British Gas offers a two-rate EV tariff called the Electric Driver EV Tariff, it’s got significantly reduced electricity prices for charging an electric vehicle during off-peak hours. With an overnight rate of 7.9p per kWh between 12 am and 5 am, this tariff allows EV drivers to save on their energy bills while benefiting from flexible charging options. If you’ve got a Hive EV charger and SmartCharge integration you can get even lower charging costs, an equivalent rate of just 3.9p per kWh.
- Fixed off-peak rate of 8.5p/kWh between 12am–6am for 12 months
- No exit fees
- E.ON Next Drive Smart is currently E.ON Next’s cheapest EV tariff
- Smart features and eligibility rules apply, so it suits drivers who can reliably charge overnight
- E.ON Next Drive Smart currently advertises an off-peak rate of 8.5p/kWh. E.ON Next Drive advertises 9.5p/kWh between 12am and 6am. Prices and eligibility can vary by tariff structure and customer setup.
* Next Drive Fixed v7 offers fixed priced overnight EV charging 6.7p/kWh between 12am and 7am versus Next Flex standard variable tariff at 27.03p/kWh (national average and will vary by region).
** Next Drive electricity backed by 100% renewable sources, E.ON’s renewable generation assets, agreements with UK generators and the purchase of renewable electricity certificates. The electricity supplied to your home comes from the National Grid. Smart meter required. Exit fees and T&Cs apply.
Key Features of the British Gas Electric Driver EV Tariff
- Two-rate tariff – cheaper electricity for EV charging overnight
- Off-peak rate of 7.9p per kWh (12 am – 5 am)
- SmartCharge credit of 4p/kWh for Hive EV users, reducing costs to 3.9p/kWh
- Daytime rates remain competitive compared to standard tariffs
- Works with all EVs and home chargers
- No restrictions on off-peak electricity use – run appliances at a lower cost
- Free smart meter installation required for eligibility
Tariff Performance & Pricing
The British Gas EV tariff provides one of the lowest overnight EV charging rates in the UK, second only to select ultra-low, dynamic pricing plans. The 7.9p/kWh off-peak rate ensures significant savings compared to the standard electricity rate, typically around 28-30p per kWh.
For a 60kWh EV battery, a full charge from 0-100% during off-peak hours would cost around £4.74, while the same charge on a standard tariff would be closer to £18. If you use Hive SmartCharge, your cost drops to £2.34, an exceptionally cheap EV tariff rate for home charging.
British Gas also allows users to run appliances at off-peak rates, meaning customers can reduce their overall household energy costs by shifting high-consumption activities, such as running dishwashers or washing machines, to the 12 am – 5 am window.
British Gas Electric Driver EV Tariff Smart Features
British Gas provides plenty of tools to help manage charging and energy use:
- EV management apps – Users can schedule charging through their EV’s built-in settings or third-party apps.
- SmartCharge for Hive users – Automatically optimises charging times for the lowest cost and provides a credit on energy bills.
- EV Tariff Savings Calculator – Allows drivers to estimate savings compared to public charging or a standard electricity tariff.
- Smart Meter Monitoring – Tracks energy consumption in real-time to stay on top of costs.
British Gas Electric Driver EV Tariff Installation & Eligibility
To sign up for the British Gas Electric Driver Tariff, customers must meet the following requirements:
Own an EV and charge at home – British Gas may request proof of EV ownership.
Have a smart meter – If not, British Gas provides a free installation.
Pay by Direct Debit – Required for billing purposes.
MORE> Do I need a Smart Meter to get an EV Tariff
Customers can sign up whether they already have a home charger or need a home charger installed.
Design & Flexibility
The 5-hour off-peak window (12 am – 5 am) is slightly shorter than some competitor tariffs, such as E.ON Next Drive’s 7-hour window (12 am – 7 am). However, the lower SmartCharge rate of 3.9p/kWh makes British Gas one of the cheapest options for those using Hive EV Charging.
Unlike some competitors, British Gas allows users to utilise the off-peak rate for any household electricity use, not just EV charging.
The Final Word on the British Gas Electric Driver EV Tariff
British Gas Electric Driver Pros
- Ultra-low overnight charging costs (as low as 3.9p/kWh with Hive SmartCharge)
- Available for all EVs and home chargers – not limited to British Gas equipment
- Allows off-peak electricity use for appliances, not just EVs
- SmartCharge optimises charging for additional savings
- Free smart meter installation for eligible customers
- British Gas is a trusted energy provider with strong customer service improvements
British Gas Electric Driver Cons
- Shorter off-peak window (5 hours) compared to some competitors
- SmartCharge savings require Hive EV Charger integration
- Standard daytime rates not as low as some specialist EV tariffs
This tariff is great if you can charge regularly during the 12 am – 5 am window. Even better if you have a Hive EV Charger, then you can benefit from rates of 3.9p/kWh with SmartCharge integration.
If you charge at home overnight and want to also run other appliances at a cheaper rate, this is an excellent choice. However, if you need longer off-peak hours then you may find tariffs with a 6-7 hour window more convenient.
Check out our Best EV Tariff Guide to find out which tariffs can beat Britch Gas.
John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
