#1 ScottishPower — EV Optimise (add-on)
Off-peak 8.00p • Peak 31.50p • Standing 51.00p/day
Smart EV-only estimate
- EV
- £15.00
- Standing
- £15.30
- Total
- £30.30
UK EV tariff comparison – compare home EV charging tariffs
Compare UK home EV charging tariffs using the captured production data snapshot, your mileage, vehicle efficiency and charging pattern.
Real-world example: Tesla overnight charging estimate (real costs) →
How UK EV tariff comparison works (smart off-peak rates, windows & estimated costs)
The calculator compares EV tariffs by modelling charging energy (miles → kWh), then applying off-peak vs peak rates and standing charges. You can also review the full comparison table and the cheapest-tariff guidance. Want a real-world example? See our Tesla overnight charging estimate.
Quick calculator
Compare the captured 26 August 2026 tariff snapshot for your charging pattern.
At your usage: £450 / year potential saving
Top pick: ScottishPower — EV Optimise (add-on)
600 miles
Using ~188 kWh/month • 85% off-peak • Cheapest EV charging
#2 E.ON Next — Next Drive Smart
Off-peak 8.00p • Peak 32.00p • Standing 50.00p/day
- EV
- £21.75
- Standing
- £15.00
- Total
- £36.75
#3 Octopus — Intelligent Go
Off-peak 8.00p • Peak 32.64p • Standing 44.12p/day
- EV
- £21.93
- Standing
- £13.24
- Total
- £35.17
More matching tariffs
- E.ON Next — Next Drive (Fixed)EV: £23.34/mo
- Octopus — GoEV: £24.53/mo
Last checked: 2026-08-26. Rates vary by region and can change. Confirm exact prices and eligibility directly with suppliers before switching.
EV tariffs explained: choose the right rate for UK home charging
Smart EV tariffs can cut the cost of charging at home — but the "best" tariff depends on when you charge and whether you can shift household usage. Use the calculator above, then review the sections below to understand how EV tariffs work and what to check before switching.
On this page:
What is an EV tariff?
An EV tariff is an electricity plan designed to make overnight charging cheaper. Most offer a low off-peak unit rate for a set window (often late evening to early morning). Some also have a higher daytime rate, so the best option depends on how much of your EV and household usage can shift off-peak.
- Standard tariffs: one unit rate (plus standing charge) all day.
- Time-of-use tariffs: different rates at different times.
- Smart tariffs: may require app control / smart charging to access low rates.
Tip: If most of your EV charging happens overnight, the off-peak rate often matters more than the average rate.
Pros and cons of smart EV tariffs
Pros
- Potentially the lowest p/kWh for EV charging.
- Great for drivers who can charge mostly overnight.
- Some plans automate scheduling for convenience.
Cons
- May require a smart meter and/or compatible smart charging setup.
- Some have higher peak rates, so daytime household usage matters.
- Apps/automation can feel restrictive if you want full manual control.
Drivers who value simplicity can select "easiest setup" to prioritise tariffs with fewer smart-meter and charging requirements.
How to choose a tariff based on charging habits
- Estimate your monthly EV miles (or use your typical month). Higher mileage makes off-peak savings more meaningful.
- Think about when you charge. If you regularly charge overnight, your "Charged off-peak %" should be high.
- Check standing charge + peak rate. If comparing "whole bill", a high standing charge can offset a low EV unit rate.
- Decide what you optimise for: cheapest EV charging vs cheapest overall vs easiest setup.
What's the cheapest UK EV tariff?
The cheapest EV tariff depends on your mileage, your off-peak charging percentage, and whether you're comparing EV-only cost or your total bill. A tariff with the lowest off-peak unit rate isn't always the best overall if it has a higher standing charge or peak rate.
Review the cheapest-tariff guidance and the comparison table, where you can filter and estimate costs using the captured snapshot.
Why prices vary (and why your results are estimates)
UK electricity rates can vary by region, and suppliers can update pricing. This site compares a captured snapshot of typical rates and structures so you can shortlist options — but you should always confirm the live rates (and any eligibility requirements) directly with the supplier before switching.
Tip: If your results look "too good", double-check your off-peak percentage and whether you're comparing EV-only vs EV + standing.
How savings are calculated
The original quick calculator was designed to estimate EV charging energy from mileage and efficiency, apply an off-peak percentage, and compare that estimate against the validated launch snapshot. The result is an estimate and does not replace a supplier quote.
Step 1: Convert miles into electricity (kWh)
The calculation estimates monthly charging energy using: kWh = EV miles ÷ efficiency (mi/kWh). For example, 600 miles at 3.2 mi/kWh ≈ 187.5 kWh/month.
Step 2: Split usage into off-peak vs peak
The calculator applies Charged off-peak % to split energy into off-peak and peak buckets, then applies validated tariff unit rates. It also surfaces setup and eligibility requirements such as smart meter or smart charging compatibility.
Step 3: Compare EV-only vs EV + standing
EV-only focuses on the electricity used to charge your car (unit rate × kWh). EV + standing also includes the daily standing charge. If you're comparing overall value, include standing.
Tariff comparison methodology
The calculator ranks tariffs based on the goal you select (cheapest EV charging, cheapest overall, or easiest setup). You'll also see why a tariff may not be suitable for you (for example, smart meter / smart charging requirements).
What "Optimise for" changes
- Cheapest EV charging: will prioritise lowest estimated EV charging cost.
- Cheapest overall: will include standing charge impacts (and peak rates where relevant).
- Easiest setup: will prioritise tariffs with fewer requirements and simpler eligibility.
Data freshness and accuracy
Rates can vary by region and change over time. Once comparisons are restored, use this site to shortlist, then confirm your live regional prices and eligibility on the supplier's site before switching.
EV tariff FAQ
Do I need a smart meter for an EV tariff?
Some tariffs require a smart meter (especially "smart" tariffs that vary by time or use automation). Others may work without one. When filtering is restored, the Smart meter option will help exclude tariffs you can't use.
What's the difference between EV-only cost and EV + standing?
EV-only focuses on the electricity used to charge your car (unit rate × kWh). EV + standing also includes the daily standing charge. If you're comparing overall value, include standing.
How do I estimate "Charged off-peak %"?
If you usually plug in overnight and your car finishes charging within the cheap window, your off-peak % is likely high. If you often top up during the day, it's lower. Once rankings are restored, a realistic off-peak estimate can be used to compare how results change.
Is the cheapest EV unit rate always the best choice?
Not always. A very low off-peak rate can come with higher peak rates or standing charges. If you have significant daytime household usage, compare "cheapest overall" as well as "cheapest EV charging".