EV Charging Guide
Off-Peak EV Charging Tariffs Explained
How overnight EV tariffs work, how much they actually save, and how to tell if switching is worth it for your own driving.
If you charge at home, an off-peak EV tariff is usually the single easiest way to cut your running costs — often bringing the price per kWh down to a third of a standard rate. The catch is charging needs to happen inside a specific overnight window, and the daytime rate on some of these tariffs is a little higher in exchange.
See the savings on your own numbers
Compare your home standard rate against an off-peak tariff using your actual mileage and efficiency.
How EV off-peak tariffs work
EV-specific tariffs typically offer a much cheaper rate — around 8.8p/kWh versus a standard rate around 24.67p/kWh — during a fixed overnight window, commonly midnight to 7am. Outside that window, the rate is often close to or slightly above a standard tariff, so the saving depends on shifting as much charging as possible into the cheap hours.
| Tariff type | Typical rate | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Standard variable | ~24.67p/kWh | All day |
| EV off-peak tariff | ~8.8p/kWh | Overnight window, e.g. 12am–7am |
Worked example
A driver using 2,540kWh a year of wall-drawn charging energy (see home vs public charging for how this figure is worked out) would pay:
Annual cost comparison
- On a standard tariff (24.67p): 2,540 × 0.2467 = ≈£627/year
- On an off-peak EV tariff (8.8p), fully within the window: 2,540 × 0.088 = ≈£224/year
- Annual saving: ≈£403, provided charging stays inside the cheap window
Most EVs can schedule charging to start automatically at a set time, which makes hitting the off-peak window straightforward — plug in whenever, and let the car (or a smart charger) wait until the cheap rate starts.
Is switching worth it?
- You mostly charge at home: almost always worth it, since the overnight window matches typical parked-overnight charging.
- You rarely charge overnight: check the daytime rate carefully — some EV tariffs raise it, which could cost more if most of your charging happens during the day.
- You don't have a smart meter: most EV tariffs require one, so that's usually the first step.
Frequently asked questions
What is an EV off-peak electricity tariff?
A tariff offering a much cheaper rate during a set overnight window, often midnight to 7am, in exchange for a higher rate during the rest of the day, to encourage charging when grid demand is low.
How much cheaper is off-peak EV charging?
Off-peak EV tariffs are typically around 8.8p/kWh versus a standard rate around 24.67p/kWh — roughly a third of the cost, provided charging happens within the off-peak window.
Do I need a smart charger to use an off-peak tariff?
Most EV tariffs require a smart meter and often scheduled charging in the car or a smart charger, so charging happens automatically within the cheap window.