How to choose an EV tariff for home charging
Look beyond the night rate and compare driving demand, compatibility, daytime cost and standing charges.
Reviewed 5 August 2026 · CoolCompare Editorial
Convert miles into home electricity
Divide annual miles by real vehicle efficiency in miles per kWh, then allow for charging losses. Subtract energy expected from work or public charging. This produces a home-charging demand that can be tested against each tariff.
Do not assume every charge will occur at the cheapest rate. Urgent daytime boosts, travel patterns and smart-schedule limits can change the blended price.
Check the expensive hours
An attractive overnight rate can be offset by a higher daytime unit rate. Model all household electricity, not only the car, and include the daily standing charge for the full year.
Households with batteries, immersion heaters or appliances that can shift may benefit more from the window. Those with high evening cooking or electric heating demand need a cautious whole-home model.
Compatibility is part of the tariff
Smart EV products may require a compatible vehicle or charger, a communicating smart meter and successful app integration. Check the current compatibility list before changing supplier or buying hardware.
Record exit terms, fixed or variable status and what happens when the promotional or contract period ends. Keep screenshots or PDFs of the rates accepted at signup.