Electric vehicle charging deals

1. A complete guide to EV energy tariffs in the UK

As the number of electric vehicles on UK roads continues to grow, more drivers are discovering the significant savings and environmental benefits that come with switching from petrol or diesel. A key part of unlocking these savings is optimising how you charge your vehicle at home. While you can simply plug your car into your standard domestic electricity supply, you would be missing out on the most effective way to reduce your running costs: an EV energy tariff.

These specialised energy plans are designed specifically for electric vehicle owners. They offer a much cheaper way to power your car compared to a standard tariff, potentially saving you hundreds of pounds a year. However, the market for these tariffs is evolving, with different types, requirements, and benefits to consider.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We will explore what EV tariffs are, how the different types work, what benefits they offer, and how you can choose the perfect plan for your driving habits and household needs.

2. What exactly is an EV energy tariff?

An EV energy tariff is a specialised electricity plan offered by energy suppliers to customers who own an electric vehicle. Its primary purpose is to provide cheaper electricity for charging your car at home. Unlike a standard tariff that charges a single flat rate for every unit of electricity you use, an EV tariff introduces variable pricing that makes charging significantly more affordable.

The core principle behind these tariffs is to incentivise charging during specific times, usually overnight. This simple but effective approach not only saves you money but also helps to manage the country's energy infrastructure.

Why do suppliers offer special tariffs for EV drivers?

The rise of electric vehicles presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the national grid. If every EV owner came home from work at 6 pm and immediately plugged their car in to charge, it would create a massive surge in electricity demand during what is already the busiest period of the day. This could put immense strain on the grid.

Energy suppliers, in coordination with the national grid, use EV tariffs to smooth out this demand. By offering very cheap electricity during "off-peak" hours, typically from midnight until the early morning, they encourage drivers to schedule their charging for when overall demand is low. This helps to balance the grid, makes better use of available power generation (especially from renewable sources like wind, which often generate more power at night), and reduces the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades. In return for this grid-friendly behaviour, you get to charge your car for a fraction of the standard cost.

3. How do EV tariffs work? The main types explained

While the specifics can vary between suppliers, EV tariffs in the UK generally fall into two main categories. Understanding the difference is crucial to picking a plan that aligns with your lifestyle and charging habits.

Two-rate tariffs: cheaper energy for your whole home overnight

This is the most common type of EV tariff, often referred to as a "time-of-use" or "off-peak" tariff. It operates on a simple principle: you pay two different rates for your electricity depending on the time of day.

• Off-peak rate: During a specific window, usually lasting between four and seven hours overnight (for example, 12 am to 5 am), the price per unit of electricity (measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh) is dramatically reduced.
• Peak rate: For the rest of the day, you pay a higher peak rate for your electricity. It's important to note that this peak rate can sometimes be more expensive than a standard single-rate tariff.

The biggest advantage of a two-rate tariff is that the cheap off-peak rate applies to all electricity used in your home during that window, not just your car charger. This means you can achieve even greater savings by running other high-consumption appliances like your dishwasher, washing machine, or tumble dryer overnight. The main drawback is the higher daytime rate, which means you need to be mindful of your energy usage during peak hours to maximise your savings.

Single-rate or 'add-on' tariffs: a cheap rate just for your car

A newer and more flexible option is the 'add-on' or smart charging tariff. With this type of plan, you remain on a standard tariff for your home's general electricity use, but you get access to a separate, very low rate specifically for the energy used to charge your EV.

This is made possible through smart technology. You'll need a compatible smart charger and/or a compatible electric vehicle that can communicate directly with your energy supplier. When you plug your car in, the system identifies that it's the EV charging and applies the special discounted rate to that specific consumption, regardless of the time of day.

The main benefit here is flexibility; you aren't penalised with high peak rates for your general home usage. You can charge your car whenever it's convenient and still get a great price. The downside is that this type of tariff usually requires specific, compatible hardware, so it may not be an option for everyone. Furthermore, the cheap rate only applies to your vehicle, so you don't get the added benefit of cheaper overnight energy for your other home appliances.

4. Key benefits of switching to an EV-specific tariff

Making the switch from a standard energy plan requires a little effort, but the rewards that come with an EV tariff are substantial and go beyond just a cheaper bill.

• Substantial cost savings: This is the primary driver for most people. By charging your vehicle on a low off-peak rate, you can reduce the cost of 'fuelling' your car by a huge margin compared to both petrol/diesel and standard electricity rates.
• Reduced household energy bills: With a two-rate tariff, the savings extend to your entire home. Shifting your use of large appliances to the off-peak window can lead to significant reductions in your overall monthly electricity costs.
• A greener, more sustainable choice: Many energy suppliers guarantee that the electricity supplied on their EV tariffs is matched with power from 100% renewable sources, such as wind, solar, and hydro. This allows you to reduce your carbon footprint even further and ensure your eco-friendly car is running on clean energy.
• Supporting grid stability: By charging off-peak, you are actively contributing to a more stable and efficient national grid. This collective action helps the UK transition to a future of renewable energy and widespread EV adoption more smoothly.
• Exclusive perks and rewards: The EV tariff market is competitive. To attract new customers, many suppliers offer enticing sign-up bonuses, such as "free miles" credited to your account, discounts on home charger installations, or memberships to public charging networks.

5. Understanding the costs: will an EV increase my electricity bill?

It's a common and logical question. Charging a large car battery at home will inevitably increase your household's total electricity consumption. So yes, your overall electricity bill will be higher than it was before you owned an EV.

However, this is only half of the story. The crucial point is that this increase in your electricity bill is massively offset by the complete elimination of your petrol or diesel costs. When you compare the cost per mile, charging an EV at home on a specialised tariff is dramatically cheaper than fuelling a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.

For an average UK driver, the annual cost of charging an EV on an off-peak tariff is typically hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds less than the annual cost of petrol or diesel. An EV tariff is the tool that ensures this cost difference is as wide as possible, minimising the impact of the extra electricity usage on your household budget.

6. How to choose the right EV energy tariff for you

With a growing number of options available, selecting the best EV tariff requires a little research. The cheapest headline rate isn't always the best choice for everyone. You need to consider your personal circumstances to find the perfect fit.

Assess your driving habits and charging needs

Start by thinking about how you use your car. Are you a high-mileage driver who needs a full charge every night, or do you only cover short distances and top up once or twice a week? High-mileage drivers will benefit most from the absolute lowest off-peak rate, as the bulk of their new energy consumption will be for the car. Low-mileage drivers might find a plan with a slightly higher off-peak rate but a more competitive daytime rate offers better overall value.

Analyse your household energy consumption

Look at your current electricity bills and consider when your household uses the most power. Are you at home during the day? Do you have energy-intensive equipment like electric heating or an immersion heater for hot water? If you can easily shift the usage of these appliances to an overnight off-peak window, a two-rate tariff will be extremely beneficial. If your household consumption is high during the day and can't be moved, a single-rate 'add-on' tariff might be a more suitable and safer option to avoid high peak charges.

Look beyond the headline rate: what to compare

When you compare tariffs, don't just focus on the advertised off-peak price. Dig a little deeper into the details:

• Off-peak unit rate: This is the cheap overnight price per kWh. Lower is generally better.
• Peak unit rate: For two-rate tariffs, this is critical. A very high peak rate could wipe out your off-peak savings if you use a lot of energy during the day.
• Standing charge: This is a fixed daily fee you pay just for being connected to the grid. It's usually a similar amount across most tariffs, but it's worth checking.
• Length and timing of the off-peak window: A seven-hour window gives you more flexibility and charging time than a four-hour one. Also, check if the times suit your routine. Some suppliers adjust these hours when the clocks change for British Summer Time, so be aware of that.
• Exit fees: Some fixed-term tariffs charge a fee if you decide to leave your contract early.
• Customer service reputation: Check reviews from other customers. Good service is invaluable if you ever have a problem with your billing or supply.

Check the compatibility requirements

Never sign up for a tariff without first checking the small print on compatibility. Many of the most advanced and cheapest tariffs require specific equipment. You may need a particular brand of smart charger, or your electric vehicle model may need to be on the supplier's approved list for the technology to work.

7. The essential equipment for an EV tariff

To take full advantage of an EV energy tariff, you'll need the right setup at home. Two pieces of equipment are particularly important.

Why a smart meter is non-negotiable

Almost all EV tariffs require you to have a smart meter. This is because, unlike traditional meters that are read manually every few months, smart meters record your energy usage in real-time (or in half-hourly intervals) and automatically send this data to your supplier.

This technology is what allows the supplier to bill you at different rates for your peak and off-peak consumption. Without a functioning smart meter, they have no way of knowing when you used the energy. If you don't have one, your new energy supplier will arrange to install one free of charge as part of the switching process.

The importance of a dedicated home charge point

While you can technically charge an EV using a standard 3-pin wall socket, it is not recommended as a long-term solution for several reasons. It is extremely slow, taking 12-24 hours or more for a full charge, which might not even be possible within a short off-peak window. There are also safety concerns with drawing such a high, continuous load through a standard domestic socket.

A dedicated home charge point, or "wallbox," is a much faster, safer, and more efficient solution. These units can charge a car three to seven times faster than a 3-pin plug, ensuring you can get a full charge easily within the off-peak period. Most modern wallboxes are also "smart," which is key to maximising your savings.

8. The power of smart charging

Smart charging is the technology that links your car, your home charger, and your energy tariff together, creating an intelligent and automated system.

What is smart charging?

A smart charger is a home charge point that is connected to the internet. This connectivity allows it to communicate with your energy provider's systems and be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. You can set your charging preferences, such as what time you need your car to be ready by and the level of charge you require.

How smart charging maximises your savings

The true magic of a smart charger is its ability to automate your charging to coincide with the cheapest off-peak hours. You can simply come home, plug your car in at 6 pm, and tell the app you need the car fully charged by 7 am the next morning.

The smart system will then wait until your cheap off-peak period begins (e.g., at midnight) before starting the charge. It will automatically manage the charging session to ensure your car is ready by your deadline, all while using only the cheapest electricity. This "plug in and forget" convenience ensures you never accidentally charge at expensive peak rates and consistently maximise your savings with minimal effort.

9. The process of switching to an EV tariff

Switching your energy provider might seem daunting, but the process is now highly regulated and surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

1. Do your research: Use the criteria outlined above to compare the available EV tariffs and find the one that best suits your needs.
2. Check compatibility: Double-check that your car, charger (if you have one), and meter setup are compatible with your chosen tariff.
3. Sign up: Once you've made your choice, you can usually sign up online directly with the new supplier. You'll need to provide your personal details, address, and bank information.
4. The switch is managed for you: Your new supplier will handle all the technical aspects of the switch, including contacting your old supplier to inform them you're leaving. The switch itself usually takes around three weeks.
5. Provide a final meter reading: On the day of the switch, you'll need to submit a final meter reading to your old supplier so they can generate your final bill. Your new supplier will also use this reading to start your new account.
6. Arrange a smart meter installation (if needed): If you don't have a smart meter, your new provider will contact you to arrange a convenient time for an engineer to visit and install one.