How to Choose the Cheapest Rate and Pay as Little as 9p/kWh

If you own an electric vehicle in the UK, the biggest money-saver isn’t the charger or even the car itself — it’s the tariff you choose.

The right EV tariff can cut your charging costs by 70–80%, while the wrong tariff can make EV driving almost as expensive as petrol. In 2026, off-peak EV tariffs are more competitive than ever, with some suppliers offering night rates as low as 9p/kWh.

This guide shows new and experienced EV owners how to choose the cheapest tariff, how off-peak pricing works, and what to look for before switching.

1. What Is an EV Tariff?

An EV tariff is a special electricity plan designed for electric car owners. These tariffs give you:

• A low off-peak rate (usually midnight to early morning)
• A higher day rate
• Cheaper overall charging costs
• Better control over home energy usage

The goal is simple:
Charge when the grid is quiet, and save money because of it.

2. Off-Peak Hours Explained

Most EV tariffs have set hours where electricity is much cheaper. These hours are designed to help the grid and reward EV owners.

Typical off-peak windows (varies by provider):

• 00:00 – 05:00
• 23:30 – 05:30
• 00:30 – 04:30

Some provide as long as 7 hours of cheap charging.

3. The Cheapest EV Tariffs in the UK 2026

Below are examples of REAL EV tariffs available in the UK right now.
These are subject to change — but the numbers reflect 2025/26 rates.

EDF GoElectric – 9p/kWh 00:00–05:00

Off-peak: 9p/kWh
Hours: Midnight to 5am
Peak rate: Higher than standard tariff

Why it’s good:

• One of the lowest off-peak EV prices
• Simple 5-hour cheap window
• Great for overnight charging

Best for:
Drivers who can fully charge between midnight and 5am.

Octopus Intelligent – ~7.5p/kWh

Off-peak: ~7.5p/kWh
Hours: Automated by Octopus (usually 11pm–6am)

Why it’s good:

• Often the cheapest smart EV tariff
• Automatically charges when electricity is cheapest
• Works with many home chargers and EV models

Best for:
Drivers who want automation and don’t mind flexible charging.

OVO Charge Anytime – 10p/kWh

Off-peak equivalent: 10p/kWh
Hours: ANY time of day — smart system charges cheap in background

Why it’s good:

• You pay 10p/kWh for ALL car charging
• No need to wait for night-time hours

Best for:
People with irregular schedules.

British Gas PeakSave – 9.5p–12p/kWh Night-only

Off-peak: around 9.5–12p/kWh
Hours: typically midnight to 7am

Why it’s good:

• Long off-peak period
• Easy to manage with timer

Best for:
Homes that need a longer cheap charging window.

4. How Much Does a Full Charge Cost on These Tariffs?

Let’s assume a 60 kWh battery.

Standard Tariff (28p/kWh):

£16.80 per full charge

EDF 9p/kWh:

£5.40

Octopus Intelligent 7.5p/kWh:

£4.50

OVO 10p/kWh:

£6.00

British Gas 10p/kWh:

£6.00

Difference per full charge:

• Standard: £16.80
• Cheapest EV tariff: £4.50
• You save up to £12.30 per charge

If you charge 4 times per week:

£49 saved weekly
£2,548 saved yearly

This is why EV tariffs matter more than anything else.

5. How to Choose the Right EV Tariff

Step 1 — Do you have a smart meter?

You need one for almost all EV tariffs.
If not → request installation ASAP.

Step 2 — When do you charge?

• If you charge at night → choose 5–7 hour off-peak tariff
• If you charge randomly → choose OVO Charge Anytime (10p/kWh)
• If you want automation → Octopus Intelligent

Step 3 — Check the peak day rate

Many people choose a cheap EV tariff but get shocked by high daytime rates.

Always compare:

• Off-peak price
• Day price
• Standing charge

Step 4 — Does your EV or home charger support smart charging?

Important for Octopus Intelligent & OVO Charge Anytime.

Step 5 — Compare monthly estimates

But don’t judge by monthly cost.
Unit rate is more important.

6. Common Mistakes UK EV Owners Make

Charging only on a standard tariff

This wastes hundreds per year.

Ignoring the standing charge

Some EV tariffs hide higher standing charges.

Charging outside off-peak hours

One mistake can cost you 3–4× more.

Not using the car’s built-in charging timer

Most EVs let you schedule charging for cheap hours.

Forgetting to tell your supplier you have an EV

Some tariffs require verification.

7. SaveAmp’s EV Tariff Checklist

Before you switch:

✔ Check off-peak price

✔ Confirm off-peak hours

✔ Compare day rate

✔ Check standing charge

✔ Make sure you have a smart meter

✔ Ensure your charger/EV supports smart charging

✔ Look for fixed-rate deals

✔ Avoid tariffs with exit fees

Choosing the right EV tariff can be the difference between paying £4 or £16 for the same full charge. In 2026, the most competitive EV tariffs — such as EDF’s 9p/kWh rate or Octopus’s 7.5p/kWh Intelligent tariff — make EV driving one of the cheapest ways to travel in the UK.

Home charging wins.
Off-peak hours win.
Smart tariffs win.

Please note: Energy tariffs and prices can change at any time. The figures in this guide are accurate at the time of writing, but may no longer reflect current rates. Always check with your energy supplier to confirm the most up-to-date tariff details.