EV tariffs and home charging: what consumers need to know

Electric vehicle (EV) tariffs can help reduce the cost of charging at home, particularly for drivers who can charge during cheaper off-peak periods.

Ofgem reported that domestic customers on EV smart time-of-use tariffs increased by 84% in the year to July 2025, from 354,000 to 653,000.

But EV tariffs can work differently from standard electricity tariffs, so understanding the details is important.

What is an EV tariff?

An EV tariff is an electricity plan designed for households that charge an electric vehicle at home. Many suppliers offer cheaper electricity at certain times, usually overnight.

You can still charge an EV on a standard tariff, but EV tariffs are designed to make home charging cheaper or easier for consumers whose usage fits the tariff.

How does off-peak charging work?

Time-of-use tariffs charge different prices depending on when electricity is used. Electricity is usually cheaper during an off-peak window and more expensive during peak periods.

Charging overnight can therefore reduce costs. Depending on the tariff, other household electricity used during the off-peak period may also benefit from the lower rate.

Consumers should check both the cheaper rate and what they will pay outside that window before switching.

Do you need a smart meter?

For many EV-specific tariffs, particularly smart or time-of-use tariffs, you will need a working smart meter.

Smart meters record when electricity is used, allowing suppliers to apply different prices at different times.

You don’t need a smart meter simply to charge an EV, but without one you may not be able to access some EV-specific tariffs.

What types of EV tariff are available?

Two common approaches are:

Time-of-use tariffs: electricity prices vary throughout the day, usually with a cheaper overnight charging window.

Add-on EV tariffs: consumers keep their existing household tariff but receive separate EV charging discounts, credits or other benefits.

Some tariffs also include smart charging, where charging can be automatically scheduled for cheaper periods.

What are the key benefits?

Depending on the tariff and how you use it, EV tariffs can offer:

• lower home charging costs, particularly during off-peak periods
• greater convenience through smart or automated charging
• the ability to shift electricity use to periods when demand is lower
• potential environmental benefits where charging takes place when more renewable electricity is available

Common issues consumers should be aware of

Energy Ombudsman often sees disputes stemming from EV tariff terms and conditions that may not have been fully understood by the consumers.

Before switching, consumers should check:

• exactly when cheaper rates apply
• what they will pay outside the off-peak period
• whether the cheaper rate applies to all household electricity or only EV charging
• whether a compatible smart meter, charger or vehicle is required
• how smart charging works and what happens if it is overridden
• whether there are any fees, credits or other conditions attached to the tariff

The key is to look beyond the headline off-peak rate and understand how the full tariff will work for your charging habits and household energy use.

What if you don’t have a home charge point?

A home charge point is usually the most practical option for regular charging.

Some EVs can also use a standard household socket, although this is slower and generally better suited as a backup option. Public charging networks are another option for consumers who cannot charge at home.

How Energy Ombudsman can help

If you think something is wrong with your EV tariff, raise the issue with your energy supplier first.

Your supplier has eight weeks to resolve the complaint. If eight weeks pass without a resolution, or your supplier sends you a deadlock letter sooner, you can bring the dispute to Energy Ombudsman for free and independent review.

If you are unsure whether an EV tariff is right for you, ask your supplier to explain the tariff requirements and whether your vehicle, charger and smart meter are compatible.