Best EV Tariffs UK 2026: The Best Off-Peak Tariffs for EV Charging

Choosing an electricity tariff for an EV is slightly different from choosing a normal household energy tariff.

Your car can use a substantial amount of electricity, but you do not need to charge it continuously.

That creates an opportunity: move your EV charging into periods when electricity is cheaper.

Some tariffs offer a fixed overnight period.

Others use smart charging to decide when the car should charge within your chosen schedule.

There is no single best EV tariff for every household. The right option depends on how much you drive, whether you have a smart meter, which EV or charger you use and how flexible you are about when the car charges.

This guide explains what to look for and reviews current examples available in the UK.

What Is an EV Tariff?

An EV tariff is an electricity tariff designed with electric vehicle charging in mind.

Depending on the supplier, it may offer:

• Cheaper overnight electricity

• Dedicated EV charging periods

• Smart charging

• Time-of-use pricing

• Lower rates for flexible consumption

• Tariff-linked charging features

The structure differs between suppliers.

Some tariffs reduce the price for your whole home during the off-peak period.

Others use smart charging to give your EV a special rate or credit when it charges during cheaper periods.

What Makes a Good EV Tariff?

The lowest advertised price is not necessarily the best deal.

When comparing EV tariffs, look at the whole package.

Off-peak electricity rate

This is often the first number people notice.

But it should not be the only one.

Off-peak hours

A tariff with a slightly higher rate may still suit you better if it gives you more usable charging time.

Daytime electricity rate

If most of your household electricity is used during the day, the normal rate matters too.

Standing charge

A cheap EV rate does not automatically make the overall household bill cheaper.

Smart-charging requirements

Some tariffs require a compatible EV, charger or app.

Contract and exit terms

Fixed tariffs may include exit fees or other conditions.

Eligibility

Some products are only available to customers with a smart meter or specific compatible equipment.

Current EV Tariff Examples in the UK

The home EV charger market changes regularly, so these examples should be treated as a snapshot rather than a permanent ranking.

EDF GoElectric

EDF currently advertises seven hours of lower-rate electricity every night from 11pm to 6am.

Its current GoElectric page lists an off-peak rate of 6.99p/kWh and states that the tariff works with any EV and charger.

That makes it particularly interesting for drivers who want a straightforward overnight charging window without needing a specific vehicle brand.

EDF Pod Point Plug & Power

EDF's Pod Point Plug & Power tariff currently advertises an off-peak rate of 6.49p/kWh from 11pm to 6am.

It is a more bundled option, linking the tariff with a Pod Point home charger arrangement, and eligibility conditions apply.

That means it should be compared as a charger-and-tariff package, not just by its electricity rate.

OVO Charge Anytime

OVO takes a different approach.

Its current Charge Anytime offering uses smart charging rather than relying only on one fixed overnight window.

As of 27 August 2026, OVO lists a 14p/kWh pay-as-you-go Charge Anytime rate. Eligibility includes being on an eligible OVO tariff and having a compatible EV or charger and smart meter.

OVO also offers monthly plans with different charging allowances and benefits, so the best option depends on mileage and charging behaviour rather than simply comparing one pence-per-kWh figure.

Octopus Intelligent Octopus Go

Octopus Intelligent Octopus Go uses smart charging and currently advertises a cheaper whole-home period between 11:30pm and 5:30am, while allowing the system to smart-charge the EV at other times when appropriate.

The exact price depends on the customer's area and current tariff offer, so it should be checked when comparing quotes.

Which Is the Best EV Tariff?

That depends on what you value most.

Best for a long fixed overnight window

A tariff with a clear seven-hour overnight period can suit drivers who are happy to charge mainly overnight.

EDF's current EV tariffs, for example, offer 11pm to 6am off-peak charging.

Best for smart charging flexibility

A smart tariff can suit drivers who do not want to think about exactly when the car should charge.

OVO Charge Anytime and Intelligent Octopus Go both use smart charging models, although their structures and eligibility requirements differ.

Best for a charger-and-tariff bundle

A bundled offer may make sense when you also need a home charger, but compare the complete package rather than treating the tariff rate in isolation.

What Should You Check Before Switching to an EV Tariff?

Before choosing a tariff, check:

1. Your current electricity rate

A low overnight rate may not outweigh a much higher daytime rate for a household that uses a lot of electricity during the day.

2. Your charging schedule

Think about when your car is normally parked.

3. Your annual mileage

Someone driving 15,000 miles a year may benefit more from EV-focused pricing than someone who barely drives.

4. Your smart meter

Some tariffs require a smart meter.

5. Your EV or charger compatibility

Smart tariffs may require specific compatible equipment.

6. Contract terms

Check fixed-period terms, cancellation conditions and exit fees.

7. Standing charge

The headline kWh rate is only part of the bill.

Do EV Tariffs Require a Smart Meter?

Many smart EV tariffs do.

For example, OVO states that Charge Anytime requires a smart meter as well as a compatible EV or charger.

EDF also states that customers need a smart meter to sign up to its EV tariffs.

Always check the latest eligibility rules before switching because suppliers can change their requirements.

How Do EV Tariffs Work With Smart Charging?

This is where smart charging becomes particularly useful.

Instead of manually checking the clock, you can tell the system when the car needs to be ready.

The charger or supplier can then schedule charging around the tariff or its smart-charging rules.

The benefit is simple:

You plug in when you get home. The system handles the timing.

That can make cheaper charging much easier to use consistently.

Are EV Tariffs Always Cheaper?

No.

A cheap EV tariff can reduce the cost of charging your car, but the total household bill depends on all the electricity you use.

Compare:

• Off-peak rate

• Daytime rate

• Standing charge

• Annual usage

• Contract terms

• EV charging requirements

A tariff with the lowest night rate is not automatically the cheapest overall tariff for your home.

How Do Off-Peak Tariffs Reduce EV Charging Costs?

Off-peak tariffs work by charging less for electricity during specific periods when demand is lower.

For EV owners, the advantage is that a car can often sit connected for several hours.

That gives you an opportunity to move charging into the cheaper window without changing much about your daily routine.

For actual cost calculations, see How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV in the UK?

For broader cost-saving methods, see The Cheapest Ways to Charge an Electric Car in the UK in 2026.

What About Public Charging?

EV tariffs mainly affect your household electricity and home charging.

Public charging is priced separately by charging networks.

Some energy suppliers also offer public charging benefits or vouchers as part of particular EV products.

For example, OVO's current Charge Anytime monthly plans include public-charging vouchers on some plans.

This means it is worth considering your whole charging routine, not just your home electricity rate.

How Often Should You Recheck Your EV Tariff?

More often than you would check a standard long-term purchase.

EV tariffs change.

Suppliers launch new products, alter rates, change off-peak windows and introduce different eligibility rules.

That means this page should be reviewed whenever major supplier offers change, rather than being treated as a one-time article.

The current examples above are accurate to the sources checked for this update, but readers should always confirm the supplier's live offer before switching.

FAQs

What is the best EV tariff in the UK?

There is no single best EV tariff for everyone. The right choice depends on your electricity use, driving mileage, off-peak hours, EV or charger compatibility and contract terms.

What is the cheapest EV tariff?

The cheapest advertised pence-per-kWh rate is not necessarily the cheapest overall tariff. Compare the complete electricity package, including daytime rates and standing charges.

What is the best overnight EV tariff?

Look for a tariff with a useful overnight window, a competitive off-peak rate and terms that fit your charging routine.

Do I need a smart meter for an EV tariff?

Many EV tariffs require one, particularly smart-charging products. Check the supplier's current eligibility rules before switching.

Can I use an EV tariff with any electric car?

Not always. Some tariffs work with any EV, while smart-charging products can require a compatible vehicle or charger.

Are EV tariffs cheaper than standard electricity tariffs?

They can be for households able to move a meaningful amount of electricity use into cheaper periods, but you should compare the complete tariff rather than one headline rate.

Does smart charging save money?

Smart EV chargers can save you money, when it moves your EV charging into cheaper periods available under your tariff.

How often do EV tariff rates change?

There is no single schedule across suppliers. Tariffs can change as suppliers launch new offers or update existing products, so current pricing should always be checked before switching.

Final Thoughts

The best EV tariff is not necessarily the one with the smallest number in the advert.

It is the one that fits your car, your mileage, your home and the hours when you can realistically charge.

For some drivers, a simple overnight tariff will be ideal.

For others, smart charging provides more flexibility.

The key is to look beyond the headline rate and compare the full tariff.

And because the market moves, the best EV tariff today may not be the best one a few months from now.