UK EV tariff comparison – compare home EV charging tariffs
Use our UK EV tariff comparison tool to estimate home charging costs from your mileage, efficiency and off-peak charging. Shortlist the best smart EV tariffs for your routine — then confirm your live regional rates with the supplier before switching.
Compare UK EV charging tariffs in minutes (smart off-peak rates, windows & estimated costs)
This tool helps you compare EV tariffs by modelling your charging energy (miles → kWh), then applying off-peak vs peak rates and standing charges. Use the full tariff table for deep comparisons, or see the cheapest EV tariffs if you just want a quick shortlist. Want a real-world example? See our Tesla overnight charging estimate.
Quick calculator
Move the sliders to see your estimated costs and best matches (estimate).
Prices vary by region and can change. Always confirm live rates on the supplier site 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 for a quick estimate, then use the sections below to understand how EV tariffs work and what to check before switching.
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.
If you value simplicity, prioritise “easiest setup” in the calculator and compare those results too.
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.
For a quick shortlist, see the cheapest EV tariffs. For full details and filters, use the full tariff table.
Why prices vary (and why your results are estimates)
UK electricity rates can vary by region, and suppliers can update pricing. This site helps you compare typical rates and structures so you can shortlist options quickly — but you should always confirm the live rates (and any eligibility requirements) directly with the supplier before switching.
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 quick calculator estimates your EV charging energy from your mileage and efficiency, then applies your off-peak percentage and compares that estimate against tariffs in our dataset. It’s designed to be fast and transparent — not a replacement for a supplier quote.
Step 1: Convert miles into electricity (kWh)
We estimate your 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
We apply your Charged off-peak % to split energy into off-peak and peak buckets, then apply the tariff’s unit rates where available. If a tariff has setup/eligibility requirements (e.g., smart meter or smart charging), we surface those so you can avoid unsuitable options.
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
We rank 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: prioritises lowest estimated EV charging cost.
- Cheapest overall: includes standing charge impacts (and peak rates where relevant).
- Easiest setup: prioritises tariffs with fewer requirements and simpler eligibility.
Data freshness and accuracy
Rates can vary by region and change over time. 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. Use the Smart meter filter in the calculator to avoid 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. Start with a realistic guess (e.g., 70–90%) and see how rankings 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”.