EV Home Charging Costs in the UK 2026
Updated: May 2026 — Power Guardian UK Editorial Team
Charging an EV at home is the cheapest way to drive in 2026 — but only if you pick the right tariff. Here's the real cost per mile.
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Cost per mile by tariff
| Tariff | Unit rate used | Cost per kWh | Cost per mile (3.5 mi/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard cap (anytime) | 27p | 27p | 7.7p |
| Economy 7 (overnight) | 14p | 14p | 4.0p |
| Octopus Intelligent Go | 7p (off-peak) | 7p | 2.0p |
| Public rapid charger | 75p | 75p | 21.4p |
| Petrol (45 mpg @ £1.40/L) | — | — | 14.1p |
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Cost to fully charge popular EVs at home
| Car | Battery size | Standard tariff | Octopus Go (7p) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG4 | 64 kWh | £17.28 | £4.48 |
| Tesla Model Y | 75 kWh | £20.25 | £5.25 |
| Ford Capri EV | 77 kWh | £20.79 | £5.39 |
| BMW i4 | 84 kWh | £22.68 | £5.88 |
| Kia EV9 | 99 kWh | £26.73 | £6.93 |
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Annual cost (10,000 miles/year)
| Tariff | Annual electricity cost |
|---|---|
| Standard cap | £770 |
| Economy 7 (mostly overnight) | £400 |
| Octopus Intelligent Go | £200 |
| Public rapid only | £2,140 |
| Petrol equivalent | £1,410 |
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Bottom line: Switching to a dedicated EV tariff saves a typical driver £500–£1,200/year vs a standard tariff.
Does charging slowly save money?
No — energy used is the same. Slow charging (3kW) is just gentler on the battery long-term.
Should I get a smart charger?
Yes — most EV tariffs (Octopus Intelligent Go, OVO Charge Anytime) require a compatible smart charger to unlock the cheap rate.
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- Ofgem price cap (April 2026)
- DESNZ household energy statistics 2026
- Power Guardian UK editorial analysis
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