With energy costs continuing to fluctuate across the UK, many electric vehicle (EV) owners are asking the same question: how can I reduce my charging costs? The good news? Home EV charging is one of the most powerful ways to combat rising bills -especially if you're smart about how and when you charge.
In this guide, we’ll explore how switching to home EV charging can lead to major savings, what tools you can use to manage energy usage, and how to maximise efficiency while navigating the changing energy landscape.
Why Home Charging Is More Cost-Effective
Public EV charging is convenient when you're on the go - but it comes at a price. Which? explains that 'while it can cost less than 7p/kWh to charge at home, public chargers can cost more than 10 times this – 79p/kWh is a typical price for an ultra-rapid public charger.'
Key reasons why home EV charging saves you money:
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Cheaper per kWh rates, especially on time-of-use tariffs.
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Smart chargers let you schedule charging during the cheapest hours.
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No added service or connection fees like those at public stations.
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Convenient availability - no waiting in queues.
🔌 Top Tip: Install a smart home charger and set it to charge overnight. Many UK providers offer off-peak electricity between 12am and 7am - deal for EV owners looking to cut costs.
Energy Prices on the Rise: What It Means for EV Drivers
According to Ofgem, the average unit rate of electricity has climbed over the past year, impacting households across the UK. While the increases are frustrating, EV drivers can still benefit from savings - especially compared to petrol or diesel owners. Here's how:
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Home charging still costs less than petrol - even with the rise.
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Smart charging tools allow precise control over usage.
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Free charging options are still available in some supermarkets and workplaces.
Even with an estimated increase of around £200 a year in charging costs, it's still cheaper than the average fuel bill for petrol and diesel vehicles.
Find out more about the changes to the energy price cap.
How to Save More When Charging at Home
To help you charge smarter - not harder, consider the following:
1. Use a Time-of-Use Tariff
Opt for energy tariffs designed for EV owners. Providers like Octopus Energy and EDF Energy offer tariffs with lower rates during off-peak hours.
2. Install a Smart Charger
With a smart charger you can:
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Schedule charging sessions.
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Track usage in real-time.
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Optimise your charging based on grid demand and pricing.
3. Limit Charging to 20–80%
Charging between 20% and 80% helps preserve battery health and is recommended to avoid inefficiencies in performance.
4. Compare Energy Suppliers
Regularly compare EV tariffs using tools like Uswitch or GoCompare. You may find a better deal suited to your EV lifestyle.
Added Incentives: Make Charging Even Cheaper
Did you know that you may still qualify for grants to help with the cost of installing a home charger? The OZEV grant (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) offers up to £350 off the installation cost for renters and flat owners.
If you're eligible, this significantly reduces the upfront cost of getting a wall-box charger installed at home - making it even easier to spring into savings.
We explain EV charging grants in our blog: UK Government Extends Home and Workplace EV Charging Grants - What This Means for Drivers.
Rising energy prices might seem like a challenge for EV drivers - but by leveraging smart technology, energy-efficient habits, and EV-charging tariffs, you can drive electric and save money even as prices rise.
