Choosing the right EV tariff (2025)

If you’re charging your electric car at home, the right energy tariff can make a huge difference to your running costs. With plenty of deals available to electric car drivers, plus time-of-use tariffs and dynamic pricing options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start.
This guide will walk you through what to consider, the types of tariffs available, where to look for the best deals, and top tips for keeping your charging costs low.

Before you start comparing options, it helps to know how you use your car and home energy. Make a note of the following as it’ll help you understand what you need from your tariff:

How many kWh do you usually need to add, and how often? If you can reliably charge at night, off-peak tariffs can be brilliant.

Most electric vehicle tariffs require a smart meter, so check whether you have one and book an installation if you don’t.

Opting for cheap overnight rates to charge your car can mean higher peak rates or standing charges, so model your entire household use, not just the car.

Suppliers like Octopus and Ovo can give you access to greener energy discounts, going that bit further.

The two main types of energy tariffs for electric vehicle drivers are:
• two-rate tariffs, also called time-of-use, which offer cheaper electricity during specific off-peak hours. This is the most common choice, with many choosing the top their car up on a trickle feed overnight. • single-rate tariffs, where electricity costs the same regardless of the time of day. Also available are dynamic, or wholesale-linked, tariffs in which prices change every half hour based on the wholesale market. They can be great if you’re flexible, but expect high rates during the 4–7pm peak. You could also choose an economy 7/10 tariff, which is a two-rate tariff with set night hours. It’s not as cheap off-peak as modern EV deals, but it can be simpler. There are plenty of different options to choose from on the market, and new options being made available all the time. Ovo, for example, has a new 'charge anytime" tariff which automatically charges your car when the grid has the highest mix of renewables in it, 24 hours a day.

An EV tariff is a special energy deal for electric vehicle owners, like economy 7 and time-of-use tariffs. It offers cheaper electricity during off-peak hours, usually at night, so you can charge your car at a lower cost. Off-peak rates typically apply to all household electricity used during those times, not just vehicle charging.

EV tariffs are only covered by Ofgem’s energy price cap if they are standard variable tariffs (SVTs). These have different rates for peak and off-peak use, and the cap is set based on a typical household’s usage. Fixed-rate EV tariffs are not protected by the price cap.

Many electric vehicle-specific tariffs offer overnight electricity (often between midnight and 5am) for a fraction of the daytime cost. For a typical electric car, that can mean a full charge for just a few pounds. Over a year, these savings can add up to hundreds of pounds compared with flat-rate tariffs.
Dual-rate tariffs can be worth it if you have appliances with timers that you are happy to run at night, such as dishwashers and tumble driers, which’ll help cut your overall household bill.

The UK grid is often cleaner overnight when demand is lower. By charging outside the 4–7pm peak, you’re helping to balance demand and lowering your car’s overall carbon footprint.

At home, electricity is taxed at just 5% VAT, while most public charging is taxed at 20% VAT. Combined with cheaper unit rates, this makes home charging far more cost-effective in the long run. Unless you need rapid top-ups on the go, plugging in at home will nearly always win on both price and convenience.

The flip side of low overnight rates is that daytime and peak-hour electricity can cost more. If your household uses a lot of energy during the day, the higher unit rates could add to your outgoings. Standing charges are also sometimes higher on EV tariffs.

Electric vehicle tariffs almost always require a smart meter, and they work best when paired with a smart charger or an in-car scheduling function. Without these, you may forget to plug in at the right time or accidentally charge during expensive hours, losing the benefit.

Dynamic or wholesale-linked tariffs can deliver extremely cheap electricity when demand is low, but prices can spike dramatically during the evening peak. If you don’t have automation set up (for example, apps that tell your charger when to start and stop), you could end up paying more than you would on a flat-rate deal.

There are a few sites you can find free advice and guidance on navigating the market.
Ofgem provides impartial advice on your rights as a consumer and detailed explanations of the different types of tariffs available. Citizens Advice offers clear, jargon-free guidance to help you understand your options, while supplier websites are particularly useful for exploring the latest EV-specific tariffs or dynamic pricing deals. For those wanting to compare offers or read real-world accounts, MoneySavingExpert’s EV tariff hub features regularly updated comparisons and highlights any attractive bundle deals. In addition, independent EV charging reviews can give you valuable insights from other drivers’ experiences, helping you make an informed decision about which tariff best suits your needs.

When you compare tariffs, ask the following to help work out which one is right for you:
• What are the off-peak hours and rate per kWh? • What’s the peak rate and standing charge? • Do I need a smart meter or a specific charger? • Can the tariff integrate with my car or charger for automatic scheduling? • What’s the contract length and are there exit fees? • How is my data used, and can I opt out of half-hourly tracking? • Are there any public charging perks or discounts included?

To get the most out of your new tariff, we’d recommend:
• Schedule smartly: Start charging in the middle of the off-peak window to allow for the built-in randomised delay. • Avoid 4pm to 7pm: That’s when electricity is most expensive on dynamic tariffs. • Charge to what you need: Many drivers set a daily limit of 60 to 80 per cent, topping up fully only when needed. • Precondition your car: Heat or cool the cabin while plugged in during off-peak hours. • Run appliances off-peak: Washing machines, dishwashers, or hot water heaters can piggyback on the cheap window in certain tariffs. • Maximise home charging: It’s almost always cheaper (and taxed less) than public charging. • Check for grants: If you’re a renter, flat-owner, or need a cross-pavement solution, the UK’s OZEV grant offers up to £350 off a charger installation until March 2026.

If you can reliably charge overnight and avoid peak hours, an EV-specific or dynamic tariff can unlock huge savings.
But choosing the best energy tariff for you comes down to your charging habits, household energy use, and flexibility. By asking the right questions and setting up your home charger smartly, you’ll make the most of your electric car while keeping costs (and emissions) to a minimum. Learn more about charging and electric vehicles in our electric hub.