The Best EV Tariffs in the UK (2026 Comparison)
Compare the top UK EV tariffs from Octopus, EDF, and E.ON Next to find the cheapest way to charge your electric car at home.
Published: 2026-08-20
The UK market for electric vehicle tariffs is highly competitive, with energy suppliers battling to offer the most attractive overnight rates. If you are charging an EV at home on a standard variable tariff, you are likely paying significantly more than you need to.
Switching to a dedicated EV tariff can slash your charging costs to as low as 7p per kWh. In this guide, we compare the top tariffs as of August 2026: Octopus Intelligent Go, Octopus Go, EDF GoElectric, and E.ON Next Drive Smart.
1. Octopus Energy: Intelligent Octopus Go
Octopus Energy has led the EV tariff market for years. Their flagship product is Intelligent Octopus Go.
- Off-peak rate: ~7-8p / kWh
- Peak rate: ~33.72p / kWh
- Off-peak window: ~11:30 PM to 5:30 AM (6 hours)
- How it works: This is a "smart" tariff. You hand over control of your car's charging to the Octopus app. You tell the app what time you need the car ready and how much charge you want. Octopus then schedules the charging during the cheapest half-hourly slots overnight. If the grid is particularly green or cheap outside of the 11:30 PM - 5:30 AM window, you might even get extra off-peak charging blocks during the day!
- Important Note: As of May 2026, Octopus has capped the smart-scheduled charging blocks to a maximum of 6 hours per 24-hour period.
- Who it suits: Tech-savvy users with a compatible vehicle (e.g., Tesla, VW Group, Ford) or a compatible smart charger (like the Ohme Home Pro) who want the absolute cheapest rates and a long charging window.
2. Octopus Energy: Octopus Go (Standard)
If you don't have a compatible vehicle or charger for the "Intelligent" tier, Octopus still offers their standard Octopus Go tariff.
- Off-peak rate: ~8.5p / kWh
- Peak rate: ~33.72p / kWh
- Off-peak window: 12:30 AM to 4:30 AM (4 hours)
- How it works: This is a fixed-window tariff. Anyone with a standard smart meter can get it. Between 12:30 AM and 4:30 AM, your electricity drops to the 8.5p rate. You simply set your car's built-in timer to only draw power during those hours.
- Who it suits: EV owners whose cars or chargers aren't compatible with Intelligent Octopus, or those who prefer a rigid, predictable window rather than app-controlled smart charging.
3. EDF: GoElectric
EDF has become incredibly aggressive in the EV tariff space, currently offering one of the lowest headline rates available.
- Off-peak rate: ~6.99p / kWh
- Peak rate: ~25.66p / kWh
- Off-peak window: 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM (7 hours)
- How it works: Like the standard Octopus Go, this is a fixed-window tariff. It does not require a specific vehicle or a specific smart charger brand—just a standard smart meter.
- Who it suits: As of August 2026, EDF offers arguably the best all-around deal. It boasts a cheaper off-peak rate than standard Octopus Go, a vastly lower peak rate than Octopus (25.66p vs 33.72p), and a massive 7-hour off-peak window. It is perfect for heavy chargers and households with high daytime usage.
4. E.ON Next: Drive Smart
E.ON Next offers a solid, widely compatible option for those looking to move away from the "Big Two" (Octopus/EDF).
- Off-peak rate: ~9p / kWh
- Peak rate: ~27.76p / kWh
- Off-peak window: ~6 hours overnight
- Who it suits: A strong alternative if you cannot get an EDF or Octopus smart meter installation quickly, or if you prefer E.ON's customer service ecosystem. The peak rate is reasonably competitive.
Summary: Which is Best?
- For the lowest overall cost (if eligible): EDF GoElectric offers a brilliant combination of a low peak rate (protecting your daytime household usage) and a very cheap 7-hour off-peak window.
- For the most advanced tech: Intelligent Octopus Go remains the gold standard for smart charging and grid integration, provided your hardware is compatible.
FAQ
Do I need a smart meter to get an EV tariff? Yes, absolutely. The energy supplier needs to be able to read your usage in half-hourly increments to bill you the correct peak or off-peak rate. If you don't have a smart meter (SMETS2), the supplier will usually install one for free when you switch.
Can I run my washing machine during the EV off-peak window? Yes! The off-peak rate applies to your whole house. Savvy EV owners will put their washing machines and dishwashers on a delay timer so they run at 2:00 AM, taking advantage of the ~7p/kWh electricity.
Next Steps
If you're still planning your installation, use our Install Cost Calculator to estimate your hardware and labor costs. To compare specific rates for your household usage, visit our Rate Check page!