Best EV tariffs explained

How EV tariffs work

EV tariffs give you a much cheaper electricity rate for a few hours overnight – usually between about 11pm and 6am – in exchange for a higher rate at other times. Most need a smart meter. The cheap rate usually applies to your whole home, not just the car, so you can also run dishwashers, washing machines or charge a battery overnight.

There are two main types:

• Fixed-window tariffs: cheap electricity at the same hours every night. They work with any EV or charger.
• Smart (managed) tariffs: the supplier controls when your car charges, sometimes adding extra cheap slots outside the overnight window. They need a compatible car or charger.

Typical off-peak rates in October 2026

For comparison, the standard price-cap rate is 26.32p/kWh. Published off-peak rates from major suppliers included:

• EDF GoElectric: 6.66p/kWh, 11pm–6am (7 hours), fixed window.
• Intelligent Octopus Go: 7.6p/kWh, 11:30pm–5:30am, plus smart-charging slots; needs a compatible car or charger.
• E.ON Next Drive Smart: around 8.1p/kWh, with smart-charging slots.
• British Gas EV Power: 9.5p/kWh, midnight–5am, works with any EV or charger.
• Rates, windows and standing charges vary by region and change regularly – always check the supplier's current terms.

How to choose

The headline overnight rate matters, but so does everything else. Peak rates on EV tariffs can be 30–37p/kWh, well above the price cap. If you use a lot of electricity during the day, a slightly higher off-peak rate with a lower peak rate may work out cheaper overall.

• Add up your yearly cost: off-peak use × off-peak rate + daytime use × peak rate + standing charge.
• Check the length of the cheap window against how much you need to charge.
• Check whether your car or charger is compatible with smart tariffs.
• Look for exit fees, especially on fixed deals.
• Consider whether you also have (or plan) solar, a battery or a heat pump.

Is an EV tariff right for you?

If you charge at home and drive a typical distance, an EV tariff is usually worth it. If you rarely charge at home, or use a lot of electricity during the day and can't shift it, the higher peak rate could cancel out the savings. Our free savings snapshot can give you a rough idea.

What is the cheapest EV tariff in the UK?

In October 2026, EDF GoElectric had one of the lowest published off-peak rates among major suppliers at 6.66p/kWh, with Intelligent Octopus Go at 7.6p/kWh. The cheapest overall depends on your daytime use, peak rate, standing charge and exit fees.

Do I need a smart charger for an EV tariff?

Not always. Fixed-window tariffs such as EDF GoElectric and British Gas EV Power work with any charger. Smart tariffs such as Intelligent Octopus Go need a compatible car or charger.

Does the cheap rate apply to my whole house?

On most UK EV tariffs, yes – the off-peak rate applies to all electricity used in that window, not just the car.

Does Switch2EV earn money from these tariffs?

No. This guide is independent and contains no affiliate links.