ScottishPower EV Tariff Review
Finding the right energy tariff for charging at home can make a huge difference to the cost of running your electric vehicle (EV). ScottishPower has launched the EV Saver Tariff and EV Optimise add-on, designed to help drivers reduce their costs by charging their electric cars overnight when electricity is at its cheapest. But how do these EV tariffs actually work, and are they worth switching to compared with a standard variable tariff?
This review explores the details of the ScottishPower tariff offers, looks at real user experiences, and helps you decide whether it’s the right fit for charging your EV.
What Is the ScottishPower EV Saver Tariff?
The EV Saver Tariff is a time-of-use tariff that offers lower-priced car charging at night, at a lower cost than charging during the day. The off-peak block is from midnight until 5 am (though subject to variation for GMT/BST), meaning that if you can consistently charge up during these times, you will earn among the lowest rates. You will require a smart meter that’s capable of transmitting half-hourly readings and paying according to that. However, ScottishPower suggests that the possible savings could be in the hundreds of pounds annually, compared to staying on a standard variable tariff. The best part is that the tariff is compatible with any brand of untethered or tethered EV charger, allowing you to integrate easily with your setup. It’s a good and straightforward option for drivers who prefer stable, fixed savings but don’t mind coordinating their at-home charging around the off-peak slot.
EV Optimise – The Flexible Add-On
ScottishPower also offers EV Optimise, an add-on to the EV Saver Tariff that uses the ScottishPower app to control when your car charges. You set your ready-by time in the app, and the system automatically schedules charging when electricity is greenest and cheapest.
- Designed for drivers who can’t always plug in right at midnight
- Smart scheduling adapts charging times across the night
- Helps support the grid by balancing demand
- Powered by renewable energy
For those with variable routines, EV Optimise can offer greater flexibility than a fixed off-peak window.
Eligibility and Requirements
Not every household can join the EV Saver Tariff straight away. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A smart meter installation capable of half-hourly data reporting (single-rate or multi-rate).
- An online account with ScottishPower to manage your tariff and payments.
- A compatible EV charger or charging cable (any standard charger works, you don’t need a ScottishPower-specific model).
- A home where you can safely charge your EV overnight.
If you don’t have a smart meter, ScottishPower will arrange for a smart meter installation to be installed free of charge.
Costs, Savings and Real-World Examples
The main appeal of the EV Saver Tariff is the off-peak rate. By charging between midnight and 5am, your electric car could cost just a few pence per mile to run, significantly cheaper than petrol, diesel, or a standard daytime rate.
For example:
- A 60kWh battery charged fully on a standard tariff might cost £15–£20.
- On the EV Saver, the same charge could cost less than £5.
Even if you occasionally top up during peak hours, most drivers still see their electric vehicle costs fall by 40–60% compared to a standard variable tariff.
Pros and Cons of the ScottishPower EV Tariffs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheaper overnight charging window (midnight–5am) | Savings depend on charging discipline; if you can’t charge at night, benefits shrink |
| Renewable energy supply supports greener driving | Reliance on a single-rate smart meter means daytime use is billed at the higher rate |
| Smart meter installation is free of charge if you don’t already have one | Some users report glitches with the ScottishPower app under EV Optimise |
| Compatible with all electric cars and EV chargers | Tariff is not always widely available; places may be limited |
How It Compares to Other EV Tariffs
Compared with other suppliers such as Octopus or EDF, ScottishPower’s EV tariffs hold their own but are not as flexible. Octopus Intelligent allows you to smart-schedule at any time of the night, rather than being restricted to a set window, while EDF’s GoElectric provides a lower overnight rate, plus an additional discounted slot at any time of day. ScottishPower’s EV Saver is uncomplicated and easy to follow, but it provides only five hours of off-peak charging between midnight and 5:00 a.m. It all depends on your driving regime, the size of your electric car’s battery, and your ability to charge at night reliably.
Members on forums such as MoneySavingExpert and SpeakEV have different experiences of ScottishPower’s rates for EVs. Positively, there are those who appreciate the uniformity of always having the cheapest rate from midnight until 5 a.m. However, there are issues too; members complain that ScottishPower’s app and its EV Optimise feature don’t automatically invoke charging as programmed more often than expected, while others question the rate’s availability. Taking a view of official data as well as these real-world experiences will give you a better-rounded picture, giving you a more informed choice.
Is the ScottishPower EV Tariff Right for You?
If you have a smart meter and frequently park your car at home overnight, the EV Saver Tariff could generate substantial savings per year compared to a typical variable tariff. If your usage is more variable, then perhaps the EV Optimise add-on offer will suit your needs.
Finally, the ScottishPower EV prices are ideal for drivers who charge at home most of the time, who wish to promote renewable sources of energy, but do not require monitoring their usage through an online account or an app offered by ScottishPower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a smart meter to join the EV Saver Tariff?
Yes. You’ll need a single-rate smart meter that can send half-hourly readings and pay on that basis.
Is smart meter installation free?
Yes, ScottishPower will install one free of charge if you don’t already have one.
Can I use the discounted rate for both appliances and charging my EV?
Yes, any electricity used between midnight and 5am is billed at the off-peak rate.
What happens if I charge outside midnight to 5am?
You’ll be billed at the higher daytime rate, similar to a standard variable tariff.
Does the tariff use renewable energy?
Yes, ScottishPower supplies 100% renewable energy on its EV tariffs.
Pro EV Smart Charger Installations for the ScottishPower EV Saver Tariff
The ScottishPower EV Saver Tariff is a straightforward, competitive offering for those who charge their electric vehicles mostly at home and can take advantage of the midnight–5 am slot. And with smart charging also available from EV Optimise, as well as a free smart meter installation if you choose that option, it’s a perfect way to keep your costs down while facilitating a cleaner, renewables-led grid. To get the best out of your tariff, you will also need a reliable installation of your home-based EV charger; that’s where Pro EV comes in.
Our expert team will be able to offer and install a compliant, smart-capable EV charger that integrates with ScottishPower’s tariff offers, enabling you to schedule your charge easily, bypass peak rates, and track your energy usage. When you pair your suitable tariff with an expert installation of your charger, you have a future-proof solution that keeps your electric vehicle (EV) on the road economically and sustainably.
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