OVO Charge Anytime EV Tariff Review: Pros, Cons & Features

OVO Energy is all about sustainability and smart energy solutions. Their Charge Anytime EV tariff is designed to provide one of the most affordable home EV charging rates, offering a flat 7p per kWh rate for customers who use smart charging.

Unlike traditional Economy 7 tariffs, Charge Anytime does not restrict off-peak charging to a set window; instead, it allows EV owners to charge their vehicles at 7p per kWh at any time of day or night, provided they use OVO’s smart charging system.

Our Best EV Tariff 2026

• 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.

GET E.ON NEXT DEALS

* 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 OVO Charge Anytime

• Flat-Rate Smart Charging: 7p per kWh, regardless of time of day.
• Smart Charging Technology: Automatically charges your EV when the grid is greenest.
• Seamless Integration: Works with most EV models and chargers.
• No Additional Monthly Fees: Charge Anytime can be added to any existing OVO energy tariff for free.
• Override Option Available: Charge at your standard home energy rate if needed.
• Monthly Credit System: Customers receive a monthly bill credit, adjusting their energy bill to reflect the 7p per kWh smart charging rate.

How Does OVO Charge Anytime Work?

Unlike traditional time-of-use tariffs, Charge Anytime uses smart technology to identify the best times to charge based on energy grid demand and renewable energy availability. Here’s how it works:

1. Opt-In to Smart Charging
   • Customers must connect their EV or charger with their OVO account and opt into EV smart charging.
     
     
2. Set Your Charging Preferences
   • Through the OVO Energy app, users set a preferred charging schedule, ensuring their EV is charged when needed.
     
     
3. Automatic Green Charging
   • OVO’s smart system automatically schedules charging sessions for times when the grid is greenest and demand is lowest.
     
     
4. Receive Charge Anytime Credit
   • Customers pay their standard home electricity rate when charging.
   • At the end of each month, OVO applies a Charge Anytime credit, ensuring the effective cost of all smart charging is reduced to 7p per kWh.

OVO Cost Breakdown and Savings

Standard Costs

• Charge Anytime Smart Rate: 7p per kWh
• Standard Electricity Rate: Varies by region and tariff (often between 24p-30p per kWh)
• Estimated Savings: Up to £553 per year

Example Calculation

• Total Smart Charging Usage per Month: 300 kWh
• Standard Rate (Assumed 26p per kWh): £78
• Charge Anytime Credit Applied (19p per kWh x 300 kWh): £57 credit
• Final Monthly EV Charging Cost: £21

Pros and Cons of OVO Charge Anytime

Pros:

• One of the Cheapest EV Charging Rates in the UK: 7p per kWh is significantly lower than standard electricity rates.
• No Time Restrictions: Unlike Economy 7 or fixed off-peak tariffs, customers can charge at any time while still benefiting from the discounted rate.
• Smart Grid Usage: Helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels by charging when the grid is powered by renewable energy.
• Compatible with Various EV Models and Chargers: Unlike some providers that require specific home chargers, OVO Charge Anytime supports multiple EV brands and charging setups.
• No Extra Fees: Charge Anytime is a free add-on to an existing OVO tariff, meaning no additional standing charges or account fees.
• Override Feature: If needed, customers can manually bypass smart charging and charge at their standard home electricity rate.
• Exclusive Offers for Volvo Drivers: New Charge Anytime customers with a Volvo EV can receive £50 charging credit (equivalent to up to 2,700 free miles).

Cons:

• Requires a Smart Meter: Customers must have a fully functioning smart meter to track electricity usage.
• Delay for New Customers: New OVO customers must wait 4-6 weeks before being eligible to add Charge Anytime.
• Credits Are Applied Monthly: Unlike direct discounted rates, customers must wait for their Charge Anytime credit to be applied to see the lower charging cost.

How Does OVO Shape up to Other EV Tariffs?

The Final Word on OVO Charge Anytime EV Tariff

This EV tariff is one of the top ones we have reviewed in the UK market. It’s got very cheap charging rates that are not restricted to a time limit – this is unique to the market and a real stand-out point for OVO.

The flat 7p/kWh rate with no time restrictions is something of a revolution for EV tariffs – well played OVO! This makes it one of the best EV tariffs for flexibility and price. While it requires a compatible EV/charger and a smart meter, the savings potential is undeniable.

New customers need to understand that they may face a waiting period before activating the tariff, and not all EVs/chargers are supported.

MORE> OVO EV Charger Installation

John Ellmore

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.