Best EV Tariffs in the UK Explained (2026)

The best EV tariffs in the UK are the smart, off-peak plans built specifically for electric car drivers, with popular options including Octopus Intelligent Go and OVO Charge Anytime. These give you a cheap overnight rate, often around 7 to 10p per kWh, compared with roughly 25 to 28p per kWh on a standard tariff. On a 60kWh battery, that can mean paying around £4 to £5 for a near-full charge instead of roughly £15 to £17. The right tariff for you depends on your car, charger and daily mileage, so it pays to compare. Once you have your plan, make sure you have the right cable for your car so you can actually use the cheap window. Rates change often, so always check current prices with each supplier.

At a glance: popular UK EV tariffs

What makes an EV tariff good?

A good EV tariff gives you a low off-peak rate and makes it easy to charge inside that window. The best plans combine a cheap overnight price, often around 7 to 10p per kWh, with smart control that schedules charging for you. You also want a fair standard rate for the rest of your home use, since some cheap EV windows come with a higher day rate. The ideal balance depends on how much you drive and how much of your home energy you can shift overnight.

How do smart EV tariffs work?

Smart EV tariffs connect to your car or charger and automatically charge during the cheapest hours. You plug in, set the charge level and departure time, and the system decides when to draw power, usually spreading it across the cheap overnight window. Octopus Intelligent Go, for example, controls charging through the app once your car or charger is linked. This means you get the low rate without setting timers manually, and you often still get the cheap price even if the system charges outside the standard window.

Octopus Intelligent Go vs OVO Charge Anytime

Both aim to give EV drivers a cheap overnight rate, but they work slightly differently. Octopus Intelligent Go schedules charging through its app and applies a low rate during a set overnight window, often extending the cheap price when it charges your car outside it. OVO Charge Anytime focuses the cheap EV rate on the energy used to charge your car specifically. Which suits you depends on your car and charger compatibility, so check each supplier's eligibility list and current rates before switching.

Things to check before you switch

• Is your car or charger on the supplier's compatible list?
• What is the day rate as well as the off-peak rate?
• Are there exit fees on your current tariff?
• Do you have a smart meter, which is usually required?

Do you need a smart meter and home charger?

For most smart EV tariffs, yes, you generally need a smart meter, and many plans work best with a compatible home charger or connected car. The smart meter lets the supplier bill your off-peak use accurately, while the app or charger handles timing. Some tariffs work with the car directly, so a dedicated wallbox is not always essential. Check the requirements for each tariff, because compatibility lists change and not every car or charger is supported.

How much could a good EV tariff save you?

The saving comes from the gap between off-peak and standard rates. Charging a 60kWh battery from around 10 to 100% costs roughly £4 to £5 at 7 to 10p per kWh, against roughly £15 to £17 at 25 to 28p per kWh. Over a year, moving most of your charging into the cheap window can cut your fuel costs substantially compared with a standard tariff. Your exact saving depends on mileage, car efficiency and how much home energy you shift overnight, so treat these as approximate and check current rates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best EV tariff in the UK?

The best EV tariffs are smart, off-peak plans built for electric cars, such as Octopus Intelligent Go and OVO Charge Anytime, offering rates often around 7 to 10p per kWh overnight. The right one depends on your car, charger and mileage, so compare eligibility and current rates. There is no single winner for everyone.

How cheap are EV off-peak rates?

EV off-peak rates are often around 7 to 10p per kWh, compared with roughly 25 to 28p per kWh on a standard tariff. That gap is where the savings come from. Exact prices vary by supplier and change regularly, so always check current rates before you switch and confirm the day rate too.

Do I need a smart meter for an EV tariff?

For most smart EV tariffs, yes, a smart meter is usually required so the supplier can bill your off-peak use accurately. Some plans also need a compatible car or home charger. Requirements vary between tariffs, so check each supplier's eligibility list and current rates before applying.

Can I get a cheap rate without a home charger?

Sometimes. A few smart tariffs connect directly to the car rather than a wallbox, and time-of-use tariffs let you charge with a timer during the cheap window. A portable charger can also use the off-peak rate, though it is slower at around 2.3kW. Check what each tariff supports.

Is a fixed or smart EV tariff better?

It depends on how much control you want. Smart EV tariffs automate charging into the cheapest hours, which is convenient. A fixed time-of-use tariff gives a set cheap window that you manage with a timer. Both can save money versus a standard tariff. Compare the off-peak and day rates for each and check current prices.

Will switching tariff affect my whole home bill?

Yes, some EV tariffs come with a higher standard day rate in exchange for the cheap overnight window. That can still work out cheaper overall if you shift a lot of energy overnight, but not always. Look at both rates together and estimate your usage before switching, and check current rates.

Picking the right tariff is only half the job: the savings only land if you charge in the cheap window. See our guide to the cheapest time to charge your EV to set your schedule, and read Octopus Intelligent Go explained for one popular smart option. To make sure you can plug in every night, choose the right cable for your car or keep a portable charger as a backup. Always check current rates before switching.