E.ON Next Drive Smart is one of the most accessible EV electricity tariffs in the UK. It charges 8p per kWh between midnight and 6am every day — a rate that matches Octopus Intelligent Go — and is compatible with every electric vehicle and every home charger brand. No compatibility checks, no app integrations, no charger brand restrictions.
For EV owners who want a reliable, straightforward overnight charging tariff from a major UK supplier, E.ON Next Drive Smart is a strong choice.
E.ON Next Drive Smart: Key Rates and Details
Off-peak rate: 8p/kWh
Off-peak window: Midnight to 6am (6 hours daily)
Rate applies to: Your whole home during the off-peak window
Peak daytime rate: Approximately 26.35p/kWh
EV compatibility: All EVs and plug-in hybrids
Charger compatibility: All home charger brands
Smart meter required: Yes — half-hourly data sharing
Contract type: Fixed for one year
Exit fee: Check current terms with E.ON at eonnext.com
Note: Tariff rates are subject to change. Always verify current rates directly with E.ON Next before switching.
E.ON Next Drive Smart vs E.ON Next Drive
E.ON offers two EV tariff variants under the Drive name:
E.ON Next Drive Smart — 8p/kWh overnight. This is the more competitive option and the one recommended for most drivers.
E.ON Next Drive (standard) — approximately 9p/kWh overnight. The same overnight window, slightly higher rate.
When comparing E.ON’s EV tariffs, always confirm which variant is being quoted. The Smart version is the lower-cost choice at the same window length.
How the Whole-Home Off-Peak Rate Works
E.ON Next Drive Smart applies the 8p/kWh rate to all electricity drawn from the grid during the midnight-to-6am window — not just your EV. This means you save on any overnight appliances too:
- Washing machine: a 2kWh cycle at 8p rather than 26p saves approximately 36p per wash
- Dishwasher: a 1.5kWh cycle saves approximately 27p per run
- Immersion heater: heating a full tank (5kWh) at 8p rather than 26p saves approximately 90p per heat
Households that shift washing, drying, and dishwashing to overnight can save a meaningful additional sum on top of EV charging savings.
How Much Can You Save?
At 8p/kWh overnight versus 24.67p/kWh on the Ofgem Q2 2026 standard variable rate, the per-unit saving is approximately 67%.
A driver covering 7,000 miles per year in an average EV consuming around 3.5 miles/kWh:
- Annual charging requirement: approximately 2,000 kWh
- Annual cost at standard rate (24.67p): approximately £493
- Annual cost at E.ON Next Drive Smart (8p): approximately £160
- Annual saving on EV charging: approximately £333
E.ON’s own estimates put annual savings at approximately £440, which accounts for additional household overnight consumption also benefiting from the lower rate.
These are illustrative estimates based on the Q2 2026 price cap and a typical usage profile. Actual savings depend on current tariff rates and your vehicle’s real-world efficiency.
Which EVs Work with E.ON Next Drive Smart?
Every EV and plug-in hybrid currently on sale in the UK qualifies for E.ON Next Drive Smart. This includes vehicles that are not supported for direct API integration with other smart tariffs:
- Polestar 2 — not on the Octopus Intelligent Go list; E.ON Next Drive Smart works without any integration
- Kia EV6, EV9, Niro EV — not on the Octopus list; E.ON accepts all
- Hyundai IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, Kona EV — same
- MG4, MG ZS EV — same
- All legacy EVs — any EV registered in the UK qualifies
For drivers with Tesla, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, and other vehicles that do have Octopus Intelligent Go compatibility, E.ON Next Drive Smart delivers the same per-unit overnight rate without any setup complexity. Some drivers prefer the simplicity of a single timer over the app integration required for Octopus.
Setting Up Charging on E.ON Next Drive Smart
No smart charger integration is required. You simply set a charging timer on your vehicle or charger to align with the midnight-to-6am window.
Via your car’s app or infotainment: Most EVs support scheduled charging. Set the charge to start at midnight (or set a departure time of 7am and let the car calculate the optimal start). This runs every night automatically.
Via your charger’s app: Any smart charger allows schedule setting via its companion app. Set the charge window to midnight–6am.
Once set, E.ON’s tariff billing does the rest — you are charged 8p/kWh for all electricity consumed during the window.
Do You Need a Smart Charger?
No. E.ON Next Drive Smart works with:
- Standard 3-pin EVSE cables
- Basic 7kW home chargers without app connectivity
- Any smart charger
The only requirement is a smart meter. Your charger type does not affect tariff eligibility.
That said, a smart charger brings practical advantages: remote schedule adjustments, energy consumption monitoring, solar integration (via Zappi or similar), and load balancing. Our home EV charger reviews cover the best options currently available.
How to Switch to E.ON Next Drive Smart
- Confirm your smart meter status. If you do not have one, contact E.ON — they will install it free of charge.
- Get a quote at eonnext.com. Enter your postcode and current energy details.
- Sign up online. E.ON handles the switch from your current supplier.
- Switching takes approximately five working days. You do not need to contact your old supplier.
- Once live, set your overnight charging timer. Start at midnight, end before 6am, or use a departure time on your car or charger app.
Comparing E.ON Next Drive Smart with Other EV Tariffs
| Tariff | Off-peak rate | Window | All EVs? | Automation? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E.ON Next Drive Smart | 8p/kWh | Midnight–6am (6h) | Yes | Timer-based |
| Octopus Intelligent Go | 8p/kWh | 11:30pm–5:30am (6h) | Partial | Fully automated |
| British Gas EV Power | 9p/kWh | Midnight–5am (5h) | Yes | No |
| EDF GoElectric | 6.99p/kWh | 11pm–6am (7h) | Yes | No |
E.ON Next Drive Smart’s main advantage over Octopus Intelligent Go is universal compatibility — no vehicle list to check, no charger brand requirements. Its main advantage over British Gas EV Power is the lower unit rate (8p vs 9p) and the longer overnight window (six hours vs five).
EDF GoElectric’s seven-hour window and 6.99p/kWh rate may suit large-battery, high-mileage drivers who benefit from the extra hour.
For a full comparison of all current EV tariffs, see our EV tariff comparison hub and EV smart tariff guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E.ON Next Drive Smart off-peak rate? 8p/kWh from midnight to 6am every day, applying to the whole home. This rate is fixed for the duration of the one-year contract. Always verify the current rate at eonnext.com before switching.
Is E.ON Next Drive Smart compatible with all electric vehicles? Yes. All EVs and plug-in hybrids qualify, with no charger brand restrictions. This makes it a particularly strong option for drivers whose vehicles are not on the Octopus Intelligent Go compatibility list.
Do I need a smart charger to use E.ON Next Drive Smart? No. Any home charger or 3-pin cable qualifies. You set a charging timer on your car or existing charger and the tariff applies automatically during the midnight-to-6am window.
How long does switching to E.ON Next Drive Smart take? Approximately five working days from sign-up. E.ON handles the transfer from your current supplier. You do not need to contact your old supplier.
What is the daytime rate on E.ON Next Drive Smart? Approximately 26.35p/kWh. This is the rate you pay for electricity outside the midnight-to-6am off-peak window. As with all time-of-use tariffs, if you use a lot of electricity during the day, check the full tariff economics before switching.
Key Takeaways
- E.ON Next Drive Smart offers 8p/kWh from midnight to 6am, applying to the whole home, and is compatible with every EV and every charger brand in the UK.
- No app integration or smart charger is required — set a timer on your car or charger once and benefit from the overnight rate every night.
- Estimated annual saving: approximately £440 versus the Q2 2026 standard variable tariff, for a driver covering 7,000 miles per year.
- E.ON Next Drive Smart matches Octopus Intelligent Go on per-unit rate and outperforms it on universal compatibility.
- The tariff is fixed for one year; always verify current rates at eonnext.com before committing.
Useful Resources
E.ON Next — Drive Smart tariff
https://www.eonnext.com/tariffs/next-drive/smart
Ofgem — Energy price cap
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/
Energy Saving Trust — Smart charging for electric vehicles
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/smart-charging-electric-vehicles/