Time-of-Use Tariffs: Save Money While Charging
Maximise cost efficiency with the right electricity plan
As the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise across the UK, more homeowners are looking for ways to reduce EV charging costs and take full advantage of the benefits electric motoring offers. One of the most effective ways to do this is by switching to a time-of-use tariff, a special type of electricity plan that rewards you for charging your EV during off-peak hours.
In this blog, we’ll explain what time-of-use tariffs are, how they work, and how you can save money charging your EV at home.
What Are Time-of-Use Tariffs?
A time-of-use tariff is an electricity pricing structure that varies depending on the time of day. Typically, electricity is cheaper during off-peak hours usually overnight or during periods of low national demand.
This is particularly beneficial for EV owners who can schedule charging when rates are at their lowest. Choosing the best time-of-use tariff for EV owners means you can make the most of your home charging setup and reduce long-term energy costs.
Why Time-of-Use Tariffs Matter for EV Charging
EVs consume a significant amount of electricity, so your charging habits can have a noticeable impact on your monthly energy bill. Here’s how time-of-use tariffs help:
Lower off-peak rates mean cheap EV charging overnight
Smart chargers can automatically start charging during off-peak hours
Over time, savings can add up to hundreds of pounds per year
Reduced demand during off-peak periods helps balance the grid and support renewable energy
If you’ve recently had a home EV charger installation, now is the perfect time to review your home energy tariffs.
Which UK Energy Suppliers Offer EV Charging Tariffs?
Several UK energy suppliers now offer specialist EV tariffs designed to provide cheaper electricity during certain hours. These are some of the most popular:
Benefits of EV Leasing for Businesses
Several UK energy suppliers now offer specialist EV tariffs designed to provide cheaper electricity during certain hours. These are some of the most popular:
1. Octopus Energy – Intelligent Octopus
- Off-peak rate: ~7.5p/kWh from 11:30pm–5:30am
- Smart integration with select EVs and chargers
- One of the most competitive EV charging tariffs in the UK
2. OVO Energy – Charge Anytime
- Fixed rate of 7p/kWh for all EV charging, regardless of time
- Works with compatible smart chargers
- Great option for drivers with flexible schedules
3. British Gas – Electric Driver Tariff
- Lower overnight rates from midnight to 5am
- Compatible with smart meters
- Bundled alongside a standard home electricity plan
These tariffs are designed to help you access cheap EV charging without changing your daily routine too much.
Is a Time-of-Use Tariff Right for You?
- Drive an EV
- Charge primarily at home
- Can charge during night hours
- Have a smart meter or plan to get one
Then a time-of-use tariff could be a smart move. It’s one of the easiest ways to save money charging your EV at home, especially with rising electricity costs.
How to Take Advantage of Off-Peak Charging
To make the most of off-peak electricity plans for EVs, follow these tips:
- Install a Smart EV Charger — Choose a charger that can schedule charging times or integrate with your energy provider’s app. Explore our home EV charger installation services
- Use a Smart Meter — Most time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter to track when electricity is used.
- Charge Overnight — Even if you don’t have a specific EV tariff, night-time charging is typically cheaper.
- Monitor Your Usage — Many suppliers offer apps to help you track savings and energy use.
Conclusion: Cut EV Charging Costs with the Right Tariff
Switching to a time-of-use tariff is a powerful way to unlock cheaper EV charging and take control of your home energy use. By pairing your tariff with a smart home charger and off-peak charging habits, you can make your electric vehicle even more cost-effective.
At McNally EV, we install reliable, future-ready EV chargers across the UK and can advise you on optimising your charging setup for maximum efficiency.
Contact McNally EV today to schedule your home EV charger installation and start saving with smarter charging!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a time-of-use tariff and how does it work for EV charging?
A time-of-use tariff is an electricity pricing plan where the rate varies depending on the time of day. With these tariffs, electricity is significantly cheaper during off-peak hours—typically overnight or during periods of low national demand. This directly benefits electric vehicle (EV) owners, as charging your EV when rates are lowest can save substantial amounts on your energy bills. By scheduling charging sessions for these off-peak windows, you make charging more affordable, especially as demand for EVs and overall home electricity use continues to grow. Pairing a time-of-use tariff with a smart EV charger, which can automatically start and stop charging at optimal times, maximises your potential savings and minimises the hassle of manual management.
Why are time-of-use tariffs especially relevant for electric vehicle owners?
Electric vehicles require a significant amount of electricity to recharge, so your charging habits can have a large impact on the cost of running your car. Time-of-use tariffs encourage you to charge when electricity is cheapest, usually overnight, which can reduce your yearly EV charging costs by hundreds of pounds. By shifting your energy use away from periods of peak demand, you not only save money but also help support a more stable and sustainable energy grid. These tariffs make it easy to reduce your running costs without changing your daily routine—particularly if you have a charger that can be scheduled or controlled with an app.
Which UK energy suppliers offer the best EV charging tariffs right now?
Several leading UK energy suppliers have introduced specialist tariffs tailored to EV owners. Octopus Energy’s “Intelligent Octopus” offers around 7.5p per kWh from 11:30pm to 5:30am, with smart integration for certain cars and chargers. OVO Energy’s “Charge Anytime” provides a fixed 7p per kWh for all EV charging, regardless of time, when using compatible smart chargers. British Gas’s “Electric Driver Tariff” features low overnight rates from midnight to 5am and works with smart meters. All these options are designed to facilitate cheap and convenient EV charging at home, as long as you meet their eligibility requirements—commonly a smart meter and the ability to charge overnight.
Who benefits most from switching to a time-of-use tariff?
Time-of-use tariffs are ideal for anyone who drives an EV, mainly charges at home, and is able to charge during the night or other off-peak times. You will need to have a smart meter installed to qualify for most plans. If you meet these criteria, making the switch can be one of the simplest and most effective ways to cut your charging costs, especially as energy prices continue to fluctuate. Busy households and those who commute longer distances can benefit most, as flexible charging schedules and lower overnight rates translate into substantial annual savings.
How can I maximise savings with time-of-use EV tariffs?
To make the most of an off-peak charging plan, start by installing a smart EV charger that can automatically schedule when to draw energy, avoiding costly peak times. Ensure you have a smart meter, as suppliers use this to track when your electricity is used and apply the correct rates. Charging overnight is usually cheapest, even without a specific EV-focused tariff. Most energy suppliers also provide apps or online tools to monitor your usage and savings, helping you to optimise your habits and stay on top of your energy costs.
What steps should I take to get started with a time-of-use tariff?
Begin by checking that you have a compatible smart meter installed, as this is essential for most tariffs. Next, research different supplier offerings to find the tariff and overnight window that suits your routine. Install a smart EV charger if you haven’t already, as this will enable you to schedule precise charging times or even automate the process. Finally, keep an eye on your usage and savings through your supplier’s app or dashboard, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from specialists like McNally EV to ensure your charging setup is both efficient and future-ready.