The Cheapest Ways to Charge an EV in the UK
One of the biggest benefits of owning an electric vehicle is lower running costs — but how and where you charge can make a huge difference to how much you actually spend.
Some charging methods cost just a few pence per mile, while others can be more expensive than petrol if used incorrectly. In this guide, EVwired breaks down the cheapest ways to charge an EV in the UK, helping you keep costs low without sacrificing convenience.
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1. Off-Peak Home Charging (The Cheapest Option for Most Drivers)
For the vast majority of UK EV owners, home charging overnight on an off-peak tariff is the cheapest way to charge an electric car.
Why it’s so affordable:
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Lower electricity rates overnight.
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No public charging fees.
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No connection or parking charges.
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Predictable, consistent costs.
With smart tariffs from providers like Octopus Energy, off-peak charging can cost as little as 7–10p per kWh, making it significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel.
2. Charging Your EV with Solar Panels (Ultra-Low Running Costs)
If you have solar panels, charging your EV using self-generated electricity is one of the cheapest long-term options available.
Benefits of solar EV charging:
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Extremely low cost per mile.
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Reduced reliance on the grid.
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Lower carbon footprint.
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Ideal for daytime charging or weekends.
While solar power won’t always cover all your charging needs, combining solar charging with off-peak grid electricity delivers maximum savings.
3. Free and Low-Cost Public Charging (Still Available)
Although less common than before, free EV charging still exists in some locations — and can significantly reduce costs if used wisely.
Where to look:
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Supermarkets and retail parks.
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Hotels and leisure centres.
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Workplace charging schemes.
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Some council-run car parks.
Apps like Zap-Map make it easy to filter for free or low-cost charge points near you.
4. Workplace EV Charging (Often Heavily Subsidised)
Many employers now offer EV charging as a staff benefit — and it’s often free or offered at a reduced rate.
Why workplace charging is cost-effective:
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Electricity costs are typically lower than public networks.
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Charging happens while you work.
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No additional travel or waiting time.
If your workplace doesn’t yet offer charging, UK government incentives such as the Workplace Charging Scheme may help your employer install charge points.
5. Slow AC Charging vs Rapid Charging: Cost Matters
Not all charging speeds are priced equally.
Cost comparison:
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Slow / Fast AC charging (7–22kW): Usually the cheapest public option.
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Rapid DC charging (50kW+): Convenient but often the most expensive.
Rapid chargers are ideal for long journeys, but relying on them for everyday charging can quickly increase costs.
6. Use Charging Apps to Compare Prices Before Plugging In
EV charging prices vary widely by location and network. The cheapest option isn’t always the closest one.
Helpful apps include:
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Zap-Map – price visibility and charger speed.
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PlugShare – real-world user feedback.
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Electroverse – roaming access and simplified payments.
Checking prices before charging can save a surprising amount over time.
7. Charging Network Memberships (Worth It for Frequent Drivers)
If you regularly use the same public charging network, a monthly subscription can lower your per-kWh rate.
Memberships can be cost-effective if:
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You don’t have home charging.
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You drive long distances frequently.
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You rely on motorway charging.
Always compare monthly fees against expected savings to ensure the membership actually reduces your costs.
8. Use a High-Quality Charging Cable to Avoid Overpaying
Many public AC charge points require drivers to bring their own Type 2 charging cable. Having your own cable gives you access to cheaper AC charging options that might otherwise be unavailable.
Why EVwired charging cables help reduce costs:
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Access to lower-priced AC chargers.
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No need to rely on expensive rapid chargers.
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Safe, efficient charging in all weather.
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Long lifespan backed by a 5-year warranty.
EVwired Type 2 cables are available in 7kW and 22kW, ensuring compatibility across home, workplace, and public AC chargers.
Putting It All Together: The Cheapest Charging Strategy
For most UK EV drivers, the cheapest setup looks like this:
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Primary charging: Off-peak home charging.
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Secondary charging: Workplace or low-cost public AC charging.
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Occasional use: Rapid charging only when needed.
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Tools: One smart home charging app + one public charging app.
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Hardware: A reliable Type 2 charging cable.
This combination keeps costs predictable and consistently low.
Cheap Charging Is All About Smart Choices
Electric vehicles can be incredibly cheap to run — but only if you charge smartly. By prioritising home and workplace charging, using off-peak tariffs, avoiding unnecessary rapid charging, and comparing prices with charging apps, UK drivers can enjoy some of the lowest motoring costs available today.
Pair smart charging habits with a dependable EVwired Type 2 charging cable, and you’ll be set up for affordable, stress-free EV ownership.
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