Choosing the best EV tariff in 2024 is crucial. It helps electric car owners cut charging costs and support sustainable energy.
This guide covers leading choices like Intelligent Octopus Go, EDF GoElectric Overnight, OVO Charge Anytime, and other great options.
Each tariff has unique benefits, ranging from low off-peak rates to renewable energy and extra incentives such as free charging for a year.
Our article aims to simplify your choice by comparing the key aspects of each tariff, ensuring you find the best EV electricity tariff for your needs.
What is it?
The Intelligent Octopus Go EV tariff by Octopus Energy offers an innovative solution for electric vehicle owners to cut charging costs by up to 70%. Users can charge their EV for 7.5p/kWh, a rate much lower than standard tariffs.
The service uses smart technology to schedule car charging automatically during the cheapest and greenest energy times. Moreover, it provides six hours of affordable energy for the whole home nightly from 11:30 pm to 5:30 am.
Off-peak rate: 7.5p/kWh
Off-peak hours: 23:30 – 05:30 (6 hours)
Requirements:
Trustpilot rating: 4.8
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Intelligent Octopus Go offers a very low off-peak rate. It’s a great option for people with compatible chargers or EVs who want to charge their EVs and other appliances at off-peak hours.
What is it?
EDF designed the GoElectric Overnight tariff for electric vehicle drivers, offering 35 hours of off-peak electricity each week at 9p per kWh. This tariff provides five hours of off-peak electricity every night, with fixed pricing for one year.
To be eligible, customers need a compatible smart meter. The GoElectric Overnight tariff is available to new and existing customers, aiming to make charging an EV during off-peak hours more affordable.
Off-peak rate: 9p/kWh
Off-peak hours: 00:00 – 05:00 or 1 am-6 am during British Summer Time (5 hours)
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Trustpilot rating: 4.3
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The EDF GoElectric Overnight tariff works with all charge points and electric vehicles, meaning it’s a good option if your vehicle or charger can’t use Intelligent Octopus Go.
What is it?
The OVO Charge Anytime tariff allows EV owners to charge their electric vehicle at home for 7p per kWh, which equates to around 3p a mile. You can include this add-on tariff with any OVO plan at no extra cost as long as you have a compatible EV or charger and a smart meter.
The tariff encourages charging at the greenest times with the help of smart technology and offers convenience and savings through a mobile app.
Off-peak rate: 7p/kWh
Off-peak hours: N/A – Charge your EV anytime during the day at a cheaper rate.
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Trustpilot rating: 4.3
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This tariff suits those unable to charge overnight and enjoy off-peak rates, allowing daytime charging at a lower rate.
What is it?
Electric vehicle owners can benefit from the E.ON Next Drive tariff, which offers lower overnight electricity prices at 9.5p per kWh between 12 am and 7 am.
The Next Drive tariff promotes 100% renewable electricity, with fixed energy prices for one year and no exit fees. Eligibility requires a smart meter capable of sending half-hourly energy use updates.
Off-peak rate: 9.5p per kWh
Off-peak hours: 12 and 7 am
Requirements: You must have a smart meter
Trustpilot rating: 4.2
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The E.ON Next Drive tariff offers a longer off-peak window, from midnight to 7 am, making it ideal for owners of large battery EVs that need long charge times.
What is it?
The British Gas EV Tariff, known as the British Gas Electric Driver tariff, offers cheap off-peak electricity at 8.95p per kWh between 12 am and 5 am for electric vehicle charging.
This tariff is available to both new and existing customers who have an electric vehicle charged at home and requires a smart meter. Customers can also use off-peak electricity for other high-energy appliances, further reducing costs.
Off-peak rate: 8.95p per kWh
Off-peak hours: Between 12 am-5 am
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Trustpilot rating: 4.1
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The British Gas EV tariff is highly compatible and works with all chargers and electric vehicles. It also permits using other appliances during off-peak hours, making it an attractive choice.
If you own a Hive EV Charger, opting for this tariff is a no-brainer, as you can enjoy a year’s worth of free charging.
What is it?
The Ecotricity EV tariff offers a one-year fixed rate for electric vehicle charging with 100% green electricity at a low cost of 8 pence per kWh during off-peak hours (12 am-5 am GMT).
It’s designed to encourage the use of green energy and is available to existing and new customers, even those without an EV, provided they have a smart meter.
Off-peak rate: 8p/kWh
Off-peak hours: Low-cost electricity from 12 am-5 am or 1 am-6 am during summer.
Requirements: An existing smart meter
Trustpilot rating: 4.3
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With its great sustainable credentials, consider Ecotricity as one of the greenest EV charging options in the UK.
What is it?
The Good Energy Smart EV Tariff offers 5 hours of off-peak electricity at 9.4p/kWh for EV charging with 100% renewable energy generated from sun, wind, and water in Britain. The Good Energy tariff requires a second-generation smart meter, allowing users to track their energy usage closely.
It aims to make home charging for EV drivers affordable and environmentally friendly, with the tariff open to both customers and non-customers of Good Energy.
Off-peak rate: 9.4p/kWh
Off-peak hours: 12 am – 5 am
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Trustpilot rating: 4.8
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The off-peak charging window is shorter than other tariffs. However, the Good Energy EV tariff still provides five hours of cheaper charging time. This shorter window suits smaller EVs or those who often top up their EV without covering long distances.
Additionally, there’s no exit fee, offering flexibility to cancel and switch suppliers anytime.
EV tariffs are for people who own electric vehicles and want to take advantage of cheap charging at home. Energy providers create specialised tariffs that offer discounted rates per kWh at certain times or when charging an electric car. Energy costs return to standard rates at other times.
Tariffs designed for electric vehicle owners offer cost-effective solutions for home charging. Electricity providers recognise the unique demands of EV charging and have introduced special tariff plans for EV owners.
These plans often provide discounted electricity rates during the night to encourage vehicle charging at times when it’s most affordable.
Installing a smart meter is central to adopting these EV-specific tariffs. This technology enables energy suppliers to track usage patterns over the day. They can then apply charges that favour the lower rates during off-peak hours.
Estimates on the benefits of switching to an EV tariff differ greatly. But, most agree that such a plan could save you hundreds of pounds each year compared to a conventional tariff.
It’s important to note that the potential savings from choosing an EV tariff over a standard one depend on many factors – the model of your vehicle, how often you use it, the distances you travel, and your ability to shift much of your energy use to off-peak times.
If you’re an existing customer of the provider offering the EV tariff you want, then the process is very easy. Just ask your provider to move you to your chosen EV tariff.
If you’re not currently with the supplier you want an EV tariff from, you can get a quote for an EV tariff in a few minutes online.
If you have a home EV charger, switching to an EV tariff has many benefits:
EV tariffs offer a key benefit: avoiding peak energy times or ‘rush hour,’ when demand and prices soar. These tariffs promote cheaper rates during off-peak hours, typically at night, aligning with when most EV owners charge their vehicles. This approach not only saves money but also taps into greener energy sources.
Switching to an EV tariff can lead to significant savings on home charging costs. Charging during off-peak hours means a lower unit rate, potentially saving hundreds annually. This financial benefit makes the switch to an EV tariff appealing for EV owners.
One downside is that EV-specific tariffs sometimes have a higher daily standing charge than normal energy tariffs. However, if you charge your EV frequently, an EV tariff is more than worth it.
EV tariffs are often supported by 100% renewable energy, offering a cleaner charging option. This choice ensures that charging your EV contributes to a smaller environmental footprint, aligning with the values of eco-conscious drivers.
Some energy providers offer extra perks with EV tariffs, like British Gas’ 12-month FREE charging offer. These incentives add value to the EV tariff proposition, making it more attractive for EV owners.
It’s not all about getting the cheapest off-peak rate. Make sure that your off-peak window provides enough time to charge your vehicle.
Make sure your vehicle and/or home charger are compatible with the tariff you’re looking at.
Locking in a yearly deal could protect you if prices rise and bring peace of mind. But it could also mean you’re paying more than the market rate after just a few months if energy prices fall.
Certain tariffs include exit fees for switching to a different provider, while others do not. Opting for a supplier without exit fees can offer greater flexibility, allowing you to change plans or providers without incurring extra costs.
The quality of customer service is an important aspect to keep in mind, particularly when addressing any concerns or problems with your tariff. It’s crucial to choose a provider that is readily accessible and can swiftly resolve any issues you encounter.
For instance, if switching to an EV tariff requires a smart meter, you’d want a provider who can install it quickly. This way, you can start saving sooner.
Certain providers might offer extra incentives for switching to their EV tariff. These incentives might sway you towards their plan over competitors’. For instance, the offer from British Gas of 8,000 miles of free EV charging could make their tariff more appealing than those of other companies.
Some EV tariffs also allow you to use other appliances during the off-peak window, enabling you to save even more by using appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers overnight.
Maximise the benefits of your EV tariff by using other appliances during off-peak hours when electricity costs less (if your tariff lets you).
Also, when switching to an EV tariff, opt for a dedicated 7kW home charger instead of a standard 3-pin plug charger to charge faster and take full advantage of the cheaper off-peak rates.
As the EV market expands, drivers increasingly seek EV-specific tariffs, leading to a rise in suppliers offering them. However, energy market challenges have caused high prices and resulted in smaller suppliers closing. So, larger suppliers, like those in the traditional Big Six, more commonly provide EV tariffs.
Octopus, OVO, EDF, E.ON, and British Gas are among the top energy suppliers offering EV charging tariffs. Each provides unique benefits tailored to individual needs. We recommend comparing their tariffs to find the best fit for you.
Electricity is usually cheaper at night, particularly for those on specialised EV tariffs. This lower price is because demand for electricity drops at night when fewer people use the grid.
To pick the best EV energy tariff in 2024, focus on a few main things. Look for tariffs with low rates during off-peak hours, long off-peak periods, and plans that are compatible with your car and charger. Also, their effect on the environment should be considered.
Options include Intelligent Octopus Go for low off-peak rates, OVO Charge Anytime for flexible charging, and Ecotricity for its focus on green energy.
Think about the level of customer service, choosing between fixed or variable rate tariffs, and any extra benefits. Choosing with these points in mind will help you save money and choose the best EV charging tariff suitable for your needs.
If you are looking to get an EV charger installed at your home, please fill in the form below or call us on 03333 44 96 99.
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This type of electric charger has it's own cable to charge your car.
This type of electric charger requires a seperate cable to charge your car.
Spread over a 60 month period.
Tenants and homeowners are eligible for finance.
You decide the amount of months.
Minimum of £1000.
We will contact you to process the credit application. Approval is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. 13.9% APR representative. T&Cs apply.
Your order is not confirmed until your application has been approved.
We lay SWA cable laid at 600mm deep, with a protective cable warning tape laid 150mm above the cable. These are laid on a sand or sifted sand soil bed then backfilled.
We position overhead cables at a minimum height of 3.5m and are run along a catenary wire. The cable run should not be accessible to vehicles.
Standard Installation
Our instant price is fixed if it falls within our standard installation package plus any additions that you have selected (extra cabling for example). This package covers the majority of homes in the UK. Before we undertake your installation we will carry out a digital survey to check that nothing has been missed. After reviewing the survey results some additional work may be required in order to complete your installation safely and to the required standards. If this is the case, we will contact you well before the installation date and advise the cost of any required work. You can then continue with your installation, or alternatively we will refund you in full if you do not want to proceed.
Included in our standard installation is :
• Fitting of a single phase charge point to a brick or plaster wall or other suitable permanent structure
• Up to 10 metres of cable, run and neatly clipped to the wall between the electricity supply meter / distribution board and the charge point.
• Routing of the cable through a drilled hole in a wall up to 500mm (20 inches) thick if this is needed.
• The fitting and testing of electrical connections and protections required for the charge point.
• An additional three way consumer unit, if required
• Installation of a Type A RCBO in an RCBO enclosure
• Up to 3 metres of plastic trunking to conceal interior wiring.
• An O-pen earth protection device if the charge point requires it. (This is NOT an earth rod)
• Up to 4 hours of labour from your installer to complete the work.
• Electrical testing of the whole installation.
• Handover and setup of the charge point and any app that may be needed.
Not included in our standard installation (additional work) :
• Where the installation requires additional cabling over and above the amount you have told us about.
• Upgrade/replacement of the main incoming supply fuse where the local DNO (eg Northern Powergrid) would need to attend site.
• If the charge point is to be mounted on a post/pedestal rather than an existing wall and where you have not selected a post as an extra cost option in your order.
• Installation of a charge point to a three phase supply.
• Where gas and water mains bonding (earthing) is not in place at your property. If this is not in place, additional work would be required before installation of the charge point.
• Any groundwork that has not been selected during the order process.
A Surge Protection Device is not included in our standard installation.
What else you need to know :
• On the day of installation, please ensure that the area around your consumer unit (fuse box), incoming electricity supply meter and proposed charge point location (including where the cable is expected to be run) is clear and free of obstructions.
• We will need your WiFi password as part of the installation process in order to connect your charge point to the internet. Please have this available for the installer. Details will not be kept.
• The charge point must be on your own designated off road parking.
• The charger will be fixed in line with current guidelines at a height where it cannot be hit by a vehicle.
• Our installers are not able to enter loft spaces; lift floorboards or flooring; take apart any furniture of work above a height of 2m. If you anticipate that any of this may be required, then please contact us and we can discuss in more detail and provide you with a quotation.
• Should there be extreme weather conditions our installers may not be able to continue with you installation if it is not safe to do so (for example flooding). They will always do their best to complete the work where they can.
If you have any questions then please contact our customer service team who will be happy to help. Please also read our terms and conditions.
