EV Charging Cost UK 2026 Home vs Public Charging Prices
Charging an EV at home in the UK costs approximately 9p per mile at the standard 34p/kWh rate, or just 4p per mile on an Economy 7 overnight tariff. Public rapid charging is significantly more expensive at 70-79p/kWh (18-25p/mile). Compared to petrol at 16-20p/mile, even standard home charging saves money — and overnight charging cuts costs by 75% versus petrol.
Home Charging Cost Breakdown
For a typical EV (3.8 miles per kWh efficiency, e.g., Tesla Model 3, Hyundai IONIQ 5): Standard tariff (34p/kWh): 34p ÷ 3.8 = 9.0p/mile. Full charge (60 kWh): £20.40. Annual (10,000 miles): £900. Economy 7 off-peak (15p/kWh): 15p ÷ 3.8 = 3.9p/mile. Full charge: £9.00. Annual: £395. Octopus Intelligent Go (7.5p/kWh): 7.5p ÷ 3.8 = 2.0p/mile. Full charge: £4.50. Annual: £197. Petrol comparison (35 MPG, 145p/litre): ~19p/mile. Annual: £1,900. Home charging saves £1,000-1,700/year versus petrol depending on your tariff.
Public Charging Costs UK
Public charging is significantly more expensive than home: Slow/destination (7-22 kW): 40-55p/kWh → 11-14p/mile. Often free at supermarkets (Tesco, Lidl, Aldi). Rapid (50 kW): 60-70p/kWh → 16-18p/mile. Polar, BP Pulse, Osprey. Ultra-rapid (100-350 kW): 70-79p/kWh → 18-21p/mile. IONITY, Gridserve, Tesla Supercharger. Subscription savings: BP Pulse subscription (£7.85/month) reduces rates by 5-10p/kWh. Osprey offers similar subscription discounts. Free charging at supermarkets can save £200-400/year if used regularly.
OZEV Home Charging Grant
The UK government's OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme provides up to £350 towards home charger installation for eligible applicants. As of 2026, eligibility includes: renters and leaseholders, residents of flats and apartments, and homeowners with off-street parking. The grant covers the cost of a dedicated home charging unit (7kW) and basic installation. Apply through an OZEV-approved installer. Popular chargers: Ohme Home Pro (£899), Pod Point Solo 3S (£959), Zappi v2 (£999), Tesla Wall Connector (£480 + installation).
Best EV Tariffs in the UK
Octopus Intelligent Go: 7.5p/kWh overnight (11:30pm-5:30am) for EV charging. Requires a compatible charger (Ohme, Tesla, Zappi) and Octopus Energy account. The best EV tariff available. Octopus Go: 12p/kWh overnight (12:30am-4:30am). Available without a smart charger. OVO Charge Anytime: ~8p/kWh overnight for qualifying EVs. Economy 7: ~15p/kWh for 7 overnight hours. Available from most suppliers. British Gas Electric Driver: EV-specific tariff with lower overnight rates. All EV tariffs require a smart meter.
| Charging Method | Rate | Cost/Mile | Annual Cost | vs Petrol Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Int. Go | 7.5p/kWh | 2.0p/mi | £197 | £1,689 |
| Economy 7 | 15p/kWh | 3.9p/mi | £395 | £1,491 |
| Standard Home | 34p/kWh | 9.0p/mi | £895 | £991 |
| Public Slow | 50p/kWh | 13p/mi | £1,316 | £570 |
| Public Rapid | 70p/kWh | 18p/mi | £1,842 | £44 |
| Petrol (35 MPG) | 145p/L | 19p/mi | £1,886 | — |
Annual Fuel Cost: EV vs Petrol
For 10,000 miles per year: EV on Octopus Intelligent Go (7.5p): £197/year. EV on Economy 7 (15p): £395/year. EV on standard tariff (34p): £895/year. EV on public rapid only (70p): £1,842/year. Petrol car (35 MPG, 145p/L): £1,886/year. Diesel car (45 MPG, 152p/L): £1,537/year. Home charging on an EV tariff saves £1,100-1,700/year vs petrol. Even on a standard tariff, EVs save nearly £1,000/year in fuel costs.
Disclaimer: For educational reference only. Consult a licensed professional.