If you’ve just purchased an Electric Vehicle (EV) and are interested in switching to an EV tariff, you're in the right place. In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know to make an informed decision and sign up for the most suitable EV tariff.
This article covers:
- Will my electricity bill go up if I have an EV?
- How do I sign up to an EV tariff?
- Which energy supplier and EV tariff is best for me?
- What happens to my Switchd account?
Will my electricity bill go up if I have an EV?
Having an electric vehicle will increase your electricity bill, but switching to an EV tariff can help you save money. EV tariffs offer lower rates during off-peak hours, so it's important to schedule your charging for overnight when the rates are low so you can truly benefit from the deal.
How do I sign up to an EV tariff?
If you’re already a customer of the supplier: If your current supplier is offering an EV tariff, all you need to do is get in touch with your current supplier and let them know and they will be able to provide assistance in switching your tariff.
If you’re a new customer: Most suppliers request that you switch your electricity and gas to them first before they allow you to join their EV tariff. This is definitely something that we can assist you with. Simply get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to initiate the switch for you. Once the switch has been completed, you will need to contact the supplier directly to opt into their EV tariff.
It's important to keep in mind that having a smart meter is essential. It allows your supplier to monitor your energy usage throughout the day and provide you with discounted night-time rates. If you don't already have a smart meter, it will need to be installed. Your supplier will handle the installation, which may take a few weeks. Most suppliers don't charge for this, but there may a wait for an installation in your area. Once it's set up, you can immediately be moved to the EV tariff.
Which energy supplier and EV tariff is best for me?
Each supplier has unique criteria for their energy deals, and this extends to EV-specific deals as well. It's possible that a particular deal could be suitable for you if you're already a customer with that supplier, or alternatively, you might discover lower unit costs by switching to another provider. Moreover, different suppliers often provide additional advantages. Based on our knowledge, the following suppliers currently provide EV tariffs that may be of interest to you:
| Supplier | Tariff name | Rates | What you need to know |
| EDF Energy | GoElectric April27 |
Off-peak hours: 00:00 - 05:00 Off-peak rates: 8.99p/kWh |
Fixed tariff available to new and existing customers. Includes £75 per fuel exit fees. Supports dual fuel and electricity only. |
| E.ON Next | Next Drive Smart v5.5 |
Off-peak hours: 00:00 - 07:00 Off-peak rate: 6.5p/kWh |
Fixed tariff available to new and existing customers. No exit fees. Supports dual fuel and electricity only. |
| E.on Next | Next Drive v13 |
Off-peak hours 00:00 - 06:00 Off-peak rate 7.5p/kWh |
Fixed, dual-fuel or electricity-only tariff No exit fees Fixed tariff available to new and existing customers. |
| Octopus Energy | Intelligent Octopus Go |
Off-peak hours: 23:30 - 05:30 Off-peak rate: 7p/kWh |
Variable tariff available to existing customers only. No exit fees. Supports electricity only, so you will need a separate gas tariff. Only available to those with specific EVs or home chargers (Intelligent Octopus Go | Octopus Energy). |
| Octopus Energy | Octopus Go |
Off-peak hours: 00:30 - 05:30 Off-peak rate: 8.5p/kWh |
Variable tariff available to existing customers only. No exit fees. Supports electricity only, so you will need a separate gas tariff. |
| Scottish Power | EV Optimise |
Off-peak hours: Anytime Off-peak rate: 9p/kWh |
Add-on tariff available to existing customers only. Applies to EV charging only. No exit fees. Only available to those with specific EVs or home chargers (EV Optimise: the greener way to smart charge). |
| Scottish Power | EV Saver Jan27 v1 |
Off-peak hours: 00:00 Off-peak rate: 7.2p/kWh |
Variable, dual-fuel & electricity-only Includes £50 per fuel exit fees Only available to existing customers |
| British Gas | EV Power Dec26 |
Off-peak hours: 00:00 - 05:00 Off-peak rate: 9p/kWh |
Fixed tariff available to new and existing customers. Includes £50 per fuel exit fees. Fixed, electricity-only tariff Smart Meter required |
| OVO Energy | Charge Anytime |
Off-peak hours: Anytime Off-peak rate: 14p/kWh |
Add-on tariff available to existing customers only. Applies to EV charging only. |
| EDF Energy | EVolve Tracker April27 |
Off-peak hours: 00:00 - 05:00 Off-peak rate: 16.35p/kWh |
Variable tariff available to new and existing customers. Includes £25 per fuel exit fees. Supports dual fuel and electricity only. |
| Ecotricity | One-year Fixed EV |
Off-peak hours: 00:00 - 05:00 Off-peak rate: 8p/kWh |
Fixed tariff available to new and existing customers. Includes £100 per fuel exit fees. Supports dual fuel and electricity only. |
| Utility Warehouse | Variable Rate EV Tariff |
Off-peak hours: 00:00 - 05:00 Off-peak rate: 7p/kWh to 8.5p/kWh (depending on other services you might have with the supplier) |
Variable tariff available to new and existing customers. No exit fees. Supports dual fuel and electricity only. |
| Good Energy | EV Charge |
Off-peak hours: 00:00 - 05:00 Off-peak rate: 8p/kWh |
Fixed tariff available to existing customers only. Includes £50 exit fees. Supports electricity only, so you will need a separate gas tariff. |
What happens to my Switchd account?
At Switchd, our algorithm is designed to scan the market for standard electricity and gas tariffs only. It's important to remember that while we strive to find the most suitable deal for you, it may not necessarily meet the specific requirements of your electric vehicle. We understand that in some cases, you may prefer to stick with your current supplier, and cancel your Switchd subscription. To discuss membership and EV tariff options, simply send us an email at team@switchd.co.uk, and our team will be more than happy to help.
