This guide cross-references the UK regulator and primary-source figures listed above. Each figure links to its issuing authority. EV tariff rates change frequently and are set by individual suppliers, not capped by Ofgem - always check the supplier's own page for the rate in your DNO region before switching. Last reviewed: 20 May 2026.
EV-specific electricity tariffs offer cheaper overnight rates for charging your electric car at home. Instead of paying the standard ~24.7p per kWh average under the Ofgem price cap, EV tariffs offer rates as low as 7p to 10p per kWh during off-peak hours (typically late evening to early morning). This can cut your home charging cost by 60 to 70%.
The cheapest EV tariffs in the UK currently offer overnight rates of around 7 to 10p per kWh versus the ~24.7p average standard rate. Charging a 60kWh battery overnight costs approximately £4 to £6 at typical EV tariff rates.
Selected EV tariffs in the UK market
Supplier
Tariff name
Off-peak rate (typical)
Off-peak window
Octopus Energy
Octopus Go
~8-10p/kWh
Fixed window overnight
Octopus Energy
Intelligent Octopus Go
~7-8p/kWh
Smart - flexes to cheapest slots
E.ON Next
Drive
Check supplier
Overnight fixed window
British Gas
Electric Driver
Check supplier
Overnight fixed window
EDF
GoElectric
Check supplier
Overnight fixed window
OVO Energy
Drive Anytime
Check supplier
Overnight fixed window
EV tariff rates change frequently and vary by DNO region. The Octopus rates above reflect typical UK averages after the April and May 2026 adjustments. Other suppliers re-price tariffs without standard quarterly cycles. Always check the supplier's own page using your postcode before switching.
How much can you save with an EV tariff?
Scenario
Standard rate (~24.7p/kWh)
EV tariff (~8p/kWh)
Approximate annual saving
Small EV - 30kWh battery, 8,000 miles/yr
~£490
~£160
~£330
Average EV - 60kWh battery, 10,000 miles/yr
~£740
~£240
~£500
Large EV - 100kWh battery, 15,000 miles/yr
~£1,480
~£480
~£1,000
Indicative figures based on average EV consumption of around 0.30 kWh per mile and a typical overnight EV tariff rate. Real-world savings depend on your battery size, mileage, charging pattern, and the daytime rate on the EV tariff you choose.
What is Intelligent Octopus Go?
Intelligent Octopus Go is a smart tariff that works with compatible EVs and home chargers to automatically schedule charging during the cheapest grid periods. It uses half-hourly pricing data and communicates with your car or charger to start and stop charging when prices are lowest. Compatible vehicles include Tesla, Volkswagen Group cars, BMW, and others. It typically offers the lowest effective charging cost available in the UK, though specific rates vary by DNO region and change with wholesale prices.
Do you need a smart charger for an EV tariff?
Not for all EV tariffs. Standard time-of-use tariffs like Octopus Go just require you to plug in before the cheap rate starts and set your car to charge during the off-peak window. Smart tariffs like Intelligent Octopus Go require a compatible smart charger or a connected car. Ohme and Hypervolt chargers both integrate natively with Octopus Energy.
What about solar and EV charging together?
If you have solar panels, you can charge your EV from generated solar power during the day. A Myenergi Zappi charger integrates with solar to divert excess generation into your car. Combined with an overnight EV tariff, solar owners can charge for near-zero cost using a mix of solar and cheap overnight grid electricity.
Verdict
Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus Go for most EV drivers
Octopus tariffs consistently price among the cheapest overnight EV charging rates in the UK. Intelligent Octopus Go is the best option if your car or charger is compatible - it automatically finds the cheapest slots. Switching from a standard cap tariff typically saves £300 to £1,000 a year depending on mileage. Always check rates in your DNO region before switching, as both peak and off-peak prices vary by area and change without quarterly cycles.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an EV tariff without an EV charger?
Yes. You can use an EV tariff and charge via a standard 3-pin socket, though this is slower and less efficient. A dedicated 7.4kW home charger makes EV tariffs significantly more effective.
Do EV tariffs affect my daytime electricity rate?
Yes. EV tariffs have a higher daytime rate than the standard price cap in some cases - the savings come from moving consumption to off-peak hours. Calculate your total annual bill (not just the EV charging rate) when comparing tariffs.
Can I switch to an EV tariff without switching my entire energy supply?
No. EV tariffs are part of a complete energy tariff - you switch both gas and electricity (or electricity only if gas-free) to the EV tariff supplier.
Are EV tariffs available for flat renters?
Yes, if you have a home charger. Renters who can install a home charger (with landlord permission) can access EV tariffs. Without a home charger, public charging is the alternative - costs vary widely from 40p to 85p per kWh at public rapid chargers.
Update, 14 October 2026: the Ofgem price cap from 1 October
Ofgem has set the price cap for a typical dual fuel household paying by direct debit at £1,723 a year from 1 October to 31 December 2026, an increase of £60 or 4% from £1,663 in the previous period from July to September, the regulator announced on 26 August 2026. Under the October to December cap, electricity costs 26.32p per kWh with a standing charge of 54.83p a day, and gas costs 7.97p per kWh with a standing charge of 29.68p a day, based on direct debit averages for England, Scotland and Wales, according to Ofgem.
VAT has been removed from domestic electricity bills from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, so the electricity rates exclude VAT while gas rates still include 5% VAT, Ofgem states. Ofgem will announce the cap for 1 January to 31 March 2027 on 25 November 2026. Earlier figures on this page refer to previous cap periods: £1,641 applied from 1 April to 30 June 2026 and £1,663 from 1 July to 30 September 2026, both according to Ofgem.
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The content on Kaeltripton.com is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal or regulatory advice. Kaeltripton.com is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is not a financial adviser, mortgage broker, insurance intermediary or investment firm. Nothing on this site should be construed as a personal recommendation. Rates, figures and product details are indicative only, subject to change without notice, and should always be verified directly with the relevant provider, HMRC, the FCA register, the Bank of England, Ofgem or other appropriate authority before any financial decision is made. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. If you require regulated financial advice, please consult a qualified adviser authorised by the FCA.
Chandraketu Tripathi
Finance Editor · Kaeltripton.com
Lead editor of Kael Tripton. LBS MBA (Sloan Fellow), AI/ML postgraduate (IIIT Bangalore). 22 years in marketing and commercial roles across 23 markets. Covers UK money, tax and visas.
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