The term EV-friendly energy tariff is widely used — but rarely explained properly. An EV-friendly tariff is not simply a cheap electricity deal. It is a tariff designed around the way electric vehicles charge.
🔌 EV charging is different because it:
If you charge an EV on the wrong tariff, you can easily spend £400–£900 more per year than necessary.
This makes unit price timing far more important than average electricity costs. EV-friendly tariffs are built to reflect this reality.
Three defining characteristics:
If you cannot charge during the cheap window, the tariff may not be friendly to you — even if it is labelled "EV".
Same rate all day. No discounted charging period. High usage magnifies high rates.
Verdict: The most expensive way to charge at home.
Budget certainty, but no cheap charging windows. Treats EV charging same as peak use.
Best for: Very low mileage, no smart meter, unable to shift charging.
Ultra-cheap overnight rates (6p–10p/kWh). Higher peak rates. Designed specifically for EVs.
Savings: 50–70% reduction in charging costs.
Balances cheap overnight rates with reasonable export terms. Best for homes with solar.
Key: Avoid tariffs that penalise daytime imports.
Charge battery overnight at low rates, use stored power during peak periods.
Requires: Long cheap windows, avoid extreme peak pricing.
Without automation, EV tariffs rely on manual discipline — which many households struggle to maintain.
Smart chargers enable: Auto charging, pausing during peaks, app scheduling.
✅ Why smart meters are required:
Without a smart meter, EV tariffs are usually unavailable.
For EV owners, installing a smart meter is often the single biggest step toward cheaper charging.
While not always mandatory, smart chargers make EV-friendly tariffs practical.
During cheap windows
During peak rates
Full automation
Without automation, EV-friendly tariffs rely on manual discipline — which many households struggle to maintain consistently.
Solar panels add complexity to EV tariff selection.
✅ Key realities:
A tariff that is excellent for EVs but poor for exports can reduce overall savings.
🔋 Strategic approach:
The wrong tariff can make a battery financially ineffective.
Charging 3,000 kWh per year (average EV usage)
The difference is not efficiency — it is tariff design.
EV households typically consume more electricity overall, which means:
✓ Unit rates dominate
Total cost driven by usage, not fixed fees
⚠️ But some EV tariffs:
Offset cheap overnight rates with higher standing charges
Comparisons must always consider total annual cost, not just the off-peak price.
❌ Charging at peak times
Choosing EV tariffs but still plugging in at 6pm
❌ Ignoring peak penalties
Higher daytime rates can wipe out savings
❌ Staying on default tariffs
Convenience is expensive for EV owners
❌ Never re-comparing
Higher mileage increases EV tariff value
An EV-friendly tariff only works if your behaviour matches the tariff structure.
UtilityKing compares EV-friendly tariffs using real charging behaviour, not generic household averages.
Some suppliers require proof of EV ownership, others do not. Check individual tariff terms.
Often yes. These tariffs are designed for users who shift charging overnight.
Yes, but automation makes them far more effective and reliable.
Only if overnight charging is available and you have a dedicated charger connection.
Yes. Higher mileage increases the value of EV-friendly pricing significantly.
Yes, but look for tariffs that balance cheap overnight rates with reasonable export terms.
In 2026, EV owners who do not use EV-friendly tariffs are almost always overpaying. The best EV-friendly energy tariffs reward overnight charging, reduce cost per mile dramatically, and make EV ownership significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel.
🚗 COST PER MILE COMPARISON
See how much cheaper your EV charging could be • Smart meter compatible • Solar & battery ready