The 9 best EV charging tariffs

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11 min read

Here are all the top EV charging tariffs, how to sign up for them, and which tariffs are best for different households.

Josh Jackman
Written byJosh Jackman
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The best EV charging tariffs: at a glance

As EV sales have accelerated in the UK, all the major energy suppliers have launched EV charging tariffs, in an attempt to capture this growing customer base.

Their main strategy is to offer a low off-peak rate for drivers who charge their car overnight, allowing you to save hundreds of pounds per year by filling your EV with cheap electricity.

In this article, we’ll run through all the top EV charging tariffs, how to sign up for them, and which tariffs are best for different households.

Some EV tariffs don't actually require you to have an EV, making them a great choice for homes with a solar & battery system (as we go on to explain).

To find out how much you could save by going solar, enter a few details below and we'll provide an estimate.

What are the best EV charging tariffs?

The best EV charging tariffs are Utility Warehouse EV Double Gold, E.ON Next Drive, and Ecotricity Smart 1 Year Fixed Green Electricity EV.

To save as much money as you can, you should consider each tariff’s off-peak rate and hours, peak rate, standing charge, and any other conditions – including exit fees.

We’ll continue to update this list regularly, since energy companies tweak their tariffs so often.

There are now more than 1.5 million fully electric vehicles in the UK, which represents a 280% rise since the end of 2021, and has naturally led to an uptick in home charging.

Provider Tariff Off-peak rate (p/kWh) Time period Daily standing charge (p/day) Annual cost to charge EV*
Utility Warehouse EV Double Gold 7 12am-5am GMT 45.886 ÂŁ316
E.ON Next Drive 6.7 12am-7am 48.64 ÂŁ319
Ecotricity Smart 1 Year Fixed Green Electricity EV

7.99

12am-5am GMT 41.43 ÂŁ320
Octopus Intelligent Octopus Go 7 11:30pm-5:30am** 47.61 ÂŁ322
ScottishPower EV Saver 7.2 12am-5am 48.64 ÂŁ330
Utility Warehouse EV Gold 8 12am-5am GMT 45.886 ÂŁ337
OVO Charge Anytime 7 No set hours** 52.46† £340
British Gas Electric Driver 7.9 12am-5am 48.689 ÂŁ345
Utility Warehouse EV Value 8.5 12am-5am GMT 45.886 ÂŁ348

The best EV charging tariffs: explained

Here’s all the information you need about the top nine EV charging tariffs, including eligibility criteria, how to sign up, and exit fees.

We’ll also tell you which suppliers are charging high peak rates alongside their low off-peak rates.

You may have to switch electricity suppliers to take advantage of these rates – and it’s usually worth it, considering you could save hundreds of pounds per year as a result.

1. Utility Warehouse EV Double Gold

Utility Warehouse combines an attractive 7p per kWh off-peak rate with a decent standing charge to create this chart-topping tariff – but there is a catch.

You can only qualify for Double Gold if you receive at least three services from Utility Warehouse.

That includes energy – which you’ll tick off with this tariff – so you’ll have to switch to the provider for two of the following three utilities: wifi, mobile, and boiler and home cover.

The 30.1p per kWh peak rate is also higher than average, so you’ll have to watch your electricity consumption during the day.

Look out for the clocks changing, too. This is a GMT-based tariff, so during British Summer Time, the off-peak rate will be active between 1am and 6am.

Full tariff profile

Category Information
Off-peak rate (p/kWh) 7
Time period 12am-5am GMT
Peak rate (p/kWh) 30.129
Standing charge (p/day) 45.886
Annual cost to charge an EV ÂŁ316
Exit fee N/A

How to switch to Utility Warehouse EV Double Gold

As mentioned above, you’ll need to switch to Utility Warehouse for any two of your wifi, mobile, or boiler and home cover before you can qualify.

Once you’ve made it through that process, switch to the supplier’s standard variable tariff, and answer yes when you’re asked whether you’d like to join an EV tariff.

As soon as you’re receiving your electricity from Utility Warehouse, the company will invite you to switch.

You’ll just need a smart meter, your EV’s registration number, the ability to set up a direct debit, and at least one EV that’s up to date on its vehicle tax and has a valid MOT certificate. 

You can put up to three EVs from the same property on the tariff.

2. E.ON Next Drive

This is one of only two tariffs in our list that accepts households without an EV, making it the perfect choice for anyone who has a solar & battery system.

Solar homes on Next Drive can charge their battery every night, then use this low-cost electricity to power their household during the day.

E.ON’s 6.7p per kWh off-peak rate is the lowest on the market, and comes with a reasonable standing charge and no exit fees.

It also offers the longest off-peak period of any EV tariff in the country, at seven hours. This is especially significant for anyone who often drives long distances.

E.ON’s peak rate is slightly high, but the average driver will still save loads of money on this rate.

E.ON Next Drive is one of our top recommended import tariffs in our ranking of the best import-export tariff combinations for solar homes. To learn more, read our guide to the best rates.

Full tariff profile

Category Information
Off-peak rate (p/kWh) 6.7
Time period 12am-7am
Peak rate (p/kWh) 28.53
Standing charge (p/day) 48.64
Annual cost to charge an EV ÂŁ319
Exit fee N/A

How to switch to E.ON Next Drive

Eligible households just need a smart meter, a willingness to pay for electricity by monthly direct debit, and either an EV or battery storage.

If you don’t yet have a smart meter, energy suppliers are legally obliged to install one for free, so just ask.

Households with an EV can use any charger to fill their car’s battery, unlike some other tariffs that require you to have a certain model.

Once you fulfil the requirements, you can sign up online with basic details like your home address, how long you’ve lived there, and your phone number.

Then all you have to do is set up your direct debit, choose a start date for the tariff, and accept the terms and conditions. E.ON will put you on its standard variable import tariff while it connects to your smart meter.

The switch should take up to five days if you’re already with E.ON, and three weeks at most if you’re moving from a different supplier.

For more information, read our full guide to E.ON Next Drive.

E.ON Next Drive is one of the few EV tariffs that works well with a solar & battery system, even if you don't have an EV. To find out how much you can save by going solar, enter a few details below and we’ll provide an estimate.

3. Ecotricity Smart 1 Year Fixed Green Electricity EV

At first glance, Ecotricity’s offering isn’t particularly special.

After all, its off-peak rate of 7.99p per kWh makes it only the seventh-lowest around – but its standing charge is way lower than those offered by competitors.

By paying 41.43p every day instead of the average rate you can find from suppliers on this list – 48p per day – a household can save £28 per year.

However, its peak rate of 31.26p per kWh is one of the highest here – comfortably above the list’s average of 29.34p per kWh. You could therefore end up paying less to charge your car, but more to power your home.

And if you leave the tariff early, you’ll pay a £100 exit fee, which is the highest of all the EV tariffs. In fact, most companies won’t even charge you for switching.

The 7.99p per kWh off-peak rate is also only available in London, but it’s roughly indicative, since you’ll pay between 7.75p and 8.44p per kWh wherever you are in the country.

Full tariff profile

Category Information
Off-peak rate (p/kWh) 7.99
Time period 12am-5am GMT
Peak rate (p/kWh) 31.26
Standing charge (p/day) 41.43
Annual cost to charge an EV ÂŁ320
Exit fee ÂŁ100

How to switch to Ecotricity Smart 1 Year Fixed Green Electricity EV

To switch to this tariff, you need an EV, a charger, and a smart meter.

You’ll also need to pay by monthly direct debit.

To start the process, you can apply online or by calling 08081 230 123.

You may need to provide proof that you own an EV charger at home, but generally the whole undertaking should be relatively smooth.

A charger connected to a dark electric vehicle in front of a brick wall, by a garden
You can save hundreds of pounds per year by avoiding day charging

4. Intelligent Octopus Go

Intelligent Octopus Go offers six hours of cheap charging per day from 11:30pm to 5:30am, making it the second-longest off-peak period around, but with a difference: it’s smart.

That means whenever the grid has a surplus of electricity, Octopus will provide extra off-peak times at 7p per kWh – the second-lowest rate on the market.

So as well as the fixed 11:30pm-5:30am period, you’ll find out every day at 4pm whether the next day will contain additional off-peak hours to charge your car and power your home.

Unfortunately, this tariff is currently only available to certain chargers and EVs, which is its major drawback.

Intelligent Octopus Go also doesn’t come as a fixed tariff anymore, so you’ll be on a variable plan – but its off-peak rate has only changed once since it launched in 2022, from 7.5p to 7p per kWh, and it could fall further as competition intensifies.

Full tariff profile

Category Information
Off-peak rate (p/kWh) 7
Time period 11:30pm-5:30am (plus extra hours)
Peak rate (p/kWh) 27.88
Standing charge (p/day) 47.61
Annual cost to charge an EV ÂŁ322
Exit fee N/A

How to switch to Intelligent Octopus Go

Intelligent Octopus Go is only open to some chargers and EVs. There’s no publicly available list, but you can check your compatibility using Octopus’s tool.

Our research has shown that chargers made by Hypervolt, Indra, Myenergi, Ohme, and Wallbox are eligible for the tariff, but this isn’t necessarily an exhaustive list.

Plenty of cars can also help you qualify, including models made by Audi, BMW, Ford, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

As long as you have an eligible EV and charger, all you’ll need to sign up is a smart meter and an Apple or Android device, so you can set your car’s charging schedule.

If you’re already getting your grid electricity from Octopus, you can quickly make the switch in your Octopus app.

If not, you’ll just have to register for a standard Octopus tariff – which should take no more than three weeks – then move to Intelligent Octopus Go.

Once that’s done, just use the app to agree to the terms and conditions, complete a test charge, and you’ll be completely set up.

For more information, read our full guide to Intelligent Octopus Go.

5. ScottishPower EV Saver

EV Saver comes with a good, low off-peak rate of 7.2p per kWh, and the exact same standing charge as E.ON Next Drive.

But other than Utility Warehouse, ScottishPower’s peak rate is the highest on this list, which may well mean you end up paying more to power your home.

You’ll have to balance this against the savings you’ll make from charging your car for less.

The supplier’s £50 exit fee is also relatively high.

Full tariff profile

Category Information
Off-peak rate (p/kWh) 7.2
Time period 12am-5am GMT
Peak rate (p/kWh) 31.444
Standing charge (p/day) 48.64
Annual cost to charge an EV ÂŁ330
Exit fee ÂŁ50

How to switch to ScottishPower EV Saver

Existing ScottishPower customers can switch to EV Saver in their online account.

If you’re not yet with the supplier, just sign up to its standard variable tariff. Once that’s confirmed, you can move to EV Saver straight away.

To qualify, you need a smart meter, an EV, and an EV charger.

You’ll usually have to prove your ownership of all these products.

6. Utility Warehouse EV Gold

This is Utility Warehouse’s second-tier EV tariff. It comes with a higher off-peak rate – at 8p per kWh – and a more expensive peak rate of 33.62p per kWh.

The only advantage is that you only need to get two services to qualify, including energy, instead of the three required by Utility Warehouse EV Double Gold.

That does still mean you’ll need to get your wifi, mobile contract, or boiler and home cover from Utility Warehouse.

Full tariff profile

Category Information
Off-peak rate (p/kWh) 8
Time period 12am-5am GMT
Peak rate (p/kWh) 33.62
Standing charge (p/day) 45.886
Annual cost to charge an EV ÂŁ337
Exit fee N/A

How to switch to Utility Warehouse EV Gold

You’ll need a smart meter, an EV, and the ability to set up a direct debit to qualify for this tariff, as well as a way of charging your car.

This can technically be a slow charger that plugs into your mains, but we wouldn’t recommend it.

As explained above, you’ll also need to join Utility Warehouse for one other service to be eligible. You can choose from wifi, mobile, or boiler and home cover.

Customers who are already with Utility Warehouse just need to get a quote, then they can switch instantly.

If that’s not you, you just need to move to the supplier’s standard variable tariff, then say yes when they ask if you’re interested in moving to an EV tariff.

You’ll be invited to switch as soon as you’re receiving electricity from Utility Warehouse.

Be ready with the registration number for your EV, which must be up to date on its vehicle tax and MOT.

7. OVO Charge Anytime

This isn’t a tariff; it’s a smart add-on that solely allows you to charge your EV at a cheaper rate.

You’ll have to switch to an OVO import tariff, then add Charge Anytime to your account, which will enable you to power your car with off-peak electricity.

To charge your car, tell the app how much charge you want and when by. As long as you give it enough notice, it’ll do the rest.

If you’re in a rush, you can accept a lower amount of charge or continue charging without using the off-peak rate.

After all, you’re allowed to override your charging schedule at any time – but if you do, you’ll pay your standard, much higher import rate.

Full tariff profile

Category Information
Off-peak rate (p/kWh) 7
Time period Any time
Peak rate (p/kWh) 23.13
Standing charge (p/day) 52.46
Annual cost to charge an EV ÂŁ340
Exit fee ÂŁ75 on Extended Fixed

How to switch to OVO Charge Anytime

OVO requires Charge Anytime customers to have a smart meter, an online OVO account, and a compatible EV or charger.

This list of compatible products includes dozens of cars made by brands including Mini, Renault, and Volvo, as well as a beta list that includes manufacturers like Hyundai, Mercedes, and Nissan.

If you have a beta EV, you can join the tariff, but in OVO’s words, it “may not work properly or be fully functional”.

And if you don’t have any of these cars, you can still qualify if you have a charger made by Andersen, Hypervolt, or Indra.

Once you’re receiving your electricity from OVO, adding Charge Anytime to your account is straightforward to do online. You’ll just need proof of ownership of your car and charger.

8. British Gas Electric Driver

This is the second tariff on our list that doesn’t require households to have an EV to qualify, after E.ON Next Drive.

It allows homes with a solar & battery system to save money by charging their battery on the overnight off-peak rate, then using that electricity to run their home during the day.

British Gas’s 7.9p per kWh off-peak rate is slightly higher than average for this list, but its peak rate is the second-lowest behind OVO Charge Anytime – which doesn’t let you power your household on cheap electricity.

Full tariff profile

Category Information
Off-peak rate (p/kWh) 7.9
Time period 12am-5am
Peak rate (p/kWh) 27.002
Standing charge (p/day) 48.689
Annual cost to charge an EV ÂŁ345
Exit fee N/A

How to switch to British Gas Electric Driver

You can switch to this tariff with a smart meter and the ability to set up a direct debit.

You don’t need an EV, an EV charger, or any other hardware.

If you pass these eligibility criteria and you’re already receiving your electricity from British Gas, you can make the move straight away by logging into your account.

Everyone else can switch to Electric Driver by getting a quote online, then filling in the form that pops up, which asks for standard information like your household, contact, and payment details.

Then just accept the terms and conditions, and you’ll be switched over within three weeks.

For more information, read our full guide to British Gas Electric Driver.

9. Utility Warehouse EV Value

The third and last of Utility Warehouse’s EV tariffs doesn’t require you to take on any extra services – but its peak rate is a massive 37.46p per kWh.

With a relatively high off-peak rate of 8.5p per kWh and an unimpressive standing charge, there’s not much to recommend EV Value.

It can still cut your charging costs by hundreds of pounds per year, but you may see those savings disappear if you’re unable to shift most of your electricity consumption to the off-peak hours.

There are currently several better options than EV Value – and considering how quickly the market has grown in recent years, there could soon be many more.

Full tariff profile

Category Information
Off-peak rate (p/kWh) 8.5
Time period 12am-5am GMT
Peak rate (p/kWh) 37.463
Standing charge (p/day) 45.886
Annual cost to charge an EV ÂŁ348
Exit fee N/A

How to switch to Utility Warehouse EV Value

You’ll require a smart meter, direct debit, and the registration number of an EV that has a valid MOT certificate and no outstanding vehicle tax.

Homes receiving their electricity from Utility Warehouse can switch by getting a quote online, then accepting it with the associated terms and conditions.

Other households just have to move to the supplier’s standard variable tariff, then indicate that they’d like to join an EV tariff.

As soon as Utility Warehouse finishes setting up your electricity supply, it’ll get in touch to invite you to EV Value.

Summary

The best EV charging tariff depends on your household, though it’s currently likely to either be Utility Warehouse EV Double Gold or E.ON Next Drive.

Whether you have an EV, a solar & battery system, or both, it’s absolutely worth seeing if an EV tariff could cut your electricity bills.

Making this switch will usually save you hundreds of pounds per year, which makes it much more affordable to have an EV, and substantially increases your returns from going solar.

If you’re wondering how much you could save with a solar & battery system, enter a few details below and we’ll provide an estimate.

The best EV tariffs: FAQs

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Josh Jackman

Written byJosh Jackman

Josh has written about the rapid rise of home solar for the past six years. His data-driven work has been featured in United Nations and World Health Organisation documents, as well as publications including The Eco Experts, Financial Times, The Independent, The Telegraph, The Times, and The Sun. Josh has also been interviewed as a renewables expert on BBC One’s Rip-Off Britain, ITV1’s Tonight show, and BBC Radio 4 and 5.