Which Energy Company Has the Best App, Smart Charging & Customer Service?
SaveAmp – Smarter UK Energy & EV Insights
Choosing an electric vehicle is easy. Choosing the right EV tariff and energy supplier is not. With so many providers offering smart charging tools, off-peak rates, and EV-ready apps, it can be difficult to know which company actually gives you the lowest cost and the best experience.
In early 2026, the difference between the best and worst EV tariff can be more than 70% in charging costs. This guide compares the top UK energy companies based on smart charging features, app quality, customer service, and off-peak pricing — so you can make the smartest choice from day one.
1. What Makes a Good EV Tariff in 2026?
Before we compare suppliers, here’s what matters most:
✔ Cheap off-peak rates
Off-peak charging can drop as low as 7p–10p per kWh, saving drivers hundreds per year.
✔ Smart charging automation
The supplier should automatically charge your car during the cheapest hours.
✔ A user-friendly app
Clear usage graphs, tariff visibility, and charging history matter more than people realise.
✔ Reliable customer service
If something goes wrong with your meter or tariff, support quality matters.
These four factors form the basis of our comparison.
2. Best UK EV Tariffs & Smart Charging Suppliers for 2026
Below are the top four EV-friendly suppliers offering strong pricing, great apps, and reliable service.
1 Octopus Energy – Intelligent Octopus Go
Best Overall EV Smart Charging Experience
Octopus Energy consistently ranks as the UK’s most advanced smart-charging supplier. Their “Intelligent Octopus Go” tariff combines automation, low prices, and an easy-to-use app.
Why it’s the best
- Off-peak EV charging around 7p/kWh
- App automatically schedules cheap charging
- Works with many EVs and home chargers
- 100% renewable electricity
- Industry-leading customer service
- Clean, modern app interface powered by Kraken technology
Who it’s best for
Drivers who want effortless, automated smart charging with the lowest possible overnight cost.
2 EDF – GoElectric Overnight (9p/kWh 00:00–05:00)
Best for Simplicity & Clear Off-Peak Pricing
EDF’s EV tariffs are extremely straightforward, offering 9p/kWh off-peak from midnight to 5am — making it easy to calculate your charging costs.
Why it stands out
- Very competitive 9p/kWh night rate
- Fixed 5-hour cheap window
- Large, stable supplier with strong customer support
- Good for drivers who prefer predictable routines
Who it’s best for
Anyone who charges mainly at night and wants a simple, no-gimmick EV tariff.
3 British Gas – Electric Driver
Best for Reliability & Big-Brand Support
British Gas offers a competitive EV tariff, generally between 8p–12p/kWh off-peak, with a consistent overnight window.
Why it stands out
- Big-brand stability
- Works with most home chargers and EVs
- Straightforward off-peak period
- Suitable for drivers who prefer well-established suppliers
Who it’s best for
Homes that want a major, long-running supplier with a familiar support structure.
4 OVO Energy – Charge Anytime
Best for Flexible Charging (Not Just Overnight)
OVO’s “Charge Anytime” product allows you to charge throughout the day while still paying around 10p/kWh for EV charging — great for people who don’t follow strict night-time schedules.
Why it stands out
- You pay the same cheap rate any time of day
- Ideal for drivers with irregular routines
- Smart charging technology works in the background
- Includes home and public charging integrations
Who it’s best for
Drivers who can’t commit to overnight charging windows.
3. Side-by-Side Comparison
| Provider | Off-Peak EV Rate | Off-Peak Hours | App Quality | Smart Charging | Customer Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | ~7p/kWh | Varies, usually 11:30pm–5:30am | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| EDF | 9p/kWh | 00:00–05:00 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| British Gas | ~8–12p/kWh | 00:00–05:00 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| OVO Energy | ~10p/kWh | Anytime smart charging | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
4. Which Supplier Should You Choose?
Best for low overnight pricing: Octopus Energy
Best for simple, predictable charging: EDF
Best for app integration + Hive ecosystem: British Gas
Best for flexible charging schedules: OVO Energy
Choosing the right supplier depends on when you charge, how often, and whether your EV or charger supports smart features.
5. Real Cost Example — How Much Can You Save?
Let’s compare a 60 kWh EV battery charged once per week:
Standard tariff (28p/kWh):
£16.80 per full charge
Off-peak smart EV tariff:
4.50 – £6.75 per full charge
Annual savings:
£600 – £1,200 per year
Just from switching tariff.
That’s why the right EV tariff matters just as much as buying the EV itself.
6. SaveAmp’s EV Tariff Checklist
Before switching to an EV tariff, always:
✔ Check off-peak price
✔ Confirm off-peak hours
✔ Compare daytime rates
✔ Review standing charges
✔ Ensure your charger/EV is compatible
✔ Have a working smart meter
✔ Read the supplier’s app reviews
✔ Look for exit fees
Conclusion
Finding the right EV tariff can transform your running costs and make driving an electric vehicle far more affordable. Whether you want the cheapest overnight price, the best app, or the most flexible charging window, the UK’s top suppliers in 2026 provide strong options for every type of EV driver.
Octopus Energy leads with the smartest system and best overall experience, while EDF delivers simplicity, British Gas offers stability, and OVO brings maximum flexibility.
SaveAmp will continue researching UK EV tariffs and updating this guide with the best options available.
Disclaimer
Energy tariffs change regularly. All prices in this guide were accurate at the time of writing. Please check with each supplier for the latest rates.
