EV charging guide 2026

EV energy tariffs UK:
save up to £500 a year on home charging

Standard electricity costs 24.67p per kWh. The best EV overnight tariffs charge as little as 7.9p. For a typical driver, that difference adds up to £400 to £500 a year.

Cost per kWh to charge
Standard tariff 24.67p
EV overnight rate from 7.9p
Typical annual saving £400 to £500
Quick answer

An EV energy tariff gives you a much cheaper overnight electricity rate for charging your car at home. The standard Ofgem Q2 2026 rate is 24.67p per kWh. The best EV overnight rates are 7.9 to 9.5p per kWh. A typical driver covering 7,000 to 10,000 miles per year can save £400 to £500 annually by switching. Most tariffs require a smart meter and smart charger.

The saving in real terms

How much does it actually cost to charge an EV at home?

Full charge: 78kWh battery (Tesla Model Y equivalent)
Standard tariff (24.67p/kWh)
£19.43
per full charge
Annual cost (7,000 miles, standard rate)
~£432
based on 1,750 kWh/yr

Standard rate based on Ofgem Q2 2026 price cap (1 April to 30 June 2026): 24.67p/kWh. EV overnight rate based on E.ON Next Drive tariff at 8.5p/kWh. Figures are illustrative. Actual costs depend on vehicle efficiency, usage and regional rates. Source: Ofgem, supplier tariff data. Last updated May 2026.

Available tariffs

EV energy tariffs available in 2026

Octopus Energy

Octopus Go

Off-peak window: 00:30 to 04:30 (4 hours)
Smart meter required Any charger Works on Economy 7
~7.9p
per kWh overnight
E.ON

E.ON Next Drive

Off-peak window: overnight fixed hours
Smart meter required Any charger or EV
~8.5p
per kWh overnight
British Gas

British Gas EV Tariff

Off-peak window: midnight to 05:00 (5 hours)
Any EV and charger Renewable electricity Smart meter required
~9p
per kWh overnight
EDF

EDF GoElectric

Off-peak overnight plus second discounted window
Two off-peak windows Smart meter required
~9p
per kWh overnight

EV tariff rates change regularly. Rates above are approximate figures based on supplier data as of May 2026. Always verify current rates directly with the supplier before switching. Availability may vary by region.

What to watch out for

Things to consider before switching to an EV tariff

The off-peak rate is only part of the picture. EV tariffs split the day into two pricing tiers: a cheap overnight rate and a peak rate during the day. The peak rate on some EV tariffs is higher than the standard price cap rate, which means if you use a lot of electricity during the day, your overall bill could be higher than on a standard tariff even with cheaper overnight charging.

Before switching, work out how much electricity you use during peak hours versus how much you will save overnight. If you work from home and use a lot of daytime electricity, a high peak rate can eat into the overnight savings. If most of your household electricity use is in the evening or you can shift usage to the off-peak window, an EV tariff is likely to save you money.

Most EV tariffs also require a smart meter. If you do not have one, contact your supplier to arrange installation, which is free. Some tariffs also require a specific smart charger or wallbox. Check compatibility with your charger before switching. See our full energy tariff comparison to see current EV and standard deals side by side.

Compare EV tariffs against standard deals

See what EV tariffs are available for your postcode and whether they work out cheaper overall for your usage pattern.

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FAQ

Questions people ask

An EV energy tariff offers a cheap overnight electricity rate, typically 7.9 to 9.5p per kWh, for charging your electric vehicle at home when grid demand is lower. You pay a higher rate during the day for normal household use. Most require a smart meter and smart charger.

A typical driver covering 7,000 to 10,000 miles per year can save £400 to £500 annually by switching from the standard rate to an EV overnight tariff. The saving depends on your vehicle efficiency, mileage, and how well your household electricity use fits the off-peak window.

Most EV tariffs require a smart meter and a smart EV charger that can be scheduled to charge at specific times. Smart meter installation is free from your supplier. Some tariffs require a compatible wallbox from specific manufacturers, so check before switching.

Most major UK suppliers offer EV tariffs in 2026, including Octopus Energy, British Gas, E.ON, EDF, and ScottishPower. Each has different off-peak windows, overnight rates, and charger requirements. Comparing across suppliers is the best way to find the right deal for your usage pattern.


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