Smart EV Energy Tariffs

🔌 How Smart EV Tariffs Cut the Cost of Charging

Switching to a specialised EV energy tariff can save hundreds every year. These plans offer ultra‑cheap electricity—typically around 7 pence per kWh—during off‑peak or low-demand windows, letting EV owners charge for a fraction of the standard rate .

Lets look at the two most popular smart EV tariffs on the market right now…

Octopus Energy: Intelligent Octopus Go

What makes it special?

• Off‑peak rate: 7 p/kWh for 6 hours nightly (usually 23:30–05:30)

• Smart (agile) charging: your car charges at the cheapest available times—even outside the standard window, whenever energy prices dip—at the same 7 p rate .

• Cheap electricity applies to the whole home during those low‑price slots .

• To qualify, you need a smart meter and a compatible EV or charger.

Key Points:

• Ideal for EV owners who charge overnight and want pricing flexibility.

• You gain cheap home-energy usage too.

• Requires specific hardware; those without compatible equipment may need the standard “Go” tariff (5 hr @8.5 p) .

Switch to Octopus via our partner link and get £50 bill credit once switched! Ideal to help pay any exit fees from your current supplier.

OVO Energy: Charge Anytime

Main features:

• EV charging rate: 7 p/kWh—any time of day or night, provided you’re using the smart charging system .

• Works with compatible EVs or chargers and a smart meter .

• You charge any time, but the 7 p rate only applies to your EV—household usage remains at the standard rate.

• Excess is credited monthly: e.g., if your standard rate is ~26 p, you’d get ~19 p/kWh back from the difference .

Partnership perks:

OVO’s Charge Anytime links with VW‑Group (VW, Audi, Škoda, Cupra) and Volvo dealers—offering up to 30,000 free miles over 3 years (10k/year), with 1,000 bonus miles annually for 3 years .

Key points:

• Perfect for EV drivers with irregular or daytime charging needs.

• No household off‑peak benefits—just EV.

• Monthly credit caps may apply, so heavy users should check .

Who Should Choose Which?

• Choose Intelligent Octopus Go if:
  

  • You regularly charge overnight.

  • You want off‑peak discounts for home energy too.

  • You have compatible equipment and can shift usage to off‑peak windows.

• Choose OVO Charge Anytime if:
  

  • Your charging patterns are unpredictable—day or night.

  • You value flexibility and don’t mind household rates staying unchanged.

  • You own a VW‑Group or Volvo EV and want extra perks.

Final Thoughts

Both tariffs offer incredible savings—EV charging at around 7 p/kWh, compared to standard rates of 26–30 p. But they serve different needs:

• Octopus leans on smart overnight charging with broader household benefits and grid-responsive bonus slots.

• OVO delivers all‑day EV savings with unmatched flexibility and exclusive miles bonuses if you’re in Volkswagen’s or Volvo’s ecosystem.

If you can shift charging to nights, Intelligent Octopus Go likely gives more overall value. But if your schedule’s all over the place or you’re after bonus miles OVO Charge Anytime may suit you better.

💡 Tips for Switching

1. Confirm your EV/charger compatibility via Octopus or OVO’s websites.

2. Install a smart meter (both offer free installs).

3. Use the apps to set your charging times smartly.

4. Keep an eye on monthly credits, especially with OVO.

5. Reevaluate annually—tariffs change, and new incentives may pop up.

Smart EV tariffs can shrivel your charging costs while promoting greener grid use. Whether you’re nocturnal or need plug-in freedom, these plans make current EV charging smarter and cheaper, your miles, your schedule. ⚡

Check out our range of compatible chargers starting from £800 including installation.

Octopus & OVO Compatible Chargers

Hypervolt

Indra

Octopus Only Compatible Chargers

Myenergi

Ohme