Best EV Tariffs UK 2026

The best EV tariff in the UK for 2026 depends on when the car charges, whether the charger or vehicle is compatible with smart charging, and how the rest of the household uses electricity. The cheapest headline EV rate is not always the cheapest bill once daytime rates, standing charges, smart meter requirements, charger compatibility and contract terms are included.

Last updated: July 2026. EV tariff rates and compatibility rules change quickly, so always check the supplier’s current tariff page before switching or recommending a setup to a customer.

If you are still choosing hardware as well as an energy tariff, LAMPS supplies home EV chargers, EV cabling, EV circuit protection and EV installation accessories. The charger matters because some EV tariffs work with any charger, while others need a compatible charger, compatible vehicle, supplier app connection and smart meter.

Best EV tariffs UK 2026: quick comparison

This guide uses cards instead of a wide comparison table so it works properly on mobile. Rates below are supplier-advertised headline rates at the time of writing. Your actual quote can vary by region, meter type, payment method, eligibility and supplier terms.

The charger you pick decides which tariffs you can use

Some EV tariffs are simple time-of-use tariffs. They give a cheaper overnight rate and usually let the customer schedule charging through the charger app or vehicle app. Other tariffs are smart-managed tariffs. Those need the supplier to communicate with a compatible vehicle or charger.

This is where charger choice becomes important. A customer who chooses purely on appearance or price may later find that the charger is not supported by the smart tariff they wanted. A customer who chooses purely for tariff compatibility may end up with the wrong cable length or a charger that does not suit the property.

Recommended LAMPS chargers by tariff type

Intelligent Octopus Go

Intelligent Octopus Go is one of the main smart EV tariffs to compare in 2026. Octopus currently advertises 8p/kWh smart charging and a whole-home off-peak window from 11:30pm to 5:30am. It is strongest for drivers who have a compatible car or charger and are happy for the Octopus app to manage charging.

The buying logic is simple: if the customer passes the compatibility checks, Intelligent Octopus Go can be one of the strongest smart tariff options. If not, a simpler overnight tariff may be easier to specify.

Check current Intelligent Octopus Go details.

LAMPS chargers to compare for Intelligent Octopus Go

• Ohme Home Pro 5m — sensible tariff-led option with a fixed cable.
• Ohme ePod — untethered Ohme option for a tidier wall finish.
• myenergi zappi GLO tethered — worth comparing where solar charging is also part of the brief.
• Hypervolt Home 3 Pro 7.5m — strong option where cable length and appearance matter.

For the full compatibility breakdown, read what EV chargers work with Intelligent Octopus Go.

EDF GoElectric

EDF GoElectric is one of the strongest simple overnight tariffs in this guide. EDF currently lists the off-peak rate at 6.99p/kWh from 11pm to 6am. EDF also advertises a Pod Point tariff option at 6.49p/kWh for customers taking the qualifying Pod Point setup.

GoElectric is attractive for customers who want a low overnight rate without relying on a specific charger integration. The main checks are smart meter eligibility, tariff duration, daytime rate, standing charge and any exit fee.

Check current EDF GoElectric details.

LAMPS chargers to pair with EDF GoElectric

Because EDF GoElectric is a simple overnight tariff, the charger decision can be based on the property and customer routine rather than only a supplier compatibility list.

• Ohme Home Pro — good everyday tethered option.
• Ohme ePod — good untethered option.
• Hypervolt Home 3 Pro — good where cable length and appearance matter.
• zappi GLO — good where solar charging is part of the brief.

E.ON Next Drive and Next Drive Smart

E.ON Next Drive Smart is a smart EV tariff option with an advertised 8p/kWh off-peak rate from 12am to 6am. E.ON states that customers need an eligible electric vehicle and charger, plus smart meter requirements and half-hourly consent.

This makes it a tariff to check before ordering hardware. If the customer already has a charger that is not supported, the simpler Next Drive route may still be worth comparing depending on the customer’s quote and usage pattern.

Check current E.ON Next Drive details.

LAMPS chargers to compare for E.ON Next Drive Smart

• Ohme Home Pro — strong tariff-led comparison.
• Ohme ePod — compact socketed Ohme option.
• Hypervolt Home 3 Pro — compare where cable length matters.

OVO Charge Anytime

OVO Charge Anytime is a smart charging add-on rather than a simple fixed overnight EV tariff. OVO’s current pay-as-you-go product information lists the standard Charge Anytime rate at 14p/kWh from 1 April 2026, with separate monthly plan options and partnership terms for some customers.

The important point is that older 7p/kWh references should not be treated as the standard current Charge Anytime rate. Customers should check the current OVO product information and compatibility list before switching or choosing hardware around OVO.

Check current OVO Charge Anytime details.

LAMPS chargers to compare for OVO Charge Anytime

OVO says customers need either a compatible EV or compatible smart charger. Check OVO’s current compatible cars and chargers list before relying on a specific charger recommendation.

• Ohme Home Pro — check current OVO compatibility before ordering.
• Hypervolt Home 3 Pro — check current OVO compatibility before ordering.
• zappi GLO — useful to compare where solar charging is part of the brief.

British Gas EV tariff

The British Gas EV tariff is one of the simpler options in this guide. British Gas currently advertises 9p/kWh between 12am and 5am and states that it works with any make of EV and home charger.

That makes it useful for customers who do not want to rely on a specific smart charger integration. The main check is whether the household has, or can get, the required smart meter and whether the full quote works once daytime rate and standing charge are included.

Check current British Gas EV tariff details.

LAMPS chargers to pair with British Gas EV tariff

• Ohme Home Pro — simple tethered choice.
• Ohme ePod — tidy untethered choice.
• Sync Energy Wall Charger 2 tethered — practical value option.
• Rolec EVO socketed — practical socketed option.

ScottishPower EV Saver and EV Optimise

ScottishPower currently offers two different EV routes worth comparing. EV Saver is the simpler overnight tariff route, with ScottishPower advertising 8.5p/kWh between 12am and 5am. EV Optimise is the smarter managed-charging option, with ScottishPower advertising 8p/kWh for smart charging and no fixed cheap-rate hours.

The difference matters. EV Saver is easier to understand because it has a fixed overnight window. EV Optimise may suit drivers who want smart-managed charging, but the customer must check eligibility, app setup and any compatibility requirements.

Check current ScottishPower EV tariff details.

LAMPS chargers to compare for ScottishPower EV tariffs

• Ohme Home Pro — smart charger comparison.
• zappi GLO — solar-aware comparison.
• Hypervolt Home 3 Pro — smart charger comparison where cable length and appearance matter.

Good Energy and other EV tariff options

How to choose the right EV tariff

What if your charger is not compatible?

If the customer’s charger is not supported by a smart tariff, a simple overnight tariff may still work well. In that case, the driver usually sets a charging schedule in the vehicle app or charger app and charges during the fixed cheap-rate window.

This is why EDF GoElectric, British Gas EV tariff, E.ON Next Drive and ScottishPower EV Saver remain useful. They are simpler to understand and can be easier to specify when the customer does not want to depend on a specific charger integration.

Final buying advice

Choose the tariff first if the customer is driven mainly by smart charging costs. Choose the charger first if the customer is driven mainly by installation practicality, cable length, solar charging or appearance. The best result usually comes from checking both together.

Browse home EV chargers, compare wider EV charging products, and make sure the installation has the correct supporting components, including EV cabling, EV circuit protection and EV ancillaries.

LAMPS is an independent electrical and renewables wholesaler, so the aim is to help installers, trade buyers and technically minded homeowners choose the right equipment for the job, not just the first charger that appears on a supplier compatibility list. For trade support, use the trade account route below.

EV tariff FAQs

What is the cheapest EV tariff in the UK?

The cheapest EV tariff depends on your region, meter, payment method, supplier quote and charging pattern. EDF GoElectric is one of the lowest simple overnight rates in this guide at 6.99p/kWh from 11pm to 6am, while Intelligent Octopus Go and E.ON Next Drive Smart are strong smart-tariff comparisons where compatibility checks are passed.

Is a smart EV tariff better than a simple overnight tariff?

A smart EV tariff can be better if the charger or vehicle is compatible and the customer is happy for the supplier app to manage charging. A simple overnight tariff can be better where compatibility is uncertain or the customer wants a fixed cheap-rate window.

Which EV tariff works with any charger?

Simple overnight tariffs are usually easier when the charger is not on a smart-tariff compatibility list. British Gas says its EV tariff works with any make of EV and home charger. EDF GoElectric is also a simple overnight tariff to compare. Always check the supplier’s current terms before switching.

Which charger is best for Intelligent Octopus Go?

Start with Ohme Home Pro, Ohme ePod, zappi GLO and Hypervolt Home 3 Pro, then check the current Octopus device checker before ordering. The best choice depends on whether the customer wants tethered or untethered charging, cable length, solar features and wall appearance.

Is OVO Charge Anytime still 7p?

OVO’s standard Charge Anytime pay-as-you-go product information now lists 14p/kWh from 1 April 2026. Some partnership or monthly plan options may differ, so check the current OVO product information before comparing it with other EV tariffs.

What is the best EV tariff if I have solar panels?

There is no single best EV tariff for every solar home. zappi GLO is often a strong charger to compare for solar-aware charging, while tariffs such as Intelligent Octopus Go, EDF GoElectric and British Gas EV tariff may suit different routines. Check the charger, export tariff, battery setup and CT clamp requirements together.

Is the lowest off-peak rate always the cheapest tariff?

No. The cheapest off-peak rate can be outweighed by a higher daytime rate, standing charge, exit fee, shorter cheap-rate window or compatibility limitation. Compare the full household energy pattern, not just the EV charging rate.

Further reading

• Best EV chargers UK 2026
• What EV chargers work with Octopus Intelligent Go
• Ohme ePod vs Ohme Home Pro
• zappi GLO vs Ohme vs Hypervolt
• Tethered vs untethered EV chargers
• EV charger installation cost guide