British Gas EV Tariff Explained
The British Gas EV tariff, also known as the Electric Vehicle Tariff, is designed to offer lower electricity rates for EV drivers who charge their electric vehicles overnight.
By offering a significantly lower electricity rate during off-peak hours, British Gas allows customers to charge their EV from as little as 7.9p per kWh, helping them save money and reduce carbon emissions. In this guide, Pro EV breaks down how the electricity tariff works, what’s required, and how to decide if it’s right for your home or business.
What is the British Gas EV Tariff?
The British Gas EV Tariff is an EV electricity tariff designed for EV drivers who can plug in their car or van overnight. It rewards off-peak charging with a much lower unit rate compared to standard energy tariffs.
The tariff is compatible with all electric vehicles (EVs) and home chargers, including the Hive EV Charger, which can be paired with a smart meter to schedule charging during off-peak hours automatically.
Key features include:
- Off-peak electricity starting from 7.9p per kWh
- Off-peak window between 12 am and 5 am
- Standard daytime rates for other hours
- Works with any home charger or EV model
- Requires a smart meter installed
- Available exclusively to British Gas electricity customers
*prices correct at time of publishing
How the Tariff Works
Once you’re on the British Gas EV Tariff, your electricity is priced differently depending on when you use it:
- Off-peak hours (12 am – 5 am): The lowest rate, around 7.9p per kWh, is ideal for charging your electric car overnight.
- Peak hours (5 am – 12 am): Electricity is charged at a higher peak price, similar to regular British Gas energy tariffs.
By charging your EV when the grid is under less demand, you benefit from cheaper electricity while helping to balance national energy use. The savings can be significant, especially for those driving high mileage or managing multiple EVs in a household or small EV fleet.
Who Can Get the British Gas EV Tariff?
To qualify for the British Gas EV Tariff, you’ll need:
- To be a British Gas customer on an eligible supply.
- A smart meter installed (to record and transmit your half-hourly energy usage).
- A home charger, such as the Hive EV Charger, or another compatible device.
- To pay by Direct Debit and manage your plan through your online account.
If you don’t already have a smart meter, British Gas will arrange for its installation before switching you to the EV tariff. Once active, your smart meter automatically monitors energy usage and ensures you’re charged the correct electricity rates during off-peak hours.
Typical Costs and Savings
Charging your EV overnight on the British Gas EV Tariff can dramatically reduce running costs compared to a standard electricity plan.
|
Charging Scenario |
Electricity Rate |
Estimated Cost per Full Charge (60 kWh EV) |
|
Standard tariff (30p per kWh) |
Peak |
£18.00 |
|
British Gas EV Tariff (starting from7.9p per kWh) |
Off-peak |
£4.74 |
That’s a potential saving of over £13 per charge, which could total hundreds of pounds annually for regular EV drivers or business fleets.
For households with solar panels or battery storage, pairing the EV tariff with renewable energy can make charging your vehicle even more cost-effective.
Benefits of the British Gas EV Tariff
- Lower running costs: Benefit from off-peak electricity rates from just 7.9p per kWh.
- Smart control: Use a Hive EV Charger or your EV’s app to schedule charging overnight.
- Reliable tracking: With smart meters, you can see exactly when and how you use electricity.
- Flexible usage: Off-peak hours apply to your entire home, so you can also run appliances at cheaper rates.
- Sustainability: Charging at night uses greener energy and reduces pressure on the grid.
Things to Consider
Before switching to the British Gas EV Tariff, it’s worth considering a few key points. You’ll need a working smart meter installed to access the tariff. While the off-peak window between midnight and 5 a.m. offers excellent value, it may not provide enough time to fully charge EVs that have larger batteries. The daytime peak rate is higher than the off-peak price, so if you don’t regularly charge overnight, you may not see the full benefit. There can also be regional variations in standing charges and rates. That said, if your routine or charging setup allows you to plug in overnight, this remains one of the most cost-effective energy tariffs available for EV owners.
How to Switch to the British Gas EV Tariff
- Check your eligibility – You must be a British Gas electricity customer with a smart meter.
- Log in to your online account – Navigate to “My Energy Tariffs” and look for the Electric Driver option.
- Confirm your setup – If you don’t yet have a smart meter installed, British Gas will book a visit.
- Schedule your charging – Use your Hive EV Charger or EV app to charge automatically during off-peak hours.
*We recommend checking the latest rates before switching, as electricity tariffs can vary by region and market conditions.
Why It Matters for EV Drivers and Businesses
For businesses running electric vehicles (EVs), overnight off-peak charging provides significant cost control. Combining the British Gas EV Tariff with Pro EV’s commercial charging solutions means you can charge your electric vehicles efficiently, safely, and at the lowest possible rate.
We help businesses and homeowners design tailored EV charging setups that maximise savings under tariffs like British Gas’s EV tariff and other specialist plans.
Key Takeaways
- The British Gas EV Tariff offers cheaper electricity for EV charging between 12 am and 5 am from just 7.9p per kWh.
- Requires a smart meter installed and available to British Gas customers with an online account.
- Ideal for EV owners and EV drivers who charge overnight using a Hive EV Charger or similar.
- Charging during off-peak hours reduces running costs and supports a greener, balanced grid.
- Businesses and homeowners can charge their vehicle more affordably with Pro EV’s expert charger installation and setup guidance.
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