Finding the best EV tariff can cut the cost of home charging dramatically, especially if you can plug in overnight. In 2026, UK EV tariffs still offer some of the cheapest electricity on the market during off-peak hours, but prices and product features have changed since the start of the year. Some tariffs now start from 5.5p/kWh from 1 April 2026, while others have moved up or changed structure entirely.
In this guide, we compare the best EV tariffs in the UK for 2026, including the cheapest overnight rates, the most flexible smart-charging options, and the best tariffs for different types of EV drivers. We’ve updated the pricing to reflect current supplier information, but because tariffs can change quickly, always check the provider’s latest quote and terms before switching.
- 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 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.
The Best EV Tariffs in the UK 2026
To work out the best EV tariffs available in the UK right now, we consulted Electric Car Guide’s EV focus group, a community of real-world EV drivers who shared their insights on what matters most when choosing an energy tariff. Their top priorities included low off-peak rates, flexibility, ease of switching, and compatibility with smart meters and chargers.
Based on their feedback, we have reviewed the EV tariffs from leading energy providers and ranked them based on price, flexibility, and overall benefits for EV owners:
Electric Car Guides Best EV Tariff 2026
e.on Next Drive & Next Drive Smart
E.ON Next Drive Smart
- Off-peak rate: 8.5p/kWh
- Off-peak window: 12am–6am
- Fixed for 12 months
- No exit fees
E.ON Next Drive
- Off-peak rate: 9.5p/kWh
- Off-peak window: 12am–6am
- Fixed for 12 months
- No exit fees
Which one should you choose? Next Drive vs Next Drive Smart
If your priority is the lowest current E.ON overnight rate, choose Next Drive Smart. If you want the simpler E.ON EV tariff with a slightly higher off-peak rate, choose Next Drive.
Best Flexible EV Tariff
OVO Charge Anytime
- Off-Peak Rate: 14p/kWh (anytime with smart charging)
- Standing Charge: Varies by region
- Exit Fees: None
- Smart Meter Required: Yes
OVO Charge Anytime is no longer best described purely as a 14p/kWh anytime tariff. OVO now promotes it primarily as a monthly-plan product, with plans starting from £27.50 per month and including a home smart-charging allowance plus public-charging benefits. OVO’s terms page still lists a 14p/kWh pay-as-you-go rate, but the product structure is now more complex than a simple standalone tariff.
Best Tariff for Dynamic Smart Charging
Octopus Intelligent Go
- Off-Peak Rate: 5.5p/kWh (smart charging, with cheap-rate hours typically covering 11:30pm–5:30am)
- Standing Charge: Varies by region
- Exit Fees: None
- Smart Meter Required: Yes
Octopus says Intelligent Octopus Go will offer 5.5p/kWh from 1 April 2026 for smart charging, with cheap-rate hours based around the usual 11:30pm–5:30am window.
Best Tariff for 100% Renewable Energy
Good Energy EV Tariff
One live Good Energy page still references 6.6p/kWh, but its newer fixed EV tariff page states 8.5p/kWh between 12am–5am.
Best Tariff for Ethical Energy
Ecotricity EV Tariff
- Off-Peak Rate: 8p/kWh (12am-5am)
- Standing Charge: 61.04p/day
- Exit Fees: £100 per fuel
- Smart Meter Required: Yes
Best EV Tariff for Fixed Pricing
Scottish Power EV Charge
- Off-Peak Rate: 9.5 p/kWh (12am-5am)
- Standing Charge: 45p/day
- Exit Fees: £50 per fuel
- Smart Meter Required: Yes
Best EV Tariff for British Gas Customers
British Gas Electric Driver
- Off-Peak Rate: 9p/kWh (12am-5am)
- Standing Charge: Varies by region
- Exit Fees: £50 per fuel
- Smart Meter Required: Yes
Best Variable EV Tariff
EDF EV Tariff
- Off-Peak Rate: 9p/kWh (12am-5am)
- Standing Charge: 49p/day
- Exit Fees: None
- Smart Meter Required: Yes
Best EV Tariff for Bundled Savings
Utility Warehouse EV Optimise
- Off-Peak Rate: 7.5p–8.5p/kWh (12am–5am, depends on how many Utility Warehouse services you bundle)
- Standing Charge: 50p/day
- Exit Fees: None
- Smart Meter Required: Yes
What Is an EV Tariff and How Does It Work?
Charging at home is going to make your electricity bill bigger – that’s unavoidable! That’s where EV tariffs come in. These are special energy plans designed specifically for EV drivers, offering cheaper electricity rates at certain times (usually overnight) so you can charge your car for less.
Most EV tariffs work on a time-of-use basis, meaning the price of electricity varies depending on the time of day. The idea is simple: energy demand drops at night, making it cheaper for suppliers to provide power. By shifting your car charging to these off-peak hours, you can take advantage of much lower rates compared to a standard energy tariff.
Some EV tariffs also come with smart features, like automatic scheduling that charges your car when rates are at their lowest. If you have a smart meter, your energy provider can track when you use electricity and bill you accordingly.
But EV tariffs aren’t just about saving money, they can also help the grid. By encouraging EV drivers to charge at night, energy companies can balance demand more effectively, reducing the strain on the system and making better use of renewable energy sources like wind power, which often produces surplus energy overnight.
In short, an EV tariff helps you cut costs while making home charging more efficient and sustainable. But is it the right choice for you? That depends on your charging habits and energy provider, so let’s explore how to pick the best EV tariff.
How to Compare Tariffs
With so many energy providers offering EV-specific tariffs, it can be a tricky product to compare and to work out which one is right for you. Here’s how to compare EV tariffs properly and make sure you’re getting the best value.
Look at Off-Peak Charging Rates
The main selling point of an EV tariff is the cheaper overnight electricity rate. The best providers offer rates as low as 7p per kWh, while others might be slightly higher. The lower the off-peak rate, the cheaper your charging costs will be—so this should be your starting point.
Check the Off-Peak Hours
Not all EV tariffs have the same off-peak window. Some, like Octopus Go, offer four hours of cheap electricity (e.g., 00:30 – 04:30), while others may provide a longer off-peak period but at a slightly higher rate. The best option for you depends on whether you can time your charging to fit within these hours. If you need more flexibility, a tariff with a longer off-peak window might be better.
Compare the Daytime (Peak) Rates
While off-peak rates are the main attraction, don’t ignore the standard daytime rate. Some EV tariffs compensate for cheaper night-time electricity by increasing the cost of electricity during the day. If you use a lot of power during the day for things like working from home or running appliances, a tariff with a lower peak rate might be more cost-effective overall.
Do You Need a Smart Meter?
Most EV tariffs require a smart meter to track your electricity usage and apply the right rates at the right times. If you don’t have one yet, you’ll need to check whether your provider offers free installation or whether switching to an EV tariff will require an extra step.
Fixed vs. Variable Rates
Some EV tariffs have fixed rates, meaning you lock in your off-peak and peak rates for a set period (usually a year). Others have variable pricing, where the rates can change depending on market conditions. Fixed tariffs provide price stability, while variable tariffs could go up or down, so consider whether you want predictability or the chance to benefit from falling energy prices.
MORE> Fixed VS Variable EV Tariffs: Which is Best?
Additional Perks and Features
Some EV tariffs come with extra benefits, such as:
- Integration with home solar panels – allows you to charge directly from your own solar energy.
- Discounts on public charging networks – useful if you regularly charge away from home.
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) compatibility – lets you sell excess energy from your car back to the grid (still a niche option, but growing).
Are There Exit Fees?
If you’re switching to a new tariff, check whether there are any exit fees. Some providers charge a penalty for leaving early, especially for fixed-rate tariffs. If you like flexibility, look for a plan with no exit fees so you can switch if a better deal comes along.
uring off-peak hours, a tariff with automation features could make life easier.
The Final Word on the Best EV Tariff for 2026
Choosing the best EV tariff depends on how and when you charge, but one thing is clear, switching to an EV-specific energy plan can save you a significant amount of money. With off-peak rates as low as 6.5p per kWh, a well-chosen tariff can cut home charging costs by more than half compared to a standard electricity plan.
For most drivers, the cheapest EV tariff right now is E.on Next Drive, offering the lowest off-peak rate and a generous seven-hour charging window. If flexibility is your priority, OVO Charge Anytime allows you to charge at a low rate at any time of day. And for those with solar panels, Intelligent Octopus Go is an excellent choice, integrating smart charging with home energy generation.
The best tariff for you will depend on your driving habits, home energy usage, and whether you need a fixed or flexible plan. But no matter which provider you choose, moving to an EV-friendly energy tariff is one of the easiest ways to lower your running costs and make home charging more efficient.
With energy prices always changing, it’s worth keeping an eye on the latest tariffs and reviewing your plan regularly. A quick switch today could mean hundreds of pounds in savings over the next year.
Sources Used
To compile our best EV tariff comparison, we used a combination of official provider data, regulatory resources, and real-world EV user feedback. Key sources included:
- eonnext.com
- octopus.energy
- ovoenergy.com
- britishgas.co.uk
- edfenergy.com
- ecotricity.co.uk
- goodenergy.co.uk
- scottishpower.co.uk
- utilitywarehouse.co.uk
- ofgem.gov.uk
- gov.uk
- nationalgrideso.com
- zap-map.com
- which.co.uk
- moneysavingexpert.com
- uswitch.com
- comparethemarket.com
- Electric Car Guide EV Focus Group
These sources helped us evaluate off-peak rates, standing charges, contract terms, smart meter requirements, and value-added features across all UK EV tariffs.
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.
