Save money with a Cord charger and EV tariff

Best EV tariffs for your car

If you're like most drivers switching to an EV, pairing your Cord charger with the right energy tariff can slash your charging costs.

EV tariffs offer super-low off-peak rates, often under 9p/kWh, making overnight charging cheaper than daytime electricity.

For example, charging a Tesla Model 3 Long Range (75kWh battery) on an EV tariff might cost just ~£5.25–£5.90 on cheapest tariffs (e.g., 7–7.9p/kWh), versus £20+ on standard rates. The same goes for an MG4 EV Standard Range (51kWh) at £3-£5 or a Nissan Leaf e+ (62kWh) at £4-£6. 

Many tariffs require a smart meter, so check with your provider before switching. At Cord EV, our chargers work seamlessly with these tariffs to make EV ownership positively easy.

Best EV energy tariffs for home charging

With so many EV tariffs available, the "best" one depends on your usage, EV model, and home electricity usage.

Popular choices like Octopus Intelligent Go suit smart charging, but shop around—some allow off-peak energy for your whole house, while others are EV-only, so for example you could save on overall energy usage by scheduling energy hungry devices such as dishwashers and washing machines to work overnight. Always check for higher peak rates, standing charges, or exit fees. 

Below is our updated comparison table (prices correct as of September 2025; rates may vary by region/customer).

* Peak rates may vary for new/existing customers and locations. Prices as of November 2025; this is a guide only. Tariffs change frequently; check provider websites for latest rates.

How many hours will I need to charge my EV each week?

Charging time depends on your weekly mileage, EV efficiency (typically 3-4 miles per kWh), and charger speed (e.g., 7kW for Cord home models). Here's a real-world approximation for low, medium, and high mileage drivers, assuming 3.5 miles/kWh efficiency and a 7kW charger (net ~6.6kWh after losses). 

• Low Mileage (e.g., 100 miles/week – short commutes or city driving): Needs ~29 kWh. Charging time: About 4 hours/week. Ideal for occasional drivers—plug in 1-2 times weekly during off-peak for minimal hassle.
• Medium Mileage (e.g., 200 miles/week – average UK commuter): Needs ~57 kWh. Charging time: About 8 hours/week. Fits most families—charge overnight 2-3 times to stay topped up without daily worry.
• High Mileage (e.g., 400 miles/week – long-distance or fleet use): Needs ~114 kWh. Charging time: About 16 hours/week. For heavy users—plan multiple sessions or consider faster public charging to supplement.

These are estimates; actual times vary by battery size and driving conditions. Use our lookup tool for your specific EV.

How do EV tariffs / bolt ons work? 

Most EV tariffs are simple "off peak" energy tariffs, giving you cheaper energy during certain hours - usually overnight. Many EV chargers, including Cord, can be scheduled to charge during these hours, meaning you can charge your car for significantly less than during daytime or peak hours. This can dramatically reduce the running costs of an EV or hybrid vehicle compared to a petrol or diesel. 

Some energy providers offer "bolt ons" - these sit alongside your existing home tariff and are specific for EV usage. Examples are OVO Charge Anytime and EDF Smart Charging Bolt On.

Some EV tariffs such as Octopus Intelligent Go are "intelligent", which means that lower energy pricing may become available during the day. This will typically be when energy supply is plentiful and grid demand is low - especially on sunny and windy days! These can enable you to automatically charge your car when energy is cheapest. To do this, you'll need a compatible car. 

What do I need to look out for? 

Always check the small print! Whilst many off-peak energy tariffs offer many customers significant savings overall, peak rates can be higher as can standing charges. Always make sure you check the full detail of the tariff before signing up. Some tariffs also incur penalties for early exits.