One of the biggest perks of EV-specific energy plans is time-of-use pricing, which allows you to charge your car when electricity is cheapest (this is usually overnight). Instead of paying a flat rate all day, these tariffs offer lower prices during off-peak hours, making home charging significantly more affordable.
- 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.
How Time-of-Use Tariffs Work
Electricity demand fluctuates throughout the day. In the evenings, when people are cooking, watching TV, and using appliances, demand is high, and so are electricity prices. But late at night, when most households use minimal power, energy suppliers can offer much lower rates.
The best EV tariffs take advantage of this pattern by offering off-peak rates during set hours, usually between midnight and 5 AM. This means you can charge your EV at a fraction of the usual cost (as low as 7p per kWh compared to the standard rate of 25–30p per kWh.)
For example, if you drive an EV with a 60kWh battery, charging from empty could cost:
- £18 on a standard tariff (30p per kWh)
- £4.20 on an off-peak EV tariff (7p per kWh)
That’s a £13.80 saving per charge, which adds up quickly if you drive regularly.
Examples of Popular Time-of-Use EV Tariffs
Many UK energy providers offer EV-specific tariffs with different off-peak pricing structures. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Octopus Go – 7.5p per kWh (00:30 – 04:30)
- OVO Charge Anytime – 7p per kWh at any time (when charging an EV)
- British Gas Electric Drivers Tariff – Off-peak pricing available, but varies by location
- EDF GoElectric – Multiple options with different off-peak windows
Each provider sets its own off-peak times and rates, so it’s worth comparing options to find the best fit for your charging habits.
How to Make the Most of Off-Peak Charging
To take full advantage of time-of-use tariffs, it’s important to charge strategically. If your tariff offers just a few hours of cheap electricity per night, you’ll need to make sure your EV is plugged in and set to charge within that window. Many modern EVs and smart chargers allow you to schedule charging times automatically, so you don’t have to worry about plugging in at the right moment.
If your charging needs don’t always align with fixed off-peak windows, you might prefer a tariff like OVO Charge Anytime, which offers a low flat rate for EV charging whenever you plug in, regardless of the time of day.
Are Time-of-Use Tariffs Worth It?
For most EV owners, a time-of-use tariff is a no-brainer because it can cut home charging costs by more than half compared to standard electricity rates. However, it’s important to consider whether:
- You have a smart meter – These tariffs usually require one.
- Your charging habits fit the off-peak hours – If you need to charge during the day, check the peak rate as well.
- Your home energy use is balanced – Some tariffs charge more for electricity outside off-peak times.
If you can shift most of your charging to off-peak hours, a time-of-use EV tariff is one of the easiest ways to reduce your running costs while making better use of low-demand electricity.
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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.
