One of the biggest financial advantages of owning an electric vehicle (EV) is the potential to save money on running costs compared with petrol or diesel cars. But here’s the catch: many UK drivers are still paying far more than they need to charge their cars at home. The problem is not the vehicle or even the charger — it’s the tariff. The good news? Pairing the right energy tariff with a smart charger could save you hundreds of pounds a year.
Why Tariffs Matter for EV Owners
Unlike filling up at a petrol station, electricity prices change depending on when you use it. Standard tariffs charge a flat rate per kilowatt hour (kWh), while time-of-use tariffs (ToU) offer lower prices at off-peak times, usually overnight. This difference can be dramatic.
A Times report found that only 2.3% of UK households currently use these tariffs, yet the savings for EV owners can be huge — as much as £461 per year by charging off-peak rather than at standard daytime rates.
How Smart Chargers Make the Difference
Smart chargers, such as the models offered by Mint Energy, are designed to take full advantage of cheaper tariffs. They can be programmed to automatically start charging when your electricity is at its lowest rate — often between midnight and 5am. That means you can plug in as soon as you get home, and let the charger handle the scheduling.
Key Benefits of Smart Charging
- Automatic scheduling: Charge at the cheapest times without lifting a finger.
- Load balancing: Prevents your household supply from being overloaded when other appliances are in use.
- App control: Monitor usage and costs from your smartphone.
- Future-proofing: Compatibility with upcoming Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies.
Comparing Tariff Options
To show just how much of a difference tariffs can make, here’s a comparison between standard rates and popular off-peak tariffs:
| Tariff Type | Daytime Cost (per kWh) | Off-Peak Cost (per kWh) | Annual EV Charging Cost (10,000 miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard fixed-rate | 28p | N/A | ~£700 |
| Time-of-Use (off-peak) | 30p | 7p | ~£350 |
These figures assume an EV efficiency of 3.5 miles per kWh. As you can see, switching tariffs and using a smart charger can nearly halve your annual charging costs.
What If You Stay on a Standard Tariff?
Drivers who continue on standard tariffs will still save compared with petrol or diesel, but they’ll be missing out on significant additional savings. Worse still, some households end up paying more because they are charging during expensive peak times — often between 4pm and 7pm, when demand on the grid is highest.
The Role of Energy Suppliers
Energy suppliers are increasingly offering EV-specific tariffs to encourage smart charging. These often include incentives such as discounted overnight rates, free charging hours, or integration with specific chargers and apps. Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, has supported the rollout of such tariffs as part of the country’s net zero transition.
Case Study: A Typical EV Household
Imagine a household that drives 12,000 miles per year:
- On a standard tariff at 28p/kWh, annual charging costs = around £960.
- On a ToU tariff at 7p/kWh overnight, annual charging costs = around £240.
Potential saving: £720 per year.
Why This Matters for the UK Grid
Smart charging doesn’t just benefit your wallet — it also helps balance the wider electricity grid. By shifting demand to quieter times, it reduces the need for expensive grid upgrades and helps integrate more renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. This is why the government made smart chargers mandatory for new installations from 2025.
Mint Energy’s Smart Charging Solutions
At Mint Energy, we supply and install chargers that are fully compatible with smart tariffs and designed to deliver maximum savings. Whether you choose the Hypervolt, MyEnergi Zappi, Ohme e-pod, or Ohme Home Pro, you can be confident your charger will automatically take advantage of the best tariff options available.
Tips for Maximising Savings
- Check with your energy supplier to see if they offer an EV-specific tariff.
- Use your charger’s app to schedule charging sessions during off-peak hours.
- Monitor your energy usage regularly to see how much you’re saving.
- Consider pairing your charger with solar panels or home battery storage for even greater efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Switching to an EV is already one of the smartest financial and environmental decisions you can make. But if you pair your vehicle with the right energy tariff and a smart charger, the benefits multiply. From lower bills to a greener grid, smart charging is a win for everyone. At Mint Energy, we’re here to help you unlock those savings and make the most of your EV ownership.