What's the best time to charge an electric car at home?
Quick answer
Cheapest time
Overnight
Off-peak rates
6.5p–9.5p per kWh
Standard rate
26.32p per kWh
The best time to charge is during your tariff's cheap off-peak hours, which on UK EV tariffs are overnight. Charging then costs 6.5p to 9.5p per kWh, against 26.32p on the standard price cap and about 34p to 39p at peak times on most EV tariffs. If you're on a standard single-rate tariff, the time of day doesn't change the price.
Off-peak hours on each EV tariff
| Tariff | Off-peak hours | Off-peak rate |
|---|---|---|
| E.ON Next Drive Smart | Midnight to 6am, plus smart slots | 6.5p |
| EDF GoElectric | 11pm to 6am | 6.66p |
| Intelligent Octopus Go | 11:30pm to 5:30am, plus smart slots | 8p |
| E.ON Next Drive | Midnight to 6am | 8.5p |
| British Gas EV Power | Midnight to 5am | 9.5p |
Rates checked 23 October 2026. Smart tariffs can add extra cheap slots that the supplier schedules for you.
How much does timing save?
Charging 2,400 kWh a year, roughly 8,000 miles, costs about £156 at 6.5p per kWh off-peak. The same charging at a peak rate of 37p would cost about £888. Even against the 26.32p standard rate, charging off-peak saves around £476 a year.
How to make sure you charge at the right time
- Set a schedule in your car or charger app. Most EVs and home chargers let you set a start time, such as 11pm or midnight, so you can plug in when you get home and it waits for the cheap rate.
- On a smart tariff, set a ready-by time in your supplier's app instead. The supplier picks the cheapest times for you.
- Check your clock. Some cars and chargers don't update for British Summer Time automatically, so a schedule can slip by an hour.
How full should you charge?
Many manufacturers suggest an everyday charge limit of around 80%, with 100% saved for long trips, but advice varies by car, so check your handbook. Topping up little and often is fine for EVs. You don't need to wait until the battery is nearly empty.
Is it ever better to charge in the day?
If you have solar panels, charging in the middle of a sunny day can use your own free electricity instead. Some chargers, like the myenergi zappi, can do this automatically. See our home charger guide.
Common questions
What is the cheapest time to charge an electric car?
Overnight, during your EV tariff's off-peak hours. UK EV tariffs charge 6.5p to 9.5p per kWh then, typically somewhere between 11pm and 6am.
Does it matter when I charge on a standard tariff?
Not for the price. A standard single-rate tariff charges the same at any time of day. You'd need an EV or time-of-use tariff to benefit from charging overnight.
Should I charge my electric car to 100%?
Many manufacturers suggest around 80% for everyday use and 100% before long trips, but check your car's handbook, as advice varies.
Is it bad to charge an electric car every night?
No. Topping up regularly is fine for EV batteries, and plugging in every night means you always start the day with plenty of range.
Sources
Tariff hours and rates from our EV tariff comparison, checked 23 October 2026 against supplier and comparison sources. Savings calculated by Motormaths. Rates and schemes change, so check with the supplier or GOV.UK before you rely on them.