p per kWh between 12 am and 5 am
- You need a British Gas smart meter (SMETS2)
- Day rates are higher than standard plans to offset the cheaper nighttime rate
- You must pay by direct debit and use paperless billing
- It doesn’t include solar export or battery support
- Your yearly costs can differ based on factors like charging habits, car age, and electricity usage.
What Is the British Gas EV Tariff?
The British Gas EV tariff gives drivers a discounted electricity rate during a five-hour overnight window. It’s meant for people charging an electric vehicle at home.
You get:
- A cheaper rate from midnight to 5 am
- A standard rate for the rest of the day (which is usually higher than normal tariffs)
This makes it cheaper to plug in while you sleep, if you remember to charge only at night.
How Much Does It Cost?
Rates vary by region, but here’s a rough idea:
- Off-Peak Rate (12 am–5 am): Around 7.9p per kWh
- Peak Rate (5 am–12 am): Around 26.17p per kWh. Prices can vary depending on location.
- Standing Charge: Roughly 50p per day
Off-peak electricity is less than a third of the cost of daytime rates. That’s where the savings come in, but only if most of your charging happens at night.
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Once you sign up for the tariff, British Gas will estimate your annual costs based on how much electricity you’ve used in the past. They can also average the costs based on the amount normally used by EV owners if these details aren’t available.
Your yearly costs can differ based on factors like charging habits, car age, and electricity usage.
Do You Need a Smart Meter for the British Gas EV Tariff?
Yes, and not just any smart meter. It has to be an SMETS2 meter installed by British Gas. These can send half-hourly readings, which is how British Gas tracks your overnight usage.
If you don’t have one, you’ll need to book a free installation first. Some customers have reported delays getting appointments.
What If You Already Have Solar Panels?
This tariff is designed for EV charging, not solar export. British Gas offers a separate export tariff if you have solar panels, but you can’t combine the two.
If your solar setup includes a battery, the EV tariff doesn’t let you store cheap energy at night and sell it back during the day. That type of setup usually requires a different kind of plan.
Who Is The British Gas EV Tariff Best For?
This deal works best if:
- You drive an EV and charge mostly at home
- You can reliably charge overnight
- You have a British Gas smart meter
- You don’t have or need a battery or export tariff
It’s not ideal if you:
- Charge during the day
- Use lots of electricity outside the off-peak window
- Want to export solar energy at a better rate
What Happens If You Forget to Charge at Night?
That’s when it gets expensive. The daytime rate is higher than many standard tariffs. If your car plugs in at 6 pm instead of midnight, it’ll cost a lot more to top up.
To avoid that, most EV chargers let you schedule charging. Set it once, and you’re good to go.
Does It Work With All EV Chargers?
Yes, technically. As long as your home charger follows your set charging times, it should work fine. British Gas doesn’t require you to use a specific brand.
Some chargers integrate with apps that sync directly with tariffs like this, but most drivers use the scheduling feature on the charger itself or within the car. The British Gas EV tariff works for all EV drivers with any make of EV and with any home charger.
If you have a Hive EV charger, you can qualify for a lower rate. Pairing Hive EV Charging and SmartCharge with the British Gas EV Tariff can reduce your rate to an equivalent of just 3.9p/kWh if you plug in overnight between 12 am and 5 am.
What About Smart Charging?
British Gas isn’t offering dynamic charging control like Octopus or Ovo might. You set your schedule and charge when the rate is low. There’s no load shifting or smart response to grid demand.
For most drivers, that’s enough. If you want automated smart features, you’ll need to look at other providers or specialist apps.
Can You Add The British Gas EV Tariff to a Dual-Fuel Account?
Yes. You can have this EV tariff for electricity and stick with British Gas for gas, too. It won’t affect your gas rate.
But again, the whole thing hinges on your electricity meter. If it’s not compatible, you can’t switch until British Gas installs a new one.
How Do You Apply?
New or existing customers can easily join through the following steps:
1. Go to the British Gas website and find the EV tariff page
2. Log in or create an account
3. Check your eligibility and meter status
4. Accept the terms and complete the switch.
They’ll confirm everything by email and may ask you to prove you have an electric vehicle that you charge at home. If a smart meter is needed, you’ll be prompted to book a fitting. You’ll also need to pay through direct debit.
Can You Leave Anytime?
There’s usually no exit fee, but terms can change. British Gas often runs fixed one-year contracts for this tariff. If you want to switch later, make sure to check your account details first.
Also, make a note of any price changes during your contract period. Energy companies can update rates at the end of your term.
How Does the British Gas EV Tariff Compare to Other EV Tariffs?
The comparison uses the current energy price cap of 25.73p per kWh for electricity and 6.33p per kWh for gas from 1 July to 30 September to benchmark, since most homes are on a price-capped tariff.
Octopus Go:
- 7p per kWh (off-peak)
- Six-hour window (usually 11:30 pm–5:30 am)
- App and smart integration available
- Existing customers only
- Variable electricity only tariff
Ovo Charge Anytime:
- Fixed 7p per kWh on EV charging (any time of day)
- Add on tariff for existing customers only
- Works with specific smart chargers only
EDF EV Tariff:
- 8.99p per kWh (off-peak)
- New & existing customers
- Fixed, dual-fuel, or electricity-only tariff
- Requires a compatible meter
British Gas sits in the middle. It’s cheaper than EDF’s standard rates but not as low as Octopus Go. The main difference? Simplicity. If you’re a new or existing British Gas customer and don’t need app integrations or smart charging, it might be the easiest switch.
What Are the Pros?
- Easy overnight savings if you charge late
- Simple rate structure (off-peak vs peak)
- Works with most chargers
- Fits with dual-fuel accounts
- No rules on what you can use the cut-price electricity for during off-peak hours. You can also charge higher-energy appliances, like washing machines and dishwashers, or smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
What Are the Cons?
- High daytime rate
- Needs a smart meter from British Gas
- No solar export or battery support
- No smart charging features
Final Thoughts on British Gas EV Tariff
The British Gas EV Tariff gives a decent discount for those charging between midnight and 5 am. If you’re the kind of driver who plugs in every few nights and doesn’t want to fiddle with apps or manage complex energy setups, this plan could make sense.
It’s not the cheapest on the market, but it is stable and easy to follow. Just make sure your charger is on a timer—and that you’re not forgetting and plugging in too early.
FAQs about British Gas EV Tariff
What Is the British Gas EV Tariff?
A tariff that offers cheaper electricity rates between 12 am and 5 am for EV charging at home.
Do You Need a Smart Meter for the British Gas EV Tariff?
Yes, an SMETS2 smart meter installed by British Gas is required.
Is the British Gas EV Tariff Cheaper?
Only during the off-peak window, daytime rates are higher than standard tariffs.
Does the British Gas EV Tariff Support Solar or Battery Storage?
No, it’s focused on EV charging only.
How Do I Switch to the EV Tariff?
Create an account or log in to your British Gas account, check your eligibility, and accept the switch online.