Ecotricity is a renewable energy supplier, they supply 100% green electricity to households and businesses. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Ecotricity has positioned itself as Britain’s greenest energy company, earning accolades such as a Which? Eco Provider for four years running and a Which? Recommended Provider.
For EV owners, Ecotricity offers a one-year fixed EV tariff that provides some decent savings for overnight charging. Below, we’ll break down the features, benefits, and costs of this tariff, as well as how it compares to other EV-friendly energy plans as one of the best EV tariffs for 2025.
- 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.
Ecotricity EV Tariff Full Review
Key Features
- One-Year Fixed Price: Protection from price fluctuations for 12 months.
- 100% Renewable Energy: Supplied exclusively from green sources.
- Low-Cost Overnight Charging: 8p/kWh from 12 AM – 5 AM GMT (1 AM – 6 AM BST).
- Smart Meter Tracking: Real-time monitoring of electricity usage.
- Dual Fuel Option Available: Gas customers can also opt into the fixed tariff.
- Exit Fees: £100 per fuel if you leave early.
Pricing Breakdown
- Electricity Standing Charge: 61.04p/day
- Peak Rate (5 AM – 12 AM GMT): 31.46p/kWh
- Off-Peak Rate (12 AM – 5 AM GMT): 8.00p/kWh
- Gas Standing Charge: 38.05p/day
- Gas Rate: 6.23p/kWh
Estimated Annual Cost
Based on average usage assumptions, a dual fuel customer on this tariff would pay approximately £1,921.28 per year (including VAT). This calculation is based on a 58:42 peak vs. off-peak usage split, similar to an Economy 7 plan.
MORE> Time of use tariffs explained
Pros and Cons of the Ecotricity EV Tariff
Pros
- Highly Competitive Off-Peak Rate: 8p/kWh is one of the lowest overnight charging rates available.
- Fixed Pricing for One Year: No unexpected price hikes during the contract period.
- 100% Renewable Electricity: A great option for environmentally conscious EV owners.
- Straightforward Qualification: No need to own an EV—just a smart meter with half-hourly readings and Direct Debit payments.
- Dual Fuel Availability: Customers can bundle gas under the same fixed contract.
Cons:
- High Standing Charge: 61.04p/day for electricity is one of the highest on the market.
- Peak Rate is Expensive: At 31.46p/kWh, peak electricity costs are significantly higher than some competitors.
- Steep Exit Fees: £100 per fuel makes switching before the contract ends costly.
- Shorter Off-Peak Window: Only 5 hours of reduced rates compared to some competitors offering 7-hour or all-night discounts.
How does Ecotricity Shake up Vs Competitors
| Provider | Off-Peak Rate | Off-Peak Hours | Fixed or Variable | Standing Charge | Exit Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecotricity | 8p/kWh | 12am – 5am | Fixed (1 year) | 61.04p/day | £100 per fuel |
| Octopus Intelligent | ~7.5p/kWh | Dynamic | Variable | 42p/day | No |
| Utility Warehouse EV | 7-8.5p/kWh | 12am – 5am | Variable | 50p/day | No |
| EDF GoElectric Overnight | 9p/kWh | 12am – 5am | Fixed (1 year) | 49p/day | £75 |
| Ovo Charge Anytime | 7p/kWh | 24/7 (with compatible charger) | Variable | 50p/day | No |
Key Takeaways:
- Ecotricity’s off-peak rate is among the cheapest EV tariffs, but its standing charge and peak rate are among the highest.
- The exit fees of £100 per fuel make switching costly compared to competitors with lower or no exit fees.
- Competitors like the Octopus EV tariff and Ovo Charge Anytime offer better flexibility, with dynamic or 24/7 low rates.
The Final Word on the Ecotricity EV Tariff
The Ecotricity EV tariff is worth a look if you like to charge overnight and can take full advantage of the 8p/kWh rate.
It’s also perfect for customers looking for renewable energy.
However, it may not be the best choice if you use a lot of electricity during peak hours, as the 31.46p/kWh day rate is expensive. Also the standing charge of 61.04p/day is significantly higher than many competitors, as is the £100 exit fee.
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.
