What Is an EV Tariff? A Simple Guide for New EV Owners

If you’ve just switched to an electric car, you may be wondering: What is an EV tariff, and do you actually need one? EV tariffs are one of the easiest ways to reduce your charging costs at home, yet they’re often misunderstood. At Volta EV, we break things down simply, so you can make confident decisions and get the best out of a charger from day one. 

This guide explains how EV tariffs work, why energy suppliers offer them, and how choosing the right plan can significantly cut the cost of running your EV. 

What Is an EV Tariff?

An EV tariff, also known as an electric vehicle tariff, is a specialist energy tariff designed for drivers who charge at home. Instead of paying one standard unit rate 24/7, EV tariffs offer a much lower price during off-peak periods, typically late at night. 

Charging in these hours allows you to top up your vehicle for a fraction of the cost. It’s the simplest, most reliable way to reduce home charging expenses without charging anything for how you drive.

Why Do Energy Providers Offer EV Tariffs?

As EV adoption grows, so does electricity demand. Energy suppliers use EV tariffs to encourage home charging at quieter times of the day. Overnight, the grid has more capacity and often a higher share of renewable energy- making it cheaper and cleaner to charge an electric vehicle.

Drivers benefit through lower bills. Installers benefit by being able to recommend a charging setup that’s genuinely cost-efficient for customers over the long term. And suppliers benefit from a more balanced grid. Everyone wins. 

How Off-Peak and Cheap-Rate Periods Work

Most EV tariffs give you a clearly defined low-cost window overnight. You simply plug in, schedule charging (either through a charger or app), and let the off-peak rate do the rest. 

Most EV tariffs offer their lowest rates during night hours, typically lasting between 4 and 10 hours.

During these hours:

• The kWh price drops automatically

• You can reduce charging costs by 30-70%

Smart tariffs go one step further. Plans like Octopus Intelligent or OVO Charge Anytime can connect directly to your charger or vehicle. These smart chargers choose the best times to charge based on grid conditions- no manual scheduling, no wasted energy, and consistent savings.

Even new EV owners with modest mileage can see a noticeable difference in monthly running costs. 

Are EV Tariffs Worth It?

We’re often asked: Are EV tariffs worth it? Or is an EV tariff worth it?

For most households, absolutely. If you can leave your car plugged in overnight, switching to an EV tariff can reduce your charging cost by 30-70%, depending on your energy supplier and vehicle.

READ: How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

It’s one of the biggest money-saving steps you can take as an EV owner, and it requires no special setup beyond having a smart meter and a compatible energy plan. 

What Is the Best EV Tariff?

There’s no single answer to what the best EV tariff is, because every household charges differently. Some drivers prefer predictable off-peak hours, while others want full automation. 

Each of these plans can dramatically reduce charging costs when paired with the right setup. 

How to Choose the Right EV Tariff

The best starting point is making sure you have a working smart meter, as most tariffs depend on one. From there, think about how often you charge, when you’re home, and whether you prefer automation or set schedules.

Some tariffs are better suited to high-mileage drivers, while others are ideal for occasional weekday charging. If your charger offers smart scheduling or integration with certain suppliers, you can unlock even greater efficiency. 

At Volta EV, we generally recommend reviewing your tariff once a year, or whenever you get a new EV or charger, to ensure you stay on the most cost-effective plan.

For commercial EV charging tariffs, take a look at our blog “Commercial EV Charging Tariffs & Pricing Solutions for Businesses”.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what an EV tariff is helps you take control of your charging costs. Whether you choose a simple off-peak plan or a fully automated smart tariff, the benefits are immediate- cheaper home charging, cleaner energy use, and a smoother EV experience overall.