Compare EV tariffs

An EV tariff is an electricity tariff designed for electric vehicle owners. These tariffs usually provide cheaper electricity during certain off-peak hours, allowing you to charge your car for less by scheduling it overnight or at another low-cost time.

The difference between peak and off-peak electricity rates is nromally huge, ranging from around 50% to 80% off! So moving most of your EV charging into the cheaper period will lower your annual charging costs considerably.

Our comparison tool makes it easier to see how these rates translate into real-world costs. Rather than comparing the price per kWh alone, it estimates what you could pay to charge your particular vehicle over a year.

How our EV tariff comparison works

Your EV’s efficiency, your annual mileage and the proportion of charging completed during off-peak hours all affect how much you could spend.

To compare EV tariffs:

1. Select the make and model of your electric vehicle.
2. Enter your estimated annual mileage.
3. Adjust the percentage of charging you expect to complete during peak and off-peak periods.
4. Add your current electricity rate if you want to compare potential savings.
5. Review the estimated annual charging cost of each available tariff.

The results can help you compare electricity tariffs on a like-for-like basis. Actual costs will depend on your energy usage, vehicle efficiency, charging habits and the rates available in your region.

What is the best EV tariff?

There is no single best EV tariff for every household. The right choice will depend on when you charge, how many miles you drive and how much electricity the rest of your home uses.

When comparing EV tariffs, consider:

• The off-peak electricity rate
• The number and timing of off-peak hours
• The standard or peak electricity rate
• The daily standing charge
• Whether the rates are fixed or variable
• Any exit fees or contract terms
• Whether your vehicle or charger is compatible (if applicable)
• Whether you need a smart meter
• How much household electricity you could move into the off-peak window

A tariff with the lowest overnight rate may look like the best EV tariff, but it could have a more expensive daytime rate or a shorter charging window. If your household uses a lot of electricity during peak hours, those additional costs could outweigh some of the savings made by charging your car overnight.

That is why it is important to consider the estimated cost of charging your EV alongside the tariff’s wider terms and your household energy use.

How to find the cheapest EV tariff

The cheapest EV tariff for you is the one that produces the lowest overall cost based on your actual usage not necessarily the tariff advertising the lowest price per kWh.

Drivers with high annual mileages and can complete most of their charging off-peak may benefit most from a very low overnight rate. Those who drive less or use more household electricity during the day may find that a tariff with a slightly higher off-peak rate but a lower peak rate works out cheaper overall.

You'll also need to make sure the off-peak window is long enough to add the energy you need. A typical 7kW home charger can add around 7kWh of energy for every hour it charges, although the actual rate can vary according to the car and electrical supply.

Use the peak and off-peak slider in our EV tariff comparison tool to create an estimate that more closely reflects your charging habits.

What types of EV tariff are available?

EV electricity tariffs generally fall into several categories.

Time-of-use EV tariffs

These provide cheaper electricity during set off-peak hours, which are usually overnight. You schedule your charger or vehicle to charge within that window.

Smart charging tariffs

A smart tariff can communicate with a compatible electric car or EV charger. You tell the supplier when you need the vehicle ready, and charging is automatically scheduled when electricity is cheaper or demand on the grid is lower.

Add-on charging rates

Some suppliers offer a separate charging rate that applies specifically to the electricity used by a compatible car or charger. This may allow smart charging at a discounted rate without applying the same price to every appliance in the home.

Variable or dynamic tariffs

These tariffs use electricity prices that can change at different times of the day, sometimes in response to wholesale energy prices. They can provide opportunities to charge very cheaply, but costs may be less predictable and can occasionally rise sharply.

EV tariff and charger compatibility

Some EV tariffs are open to drivers with any home charger, while others require a compatible electric vehicle or smart charger. Compatibility allows the energy supplier to control or verify charging and apply the discounted rate correctly.

Before switching, check:

• Whether your vehicle is supported
• Whether your EV charger is supported
• Whether a smart meter is required
• Whether the supplier can provide the tariff in your area
• Whether you need to use a particular app or smart charging feature

Our comparison results highlight relevant compatibility requirements, helping you avoid choosing a tariff that will not work with your current setup.

How can a smart EV charger help?

A smart EV charger can schedule charging for the cheapest period of your tariff, helping you avoid charging at more expensive peak rates.

Compatible chargers may also integrate directly with certain intelligent EV tariffs. In these cases, the energy supplier can automatically schedule charging according to your chosen departure time and required battery level.

Smart charging can make it easier to benefit from lower rates without having to plug in at a precise time each night. Explore our range of smart home EV chargers if you do not already have one.

Is an EV tariff cheaper than a standard electricity tariff?

An EV tariff can make charging an electric car substantially cheaper when most charging takes place during the discounted period. However, it will not automatically reduce the household’s total energy bill.

Some EV tariffs charge a higher rate outside the off-peak window or have a higher standing charge. Your potential savings will therefore depend on both your vehicle charging and the amount of electricity used by the rest of your home.

Where possible, consider shifting appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers or home battery charging into the off-peak period, provided they can be operated safely and without causing inconvenience.