What is the Best EV Tariff?

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The Best EV Tariffs in 2026

Last verified: January 2026

Tariffs vary by region and change often — always check your postcode quote before switching.

Choosing the right EV tariff in 2026 can significantly affect your EV charging costs . You could cut your annual charging bill by hundreds of pounds with the right plan.

The best option for you depends on how you drive, when you drive, how much charging you can do in off-peak hours, and whether you prefer a simple fixed window or a smart-managed system.

It can be a bit of a minefield, but here’s what to expect:

  • If you can reliably charge overnight, a time-of-use EV tariff will almost always beat a flat tariff for charging
  • The “best” energy tariff for EVs depends on mileage, your ability to charge off-peak, and whether smart scheduling works for you

In 2026, standout choices include:

What is an EV tariff?

An EV tariff is an energy plan tailored to electric vehicle charging. It usually features:

  • A cheaper unit rate during off-peak or overnight hours
  • Sometimes smart scheduling, where your supplier or charger decides the cheapest times to charge
  • Potentially higher day rates outside the window
  • Standing charges and possible exit fees

  • Type

    How it works

    Pros

    Cons

    Time-of-use / off-peak

    Cheap rate in a fixed overnight window

    Big savings if you can shift most charging

    Expensive if you often need daytime charging

    Smart / managed

    Supplier or charger auto-schedules charging

    “Set and forget” maximises cheap hours

    Needs compatible EV/charger – less manual control

    Flat rate + EV credit

    You get a credit for EV charging on a normal tariff

    Flexibility to charge at any time

    The credit system can be complex – not always as cheap

    Hybrid / solar-friendly

    Blends EV tariff with battery or solar export

    Great if you have panels and storage

    Complex. Depends on hardware

How to choose the right EV tariff

Each tariff has its own benefits, but generally you’re looking for:

Off-peak unit rate (p/kWh)

  • Off-peak window length (hours per night)
  • Day/peak unit rate
  • Standing charge
  • Exit fees or fixed terms
  • Eligibility (EV ownership, smart meter, compatible charger)
  • Does the off-peak rate apply to the whole home, or EV charging only?
  • Supplier’s green energy credentials

Example A: Typical driver (illustrative, 2026)

  • Miles/year: 8,000
  • Efficiency: 4 miles/kWh → about 2,000 kWh/year
  • Assumption: 80% off-peak charging, 20% peak

Tariff (illustrative)

Off-peak rate

Peak rate

Annual cost for EV charging (before standing charges)

Off-peak EV tariff

7p/kWh

27p/kWh

(1,600 × 7p) + (400 × 27p) ≈ £220

Flat rate

25p/kWh

—

2,000 × 25p = £500

Saving: about £280/year on EV charging alone. Standing charges will narrow the gap slightly, but off-peak rates are more favourable for most regular drivers.

Example B: High-mileage driver

  • Miles/year: 12,000
  • Efficiency: 3.5 miles/kWh → ~3,430 kWh/year
  • 90% off-peak charging at 7p/kWh

3,087 kWh × 7p = £216.09

343 kWh × 27p = £92.61

Total: ~£309 vs £857 flat rate → saving ~£550.

Contact TrustFord for Expert Tariff Advice

Best EV tariffs compared (2026)

Our team has gone to every supplier's site and gathered what we found here.

Supplier / Tariff

Typical 2026 off-peak window & rate

Type

Best for

Notes

Region Coverage

Octopus – Intelligent Octopus Go

~7p/kWh, 23:30–05:30 (6h)

Smart managed

“Set and forget” charging

Whole-home off-peak; automation can adjust start/stop

Available across all regions served by Octopus: peak/standing rates vary by region (see Octopus’s regional pricing)

Octopus – Go

~8–9p/kWh, 00:30–05:30 (5h)

Time-of-use

Simplicity

Simpler, shorter window

 

Available in most Octopus regions; regional variation in day/peak rates

E.ON Next – Next Drive

Often 6–7h overnight at ~7p

Time-of-use

Longer overnight windows

Regional variations apply

 

Not available in Northern Ireland, and excluded postcodes in Aberdeen, Dundee, Dumfries and Galloway, Falkirk, Outer Hebrides, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Kirkwall, Kirkcaldy, Motherwell, Paisley, Perth, Galashiels / Borders, Shetland and PO31–PO41

(Isle of Wight)

British Gas – Electric Driver

7.9p/kWh, 00:00–05:00 (5h)

Time-of-use

Reliable brand, decent window

Higher peak rate

Coverage depends on British Gas supply regions (eg: England, Wales, parts of Scotland)

EDF – GoElectric + Smart Charging

~9p/kWh, 00:00–05:00 (5h); smart add-on extends

Time-of-use + smart

Those who want added flexibility

Smart bolt-on helps maximise cheap hours

Available in EDF’s supply regions (nationwide, but with regional rate differences)

OVO – Charge Anytime

Credit-based discount (effective ~7p/kWh)

Flat + credit

People who charge at variable times

Works any time, not just overnight

Available across OVO’s supply regions

Ecotricity – Fixed EV Tariff

~8p/kWh, 5h overnight

Time-of-use

Drivers prioritising green power

100% renewable, fixed-term, exit fees apply

Available to customers in Ecotricity’s network coverage (regions where they supply electricity)

The best EV tariff right now

  • Nightly home chargers: Try Octopus Go or E.ON Next Drive
  • People who want simplicity: Intelligent Octopus or EDF’s Smart Charging
  • Irregular schedule OVO Charge Anytime is flexible
  • Eco-conscious: Ecotricity’s fixed tariff guarantees renewable power

How do I maximise my EV savings?

1. To maximise the benefits of your EV tariff, install a smart meter that records half-hourly data, which enables time-of-use pricing. Make a habit of plugging in your car as soon as you get home so it’s ready to charge in the cheaper overnight window and use your car’s scheduling tools to set a “ready by” time.

2. Avoid overriding the schedule during peak hours unless you need to, and consider avoiding other household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers in the same off-peak period.

3. Charging your car to around 80% on most days is more efficient than filling it to 100%. If you have solar panels and a home battery, you can combine them with an EV tariff by charging the battery overnight and using the stored power during the day.

4. Finally, review your tariff annually or when your contract ends, as even small rate changes or adjustments in your driving pattern can significantly impact your savings.

Here's how to better maintain your EV battery

FAQs

1. Do I need an EV tariff to charge my car?

No, but a flat tariff will usually cost much more. EV tariffs reward shifting charging into cheap windows

2. Does the off-peak rate apply to my whole home?

Sometimes yes (eg: Intelligent Octopus Go); sometimes only to EV charging. Always check the small print

3. What if I need to charge often in the day?

Look at flexible credit tariffs like OVO Charge Anytime, or managed tariffs that allow “bump” charging

4. Are there exit fees?

Some fixed EV tariffs (eg: Ecotricity) have exit fees. Always confirm before switching

5. Do I need a smart meter?

Yes, almost all EV tariffs require a half-hourly smart meter

6. How often should I check tariffs?

At least once a year, or when your driving patterns change

7. Can I use these tariffs without a smart charger?

You can access most time-of-use tariffs without a smart charger, but smart tariffs (like Intelligent Octopus) require one. A compatible charger allows you to automate charging for optimal savings.

More EV advice from TrustFord

Why buy an electric vehicle

Eco-Friendly Hybrid & Electric Cars: Charging, Ranges, & Models at TrustFord

Best eco-friendly cars and other ways to go green

Ford pro home charging guide

References

1. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/ev-energy-tariffs/

2. https://www.uswitch.com/electric-car/ev-energy-tariffs/