What is an EV energy tariff?

An EV tariff offers cheaper electricity during off-peak hours (typically midnight-5am) specifically designed for charging electric vehicles at home. Rates can be as low as 7p/kWh vs the standard 24p/kWh, saving up to £800/year on charging costs.

How much can I save with an EV tariff?

A typical EV driver covering 10,000 miles/year could save £400-£800/year by switching to an EV tariff with off-peak rates of 7p/kWh, compared to charging at the standard rate of 24p/kWh.

Do I need a smart meter for an EV tariff?

Yes, most EV tariffs require a smart meter (SMETS2) to measure off-peak vs peak usage. Your energy supplier can install one for free. Some tariffs work with a smart EV charger instead.

Can I use an EV tariff for my whole home?

Yes. While designed for EV charging, the off-peak rates apply to all electricity usage. Smart homeowners also run dishwashers, washing machines, and battery storage charging during cheap off-peak windows.

Compare energy tariffs

Q: Can I compare energy tariffs here without switching through an affiliate?

Yes. We publish an independent comparison of well-known UK tariffs for EVs, heat pumps, home energy, Economy 7, and solar export. If we have a partner deal we use a tracked link; otherwise we send you to the supplier.

EV charging, heat pumps, dual fuel, Economy 7, and solar export - compared in one place. We list major UK tariffs even when we don't have a partner deal yet.

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7p/kWh

Best Off-Peak Rate

£800/yr

Potential Savings

2p/mile

Off-Peak Charging

Free

Comparison Service

Updated August 2026

Compare energy tariffs

EV charging, heat pumps, dual fuel, Economy 7, and solar export - side by side. We show well-known UK tariffs whether or not we have an affiliate deal.

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Rates are indicative typical GB figures as of August 2026 and vary by region, meter type, and usage. This is independent editorial comparison - not a live switch quote. Where we have a partner deal we use a tracked link; otherwise we send you to the supplier.

How Do EV Tariffs Work?

EV tariffs offer cheaper electricity during off-peak hours, perfect for overnight charging. Here's how they save you money.

Cheap Off-Peak Hours

Electricity as low as 7p/kWh during off-peak windows (typically midnight-5am). Perfect for overnight EV charging while you sleep.

Smart Scheduling

Your smart charger or EV automatically starts charging when rates drop. Set it and forget it - wake up to a full battery every morning.

Whole-Home Savings

Off-peak rates apply to all electricity, not just EV charging. Run dishwashers, washing machines, and battery storage during cheap hours too.

Tariff Types Compared

Not all tariffs are equal. Here's how the main types compare for EV owners.

Tariff Type	Off-Peak Rate	Peak Rate	Off-Peak Window	Smart Meter?	Best For
Standard Variable	N/A	24p/kWh	None	No	Non-EV homes
EV Tariff Best	7-8p/kWh	24-26p/kWh	4-6 hours overnight	Required	EV owners
Economy 7	12-15p/kWh	28-32p/kWh	7 hours overnight	No (E7 meter)	Storage heaters
Agile/Flexible	0-10p/kWh	Up to 35p+/kWh	Varies (30-min slots)	Required	Tech-savvy

Rates are indicative and vary by region and supplier. EV tariffs typically require a smart meter (SMETS2). Your supplier can install one for free.

Energy Tariff FAQs

Yes. This page is an independent comparison of well-known UK tariffs for EVs, heat pumps, home energy, Economy 7, and solar export. If we have a partner deal, the button is a tracked link. If we do not, it still goes to the supplier so you can switch yourself.

An EV tariff offers cheaper electricity during off-peak hours (typically midnight-5am) designed for charging electric vehicles at home. Rates can be as low as 7p/kWh compared to the standard 24p/kWh, saving up to £800/year on charging costs. The cheap rate applies to all electricity usage during off-peak hours, not just EV charging.

A typical EV driver covering 10,000 miles/year could save £400-£800/year by switching to an EV tariff. At 7p/kWh off-peak, charging costs about £175/year vs £600/year at the standard 24p/kWh rate. You can save even more by running other appliances during off-peak hours too.

Yes, most EV tariffs require a SMETS2 smart meter so your supplier can measure off-peak vs peak usage. Your energy supplier will install one for free - it usually takes about 30 minutes. Some newer tariffs work with compatible smart EV chargers instead.

Yes. The off-peak rates apply to all electricity usage, not just EV charging. Savvy homeowners schedule dishwashers, washing machines, immersion heaters, and home battery charging during the cheap window too. Just be aware that peak-time rates may be slightly higher than standard tariffs.

It depends on your usage patterns. Octopus Go and Intelligent Go are popular choices with 7.5p/kWh off-peak rates. If you have solar panels and a battery, Octopus Agile offers variable rates that can drop to zero or even go negative. Use our comparison tool above to find the best deal for your postcode.

Absolutely - it's the ultimate money-saving combination. Use free solar electricity during the day and cheap off-peak electricity at night. With a home battery, you can store cheap overnight electricity and use it during the day when rates are higher, further reducing your costs.

EV salary sacrifice

Offer electric cars as an employee benefit via Octopus EV.

Maximise Your Energy Savings

Combine a smart tariff with these technologies for the ultimate savings.

Smart EV Charger

Automatically charge at the cheapest rates. Solar integration available.

Solar Panels

Generate free electricity during the day. Export surplus for SEG income.

Battery Storage

Store cheap off-peak electricity and use it during expensive peak hours.

Start Saving on Energy Today

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