Utility Warehouse (UW) is a unique multi-service provider that bundles essential home services (such as energy for charging your EV, broadband, mobile, and insurance) into one package. Their approach allows customers to streamline their utility bills while benefiting from savings.
For EV owners, UW offers an energy tariff designed to reduce the cost of home charging, even more so if you bundle it in with other services. Their EV tariff provides a cheap off-peak electricity rate, and its even better for customers who bundle additional UW services. In this review, we’ll explore how the UW EV tariff works, its pros, cons, and whether it’s a good fit for your charging habits.
- 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.
The Utility Warehouse (UW) EV Tariff
The UW EV tariff is a variable-rate EV energy plan that offers savings for EV drivers who charge their vehicles at home during off-peak hours. Unlike fixed-rate tariffs, this plan adjusts with market prices but ensures a substantial reduction in electricity costs overnight, when demand is lower.
Key Features of the UW EV Tariff
- Five Hours of Off-Peak Charging: Available from midnight to 5 AM (GMT) every night.
- Tiered Pricing Based on Bundled Services:
- 1 UW service: 8.5p per kWh
- 2 UW services: 8p per kWh
- 3+ UW services: 7p per kWh
- Works with all EVs and all UK home EV Chargers.
- No exit fees, allowing flexibility to switch if needed.
- Estimated savings of up to £350 per year compared to standard variable tariffs.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) available for customers with solar panels, providing additional savings.
Pros and Cons of the UW EV Tariff
Pros:
- Market-Leading Off-Peak Rate: At 7p per kWh for those bundling three or more services, this is one of the best EV tariffs in the UK.
- No Exit Fees: Unlike some competitors, UW allows customers to leave without financial penalties.
- Bundled Savings: The more UW services you take, the cheaper your electricity rate, providing additional cost-cutting opportunities.
- Solar and SEG Compatibility: Customers generating their own renewable energy can further reduce their bills through the Smart Export Guarantee.
- Easy Switching Process: UW simplifies the process with a one-click switch option for eligible customers.
Cons:
- Requires Bundling for Best Rates: The lowest off-peak rate (7p per kWh) is only available to customers who bundle three or more UW services. It is still a fraction more expensive than the best EV tariff currently available.
- Variable Peak Rates: UW’s peak rate is variable, meaning potential cost fluctuations.
- Smart Meter Requirement: A compatible smart meter is essential to access the off-peak rates, and not all homes can have one installed.
How to Switch to the UW EV Tariff
Switching to the UW EV tariff can be done in three-steps:
- Become a UW Customer
- You must first sign up for a standard variable tariff with UW. During this process, you can say that you are interested in the EV tariff.
- Receive an Invitation to Switch
- Once your electricity is officially supplied by UW, you’ll receive an invitation to move to the EV tariff.
- One-Click Activation
- After receiving a personalised quote, customers can switch in just one click and begin benefiting from the reduced off-peak rates.
Comparing UW EV Tariff to Competitors
To understand the value of the UW EV tariff, let’s compare it with similar tariffs:
| Provider | Off-Peak Rate | Off-Peak Hours | Fixed or Variable | Smart Meter Required | Exit Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Warehouse | 7p – 8.5p per kWh | 12am – 5am | Variable | Yes | No |
| EDF GoElectric Overnight | 9p per kWh | 12am – 5am | Fixed (1 year) | Yes | £75 |
| Octopus Intelligent | ~7.5p per kWh | Dynamic hours | Variable | Yes | No |
| Ovo Charge Anytime | 7p per kWh | 24/7 with eligible chargers | Variable | Yes | No |
Key Takeaways:
- UW offers one of the lowest off-peak rates for those bundling services.
- Unlike EDF, UW does not charge an exit fee.
- Octopus Intelligent offers dynamic pricing, but UW keeps a consistent off-peak window.
- UW does not require a specific EV charger brand, unlike Ovo Charge Anytime.
The Final Word on the Utility Warehouse EV Tariff
The UW EV tariff is a good option for customers willing to bundle UW services to unlock the lowest possible EV tariff rate. If you have solar panels for EV charging, you can further benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee.
However, it may not be the best choice if you need to charge a lot during peak hours. With its ultra-low off-peak rate (as low as 7p per kWh) and flexible, no-exit-fee structure, it stands out among other EV energy plans in the UK market.
For customers already using UW for broadband, mobile, or insurance, the added savings make the switch even more appealing.
However, it may not be the best choice if you need to charge a lot during peak hours.
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.
