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Best EV Energy Tariffs in the UK (2025): Cut Charging Costs at Home

Posted on September 17, 2025 by

As more drivers in the UK switch to electric vehicles (EVs), the next big decision is how to charge them cheaply and efficiently. That’s where EV-specific energy tariffs come in.

Whether you’re a new EV owner or looking to switch suppliers, the right EV tariff can save you hundreds of pounds a year by offering cheaper overnight electricity rates and faster home charging.

In this guide, we’ll break down how EV tariffs work, who they’re for, and which suppliers offer the best deals in 2025 — so you can drive greener and spend less.

Quick Comparison: EV Tariffs at a Glance

SupplierOff-Peak RateOff-Peak HoursSmart Charger Needed?
Octopus Go7.5p/kWh12:30am–4:30amNo (recommended)
OVO Anytime7p/kWhVariable (AI-based)Yes
British Gas8.5p/kWh12am–5amNo
E.ON Next9p/kWh12am–6amNo

What Is an EV Tariff?

An EV tariff is a specialist electricity deal that offers cheaper rates at night, when energy demand is low — perfect for charging your car while you sleep.

Most EV tariffs include:

  • Off-peak pricing (e.g. 7.5p/kWh between 12am–5am)
  • Two or more unit rates (off-peak and standard)
  • Compatibility with smart meters, home EV chargers and battery storage units.

Some tariffs even link with specific chargers or car brands to automatically schedule your charging for the cheapest times.

How Much Can You Save?

Let’s break it down. If you were to remain on a ‘Standard Variable’ tariff, which has a single rate set at 26.4p per kilowatt hour (kWh), in accordance with the Energy Price Cap set by the energy regulator Ofgem as of 1st October 2025, the cost to charge a 60kWh EV battery would be £15.84. However, if you charged using an EV tariff, offering off-peak unit rates of 7.5p per kilowatt hour (kWh), the cost would be £4.50. This offers a saving of £11.34 per charge. If you average 10,000 miles per year, with a 60kWh battery, you would be charging the vehicle around 33 times a year making an annual saving of around £374.22. 

Scenario: Home charging on a standard tariff vs EV tariff

Tariff TypeRateCost to Charge 60kWh
Standard Electricity Tariff~26.4p/kWh£15.84
EV Tariff (off-peak)~7.5p/kWh£4.50
Saving~18.9p/kWh£11.34

If you add in a battery storage unit, the savings keep on growing.

The average UK home, excluding charging an EV, uses around 2,700kWh per year which is around 7kWh per day. Using 2,700kWh on a ‘Standard Variable’ tariff at 26.4p per/kWh would cost £712.80 per year. Using 2,700kwh from a pre-charged battery storage unit at 7.5p per/kWh would cost £202.50 saving a further £510.30. 

Best EV Tariffs in the UK (September 2025)

We’ve reviewed the latest EV tariffs from UK energy suppliers. Here are our top picks:

1. Octopus Go

  • Off-peak rate: 7.5p/kWh (12:30am – 4:30am)
  • Standard rate: ~30p/kWh
  • Key features: Great for Tesla, compatible with most chargers, smart scheduling via app

Best for: Reliable off-peak savings with a trusted supplier

2. OVO Drive + Anytime

  • Off-peak rate: 7p/kWh (smart charge anytime via Kaluza AI)
  • Standard rate: ~29p/kWh
  • Key features: Charges when grid is cleanest and cheapest, needs compatible charger

Best for: Maximising eco credentials and hands-free savings

3. British Gas Electric Drivers

  • Off-peak rate: 8.5p/kWh (12am – 5am)
  • Standard rate: ~32p/kWh
  • Key features: Discounted charger installation available

Best for: Existing British Gas customers who want everything in one place

4. E.ON Next Drive

  • Off-peak rate: 9p/kWh (12am – 6am)
  • Standard rate: ~31p/kWh
  • Key features: Flexible off-peak window, integrates with E.ON EV solutions

Best for: New EV owners looking for setup support

When Should You Switch?

With energy prices set to increase by a further 2% from 1st October 2025, now is a good time to review your energy usage and consider switching if:

  • You’ve just bought an EV
  • Your current tariff is a standard variable tariff
  • You already charge at home and have a smart meter
  • You have installed a battery storage unit

NOTE: Ensure you have a smart meter installed, as most EV tariffs require half-hourly data.

Do I Need a Smart Charger?

Most EV tariffs work best with a smart charger. This allows you to:

  • Set timers to charge during off-peak hours
  • Track usage in real-time
  • Use apps (like Octopus or OVO) to automate charging when it’s cheapest

What Else Should You Look For?

When choosing an EV tariff, consider:

  • Off-peak hours – Are they long enough for your charging needs?
  • Standing charge – Some EV tariffs have higher daily standing charges which is the fee charged per day whether any energy is used or not
  • Your overall usage – If you use lots of daytime power, higher peak rates might reduce savings

Export tariffs – If you also have solar panels, look for suppliers with good Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rates

Get an EV Charging Quote in the South-East

If you’re based in Kent, Surrey, Sussex, or Essex and want to combine solar panels with an EV charger, The Solar Co can help.

We’ll:

Help you cut your energy bills and drive greener

Design a tailored solar + EV charging system

Recommend the best tariff for your usage

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a smart meter to get an EV tariff?

Yes, in most cases. EV tariffs require half-hourly usage data to apply different rates throughout the day.

Can I still use electricity normally during the day?

Yes, but be aware that daytime rates (peak) are often higher on EV tariffs. Try to shift heavy usage (washing machines, charging) to off-peak hours.

Will solar panels work with an EV tariff?

Absolutely. Some EV tariffs also work well with export tariffs (Smart Export Guarantee) if you generate excess electricity.

What if I don’t drive much?

If you only drive occasionally, a standard fixed tariff may be cheaper overall. Calculate your estimated charging usage before switching.

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