Best Smart Energy Tariffs for EV Charging UK 2025

Best Smart Energy Tariffs for EV Charging UK 2025: Save Up to £600 Annually

Choosing the right energy tariff can slash your EV charging costs by 60-75% compared to standard variable rates. In 2025, smart EV tariffs offer overnight electricity at 5-9p/kWh versus 24-28p/kWh on standard tariffs"”potentially saving £400-600 annually for average drivers.

This comprehensive guide analyses the UK's leading smart EV tariffs, helping you identify which plan delivers maximum savings for your driving patterns, charger type, and household consumption.

Understanding Smart EV Tariffs in the UK

Smart EV tariffs provide heavily discounted electricity rates during specific off-peak periods (typically 23:30-05:30), designed to align EV charging with periods of low grid demand and abundant renewable energy.

How Smart EV Tariffs Work:

1. Time-of-Use Pricing: Different electricity rates for peak, off-peak, and sometimes shoulder periods
2. Smart Meter Requirement: Half-hourly consumption tracking via SMETS2 smart meter (mandated for all smart tariffs)
3. Charger Integration: Many tariffs require compatible smart chargers that can receive automated charging schedules
4. API Control: Energy suppliers remotely optimise your charging schedule via charger APIs to maximise cheap-rate usage

Eligibility Requirements:

• SMETS2 smart meter installed (suppliers arrange free installation if needed)
• Compatible smart EV charger for most premium tariffs (Ohme, Zappi, Wallbox, Hypervolt, Pod Point)
• Valid UK driver's licence or EV ownership proof for some tariffs
• Single-phase or three-phase supply (verify compatibility with your distribution network operator)

Standard Tariff vs. Smart EV Tariff Cost Comparison (12,000 miles annually, 3.5 miles/kWh efficiency):

Best Smart EV Tariffs Compared (2025)

1. Octopus Intelligent Go (4.8/5 ⭐)

Best For: Tesla owners, users with Ohme/Zappi/Wallbox chargers, maximum off-peak flexibility

Pricing Structure (January 2025):

• Off-Peak Rate: 7p/kWh (23:30-05:30, 6 hours guaranteed)
• Peak Rate: 24.50p/kWh (all other times)
• Standing Charge: 46p/day

Intelligent Features:

• Smart Charging: Automatically schedules charging during cheapest 6-hour off-peak window
• Intelligent Bumped Slots: Receives additional cheap-rate slots throughout the day when grid has surplus renewable energy (typically 1-3 hours extra per week)
• Ready-By Time: Set departure time in app; car charged to target % by then
• Whole-Home Discount: Off-peak rate applies to all household consumption during cheap periods (not just EV charging)

Compatible Chargers/Vehicles:

• All Tesla vehicles (native API integration)
• Ohme Home/Home Pro chargers
• Myenergi Zappi (via myenergi app integration)
• Wallbox Pulsar Plus, Hypervolt Home 3.0
• Pod Point Solo 3
• Requires Octopus Intelligent-compatible charger or Tesla

Real-World Savings (Customer: Sarah M., Nissan Leaf, 10,000 miles/year):

• Previous Standard Tariff Cost: £686/year
• Intelligent Go Cost: £202/year (charging) + £340/year (household consumption during cheap slots)
• Annual Saving: £484 on EV charging, additional £180 household saving by shifting dishwasher/washing machine to off-peak
• Total Annual Saving: £664

Pros:

• Market-leading 7p/kWh off-peak rate
• Whole-home off-peak discount (charge appliances, batteries cheaply)
• Intelligent bumped slots provide extra cheap hours
• No exit fees, monthly rolling contract
• Excellent app with detailed usage analytics

Cons:

• Peak rate (24.50p) higher than some competitors
• Requires compatible smart charger (£600-900 investment if not already installed)
• Limited to Octopus-approved chargers (no generic OCPP chargers)

Verdict: Best overall value for drivers with compatible chargers. The whole-home off-peak discount and intelligent bumped slots deliver exceptional savings beyond just EV charging.

Octopus Intelligent Go Cost Calculator (12,000 miles annually):

• EV Charging Cost: 12,000 miles ÷ 3.5 miles/kWh = 3,429 kWh × £0.07 = £240/year
• If 30% household consumption (3,000 kWh) shifted to off-peak: 3,000 kWh × (£0.245 - £0.07) = £525 household saving
• Total Annual Saving vs Standard Tariff: £583 (EV) + £525 (household) = £1,108

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2. OVO Charge Anytime (4.6/5 ⭐)

Best For: Drivers wanting charger-agnostic flexibility, existing OVO customers, those without smart chargers

Pricing Structure (January 2025):

• Off-Peak EV Rate: 7p/kWh (applied to EV charging consumption only, anytime between 00:00-07:00)
• Peak Rate: 24.90p/kWh (all other household consumption)
• Standing Charge: 47p/day

How It Works:

• No smart charger required (uses smart meter data + driver declarations)
• Drivers log charging sessions via OVO app (start/stop times, kWh charged)
• OVO calculates EV consumption from logs and applies 7p/kWh rate retroactively
• Charging can occur anytime between midnight-7am (more flexible than fixed 23:30-05:30 windows)

Unique Features:

• Charger Independence: Works with any charger, wallbox, or even 3-pin plug charging
• Manual Logging: Self-report charging sessions (OVO cross-references with smart meter half-hourly data)
• Randomised Charging: Charge anytime in 00:00-07:00 window to suit your schedule
• £50 Welcome Credit: New customers receive £50 account credit

Real-World Savings (Customer: James T., VW ID.4, 15,000 miles/year):

• Annual Consumption: 4,286 kWh (15,000 miles ÷ 3.5 miles/kWh)
• Previous E.ON Standard Tariff: 4,286 kWh × £0.26 = £1,114
• OVO Charge Anytime: 4,286 kWh × £0.07 = £300
• Annual Saving: £814

Pros:

• No smart charger required (use any charger or 3-pin plug)
• Flexible 7-hour off-peak window (00:00-07:00)
• 7p/kWh matches Octopus Intelligent Go
• £50 welcome credit for new customers
• Works with public/workplace charging (log sessions manually)

Cons:

• EV-only discount (household consumption charged at peak rate 24.90p)
• Manual logging required for each charge (can be tedious)
• OVO may audit consumption patterns (risk of losing discount if logs don't match meter data)
• Slightly higher peak rate than competitors

Verdict: Ideal for drivers without smart chargers or those using multiple charging locations (home, work, public). The flexibility and charger independence outweigh the manual logging inconvenience for many users.

OVO Charge Anytime Cost Calculator (12,000 miles annually):

• EV Charging Cost: 3,429 kWh × £0.07 = £240/year
• Household Consumption (3,500 kWh): 3,500 kWh × £0.249 = £872/year
• Annual Saving on EV Charging: £583 vs standard tariff

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3. E.ON Next Drive (4.4/5 ⭐)

Best For: Drivers seeking predictable costs, households with high daytime consumption, E.ON existing customers

Pricing Structure (January 2025):

• Off-Peak Rate: 9p/kWh (00:00-07:00, whole-home discount)
• Peak Rate: 24p/kWh (07:00-00:00, whole-home)
• Standing Charge: 48p/day

Smart Features:

• Whole-Home Off-Peak: Unlike some competitors, all household consumption between 00:00-07:00 charged at 9p/kWh
• No Charger Restrictions: Works with any smart meter setup (no specific charger required)
• Fixed 12-Month Contract: Rate guarantee for 12 months (protection from price rises)
• Solar Battery Integration: Off-peak rate applies to battery charging (ideal for solar + battery + EV homes)

Real-World Savings (Customer: Linda & Mark R., Tesla Model Y, 14,000 miles/year + home battery):

• Annual EV Consumption: 4,000 kWh
• Annual Battery Charging: 2,200 kWh (6 kWh daily top-up from grid)
• Total Off-Peak Consumption: 6,200 kWh
• E.ON Drive Cost: 6,200 kWh × £0.09 = £558
• Previous Standard Tariff Cost: 6,200 kWh × £0.24 = £1,488
• Annual Saving: £930

Pros:

• Whole-home off-peak discount (charge appliances, batteries, EVs cheaply)
• No specific charger requirement (works with all smart meters)
• Competitive peak rate (24p vs 24.50-24.90p on competitors)
• 12-month fixed contract provides price certainty
• Excellent for solar + battery + EV households

Cons:

• 9p/kWh off-peak rate 29% higher than Octopus/OVO (7p)
• 12-month contract with early exit fees (£30)
• No intelligent bumped slots or dynamic pricing
• Off-peak window fixed 00:00-07:00 (less flexible than OVO)

Verdict: Best for households that can shift significant consumption to off-peak hours (dishwashers, washing machines, battery charging). The whole-home discount and competitive peak rate deliver strong savings even with the 9p off-peak rate.

E.ON Next Drive Cost Calculator (12,000 miles annually):

• EV Charging Cost: 3,429 kWh × £0.09 = £309/year
• If 40% household consumption (3,600 kWh) shifted to off-peak: 3,600 kWh × (£0.24 - £0.09) = £540 household saving
• Total Annual Saving vs Standard Tariff: £514 (EV) + £540 (household) = £1,054

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4. British Gas Electric Drivers (4.2/5 ⭐)

Best For: British Gas existing customers, drivers wanting whole-home off-peak rates, budget-conscious households

Pricing Structure (January 2025):

• Off-Peak Rate: 8.5p/kWh (00:00-05:00, whole-home discount)
• Peak Rate: 25p/kWh (05:00-00:00, whole-home)
• Standing Charge: 49p/day

Features:

• 5-Hour Off-Peak Window: Shorter than competitors but whole-home discount applies
• No Smart Charger Required: Works with any EV and charging setup
• British Gas Rewards: Earn points on energy bills (redeemable for vouchers, discounts)
• Hive Integration: Free Hive smart thermostat for bundled customers (£249 value)

Real-World Savings (Customer: David S., BMW i4, 11,000 miles/year):

• Annual EV Consumption: 3,143 kWh
• British Gas Electric Drivers: 3,143 kWh × £0.085 = £267
• Previous British Gas Standard: 3,143 kWh × £0.24 = £754
• Annual Saving: £487

Pros:

• Whole-home off-peak discount
• No specific charger requirement
• British Gas Rewards scheme
• Free Hive smart thermostat for bundled customers
• Competitive peak rate (25p)

Cons:

• Shortest off-peak window (5 hours vs 6-7 hours on competitors)
• 8.5p off-peak rate higher than Octopus/OVO (7p)
• Higher standing charge (49p vs 46-48p)
• Exit fees on 12-month contract (£50)

Verdict: Solid choice for existing British Gas customers or those wanting Hive smart home integration. The 5-hour off-peak window is limiting for high-mileage drivers but sufficient for most 40-60 kWh battery EVs.

British Gas Cost Calculator (12,000 miles annually):

• EV Charging Cost: 3,429 kWh × £0.085 = £291/year
• If 25% household consumption (2,200 kWh) shifted to 00:00-05:00: 2,200 kWh × (£0.25 - £0.085) = £363 household saving
• Total Annual Saving vs Standard Tariff: £532 (EV) + £363 (household) = £895

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Smart EV Tariff Comparison Table

Assumptions: 12,000 miles annually, 3.5 miles/kWh efficiency, 3,429 kWh consumption

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Which Smart EV Tariff Is Right for You?

Choose Octopus Intelligent Go If:

• You have a compatible smart charger (Ohme, Zappi, Wallbox) or Tesla
• You want maximum savings (7p/kWh + intelligent bumped slots)
• You can shift household consumption to off-peak hours (whole-home discount)
• You value flexible contract (no exit fees, monthly rolling)

Choose OVO Charge Anytime If:

• You don't have a smart charger (or use 3-pin charging)
• You charge at multiple locations (home, work, public)
• You want the longest off-peak window (7 hours, 00:00-07:00)
• You're comfortable logging charging sessions manually

Choose E.ON Next Drive If:

• You have solar panels + home battery + EV (triple discount benefit)
• You prefer fixed 12-month contract (price certainty)
• You value competitive peak rates (24p)
• You can shift 30-40% household consumption to off-peak

Choose British Gas Electric Drivers If:

• You're an existing British Gas customer (easier switching)
• You want Hive smart home integration (free thermostat)
• You have lower annual mileage (5-hour window sufficient for 40-60 kWh batteries)
• You value British Gas Rewards points

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How to Switch to a Smart EV Tariff (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Verify Eligibility (15 minutes)

1. Check Smart Meter: Look for in-home display (IHD) showing half-hourly consumption
   • If you have SMETS1 meter: Contact supplier to arrange SMETS2 upgrade (free)
   • If no smart meter: Supplier arranges free installation (2-4 week wait)
2. Identify Charger Compatibility: Check charger model against tariff requirements
   • Octopus Intelligent Go: Requires Tesla, Ohme, Zappi, Wallbox, Hypervolt, Pod Point
   • OVO/E.ON/British Gas: Any charger works (no restrictions)
3. Gather Documents: Driver's licence, EV registration, current energy bill

Step 2: Compare Tariffs (30 minutes)

1. Calculate Your Annual Consumption:
   • Annual Mileage ÷ Vehicle Efficiency (miles/kWh) = Annual kWh
   • Example: 12,000 miles ÷ 3.5 = 3,429 kWh
2. Estimate Savings: Use comparison table above or supplier calculators
3. Check Peak Rate Impact: If you work from home or have high daytime usage, factor peak rate into decision
4. Consider Household Shifting: Calculate how much consumption you can shift to off-peak (dishwasher, washing machine, battery charging)

Step 3: Apply Online (10 minutes)

1. Visit Supplier Website: Navigate to EV tariff application page
   • Octopus: octopus.energy/smart/intelligent-go
   • OVO: ovoenergy.com/electric-cars/charge-anytime
   • E.ON: eonenergy.com/for-your-home/our-tariffs/drive
   • British Gas: britishgas.co.uk/energy/electricity/electric-vehicle-tariffs
2. Enter Details: Supply meter MPAN number (found on current bill), EV details, charger model
3. Set Direct Debit: Smart tariffs require monthly direct debit payment
4. Receive Confirmation: Switch completes within 14-21 days (no supply interruption)

Step 4: Configure Charger & App (20 minutes)

1. Download Supplier App: Install Octopus, OVO, E.ON, or British Gas app
2. Link Charger: Follow app instructions to connect charger via Wi-Fi/4G
   • Octopus: Automatically detects compatible chargers, authorises API access
   • OVO: Manual logging setup, create charging session template
3. Set Ready-By Times: Configure departure schedule (e.g., "Ready by 07:00 weekdays")
4. Test Charge: Plug in EV, verify charger responds to schedule (check in-app notifications)

Step 5: Monitor & Optimise (Ongoing)

1. Check Monthly Statements: Verify off-peak rate applied correctly (compare kWh × rate vs billed amount)
2. Shift Household Loads: Run dishwasher, washing machine during off-peak for additional savings
3. Track Intelligent Bumped Slots: Note when Octopus provides extra cheap-rate hours (typically afternoons with high solar/wind)
4. Annual Review: Compare tariff performance against new market offerings each year (switch if better deal available)

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Advanced Savings Strategies

1. Solar + Battery + Smart EV Tariff Stacking

Strategy: Charge home battery from grid during off-peak (7-9p), use battery to power home during peak (24-25p)

Equipment Required:

• Solar PV system (4-6 kWp typical)
• Home battery (10-15 kWh, e.g., Tesla Powerwall 2, GivEnergy)
• Smart EV charger with solar integration (Zappi, Wallbox)

Example Savings (Annual):

• EV Charging: £583 (via smart tariff)
• Battery Arbitrage: 3,000 kWh shifted × (£0.24 - £0.07) = £510
• Solar Export (SEG): 1,500 kWh × £0.15 = £225
• Total Annual Saving: £1,318

Best Tariff for This Setup: E.ON Next Drive (whole-home off-peak applies to battery charging)

2. Workplace Charging + Home Top-Up Optimisation

Strategy: Charge 60-70% at workplace (often free), use smart tariff for 30-40% home top-ups

Example:

• Annual Consumption: 4,000 kWh (15,000 miles)
• Workplace Charging: 2,800 kWh (70%) at £0 = £0
• Home Top-Ups: 1,200 kWh (30%) × £0.07 = £84
• Total Annual Cost: £84 vs £960 on standard tariff (£876 saving)

Best Tariff for This Setup: OVO Charge Anytime (log workplace charges separately, home top-ups benefit from 7p rate)

3. Pre-Heating on Cheap Rate (Winter Efficiency Boost)

Strategy: Pre-heat EV cabin using mains power during off-peak (before departure), preserving battery range in winter

Benefit:

• Winter EV efficiency: 2.5-3.0 miles/kWh (vs 3.5-4.0 summer)
• Pre-heating on mains: 2-3 kWh × £0.07 = £0.14-0.21 per pre-heat
• Pre-heating on battery: Reduces driving range by 15-20 miles
• Annual Saving: ~£120 + improved winter range

Best Tariff for This Setup: Octopus Intelligent Go (whole-home discount means pre-heating at 7p vs 24.50p peak rate)

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Common Questions About Smart EV Tariffs

1. Do I Need a Smart Charger for All Smart EV Tariffs?

Short Answer: No"”only Octopus Intelligent Go requires specific smart chargers. OVO, E.ON, and British Gas work with any charging setup.

Detailed Explanation:

• Octopus Intelligent Go: Requires Tesla (native API), Ohme, Zappi, Wallbox, Hypervolt, or Pod Point chargers. The supplier needs API access to schedule charging automatically.
• OVO Charge Anytime: No charger restrictions. You manually log charging sessions via the app, and OVO applies the 7p rate based on your logs.
• E.ON Next Drive / British Gas Electric Drivers: No charger restrictions. The off-peak rate applies to all household consumption during the off-peak window, so your smart meter tracks usage automatically.

If You Don't Have a Smart Charger: Choose OVO, E.ON, or British Gas. You can use a standard wallbox, 3-pin plug, or even public chargers (logging sessions manually with OVO).

2. What Happens If I Charge During Peak Hours by Mistake?

Octopus Intelligent Go: Your charger automatically schedules charging for off-peak hours. If you manually override (force charge during peak), you pay the peak rate (24.50p/kWh). The app warns you before manual overrides.

OVO Charge Anytime: If you charge outside 00:00-07:00, you pay the peak rate (24.90p/kWh) unless you can prove it was EV charging (via logs). OVO's smart meter data cross-references your logs.

E.ON Next Drive / British Gas: Charging outside off-peak hours (00:00-07:00 or 00:00-05:00) automatically incurs the peak rate. No exceptions"”these are fixed time windows.

Best Practice: Set charger to "scheduled charging" mode with departure time. Most EVs and chargers have built-in schedulers to prevent accidental peak charging.

3. Can I Switch Tariffs If I Move House or Change EVs?

Yes, but the process varies by supplier:

• Octopus Intelligent Go: No exit fees, monthly rolling contract. Switch anytime. If you change EV, update vehicle details in app (affects intelligent scheduling).
• OVO Charge Anytime: No exit fees, monthly rolling. Update EV details in app when changing vehicles.
• E.ON Next Drive: 12-month contract with £30 early exit fee. You can transfer the tariff to a new address if you move (subject to smart meter availability at new property).
• British Gas Electric Drivers: 12-month contract with £50 early exit fee. Tariff transfers to new address if available.

If You Sell Your EV: Contact your supplier within 30 days. Most allow you to remain on the smart tariff if you're buying a replacement EV soon. If not, they'll move you to a standard tariff.

4. Do Smart EV Tariffs Work with Three-Phase Chargers?

Yes, all smart EV tariffs support both single-phase (7 kW) and three-phase (11-22 kW) chargers, provided:

1. Your home has three-phase supply (rare in UK"”most homes have single-phase)
2. Your smart meter supports three-phase metering (SMETS2 meters do)
3. Your charger is compatible with the tariff requirements (e.g., Octopus requires Zappi 22 kW or Wallbox Pulsar Plus 22 kW)

Three-Phase Cost Example (22 kW charger, Octopus Intelligent Go):

• Charge 60 kWh battery in 2.7 hours (vs 8.5 hours on 7 kW single-phase)
• Cost: 60 kWh × £0.07 = £4.20 (same rate as single-phase)
• Benefit: Faster charging during 6-hour off-peak window, more flexibility for late departures

Note: Three-phase supply typically costs £500-1,500 to install if not already present. Only cost-effective for high-mileage drivers (20,000+ miles/year) or commercial use.

5. Can I Use Smart EV Tariffs with Solar Panels?

Absolutely"”combining solar PV with smart EV tariffs maximises savings. Here's how:

Daytime Solar Charging (Summer):

• Charge directly from solar panels (free electricity, 0p/kWh)
• Use chargers with solar integration (Zappi Eco+ mode, Ohme solar boost)
• Typical solar contribution: 40-60% of annual charging in summer, 10-20% in winter

Overnight Grid Charging (Winter or Insufficient Solar):

• Charge from grid during off-peak (7-9p/kWh)
• Smart tariff provides backup when solar insufficient

Best Tariff for Solar + EV:

• Zappi Eco+ Mode + Octopus Intelligent Go: Prioritises solar during day, automatically tops up from grid at 7p overnight if solar insufficient
• E.ON Next Drive: Whole-home off-peak rate (9p) applies to home battery charging, maximising solar self-consumption

Annual Savings Example (4 kWp solar, 12,000 miles EV):

• Solar Charging: 1,500 kWh (44% of annual EV consumption) × £0.24 saved = £360
• Off-Peak Charging: 1,929 kWh × (£0.24 - £0.07) = £328
• Total Annual Saving: £688 vs standard tariff

6. What If My Smart Meter Stops Working?

Your tariff remains active, but you'll need to resolve the smart meter issue quickly:

1. Contact Your Supplier: Report smart meter fault within 48 hours
2. Temporary Manual Reads: Supplier may request weekly meter readings while fault investigated
3. Smart Meter Replacement: Suppliers must repair/replace faulty smart meters within 10 working days (Ofgem requirement)
4. Billing During Fault: Most suppliers apply estimated off-peak usage based on your historical average (you won't lose the discount)

Octopus Intelligent Go Specific: If your smart meter loses connectivity, the charger continues scheduled charging based on last received schedule. Re-connectivity restores updated schedules.

OVO Charge Anytime Specific: You continue logging sessions manually. OVO trusts your logs until smart meter repaired (they may audit consumption when meter restored).

7. Can I Combine Smart EV Tariffs with Government Grants?

Not directly, but you can maximise savings by combining:

OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant (Scotland, Wales, some England regions):

• £350 grant towards charger installation (reducing upfront cost from £900 to £550)
• Use saved money to offset higher upfront cost of smart chargers required for Octopus Intelligent Go

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme:

• Free insulation, heating upgrades for eligible low-income households
• Reduces peak-time electricity consumption, making smart EV tariffs more cost-effective (lower peak usage = bigger % savings on off-peak)

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Transition:

• If you have solar PV + battery, RHI payments (ending 2025) can fund smart charger upgrade
• Smart charger with solar integration (Zappi, Ohme) maximises RHI system performance

Best Strategy: Apply for OZEV grant first (if eligible), then switch to smart EV tariff within 3 months. This maximises both charger installation savings and ongoing energy cost reductions.

8. How Do I Know If I'm Getting the Off-Peak Rate?

Verification Methods:

1. Check Monthly Statement:

   • Look for separate line items: "Off-Peak Consumption (kWh)" and "Peak Consumption (kWh)"
   • Verify rate: Off-peak kWh × rate should equal billed off-peak amount
   • Example: 400 kWh off-peak × £0.07 = £28 billed

2. In-Home Display (IHD):

   • SMETS2 smart meters show live consumption and current rate
   • During off-peak hours, IHD should display "Current Rate: 7p/kWh" (or your tariff's off-peak rate)

3. Supplier App:

   • Octopus app shows real-time charging costs and confirms off-peak rate application
   • OVO app displays logged charging sessions with applied rate
   • E.ON and British Gas apps show daily consumption breakdown by rate

4. Manual Calculation:

   • Total kWh charged (from car or charger display) × off-peak rate = expected cost
   • Compare to billed amount for EV charging
   • Discrepancy >5%? Contact supplier immediately

Red Flag: If your bill shows only one rate (no separate peak/off-peak lines), contact supplier"”smart tariff may not be active.

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Final Verdict: Which Tariff Wins in 2025?

Overall Winner: Octopus Intelligent Go (4.8/5 ⭐)

• Market-leading 7p/kWh off-peak rate
• Whole-home discount delivers savings beyond EV charging
• Intelligent bumped slots provide extra cheap hours
• Excellent app and customer service
• Best for: Drivers with compatible smart chargers seeking maximum savings

Best Flexibility: OVO Charge Anytime (4.6/5 ⭐)

• No charger restrictions (works with any setup)
• Longest off-peak window (7 hours, 00:00-07:00)
• Ideal for multi-location charging (home, work, public)
• Best for: Drivers without smart chargers or those charging at multiple locations

Best for Solar Homes: E.ON Next Drive (4.4/5 ⭐)

• Whole-home off-peak rate applies to battery charging
• Competitive peak rate (24p)
• Fixed 12-month contract provides price certainty
• Best for: Solar + battery + EV households maximising renewable self-consumption

Best for Existing Customers: British Gas Electric Drivers (4.2/5 ⭐)

• Free Hive smart thermostat for bundled customers
• British Gas Rewards points
• Solid savings despite shorter off-peak window
• Best for: Existing British Gas customers wanting smart home integration

Action Steps:

1. Calculate your annual EV consumption (miles ÷ efficiency)
2. Verify charger compatibility with Octopus Intelligent Go (if you have smart charger)
3. Compare total costs using the calculators above (include household shifting potential)
4. Switch online (10 minutes, no supply interruption)
5. Monitor first month to verify off-peak rate applied correctly
6. Optimise household loads to maximise whole-home off-peak savings

Smart EV tariffs are the single biggest cost-saving opportunity for EV drivers in 2025. With potential savings of £400-1,100 annually, switching to the right tariff pays for itself within the first year"”and delivers compounding savings for as long as you drive electric.