British Gas is the UK’s largest household energy supplier by customer count, and their dedicated EV tariff is an accessible entry point for existing British Gas customers wanting to reduce home charging costs. And with a 25p/kWh peak rate, currently the lowest of any major EV tariff, it now stands up well against the specialist tariffs from Octopus, E.ON Next, and EDF rather than trading purely on convenience.
This review gives you the full picture of what the British Gas EV Tariff offers, who it suits, and whether you should look elsewhere.
How the British Gas EV Tariff works
The British Gas EV Tariff is a whole-home time-of-use tariff. You get a cheaper rate during a defined overnight window — set your EV charger or car timer to charge within that window and the reduced rate applies to everything your home consumes during those hours.
The current off-peak rate is 9p/kWh. The exact overnight window varies by region and meter type, so confirm the specific hours with British Gas before switching.
A British Gas electricity smart meter is required. If you’re an existing British Gas customer and don’t yet have one, they will arrange installation free of charge.
Hive EV Charger integration
British Gas promotes the tariff alongside their Hive EV Charger, which integrates with the Hive smart home system. Through the Hive app you can set charging schedules, monitor charging progress, and set departure times for your vehicle.
The integration is seamless if you’re already in the Hive ecosystem. However, unlike Octopus Intelligent Octopus Go, the scheduling does not use smart dispatch — you set the overnight window manually, and the tariff applies during those hours.
If you don’t already own a Hive EV Charger, the integration benefit requires an upfront hardware purchase. Other chargers will still work with the tariff (the cheap rate applies to all consumption in the overnight window), but without the scheduling features.
Rates in context
At 9p/kWh overnight and 25p/kWh peak, the British Gas EV Tariff is priced competitively on both sides of the ledger. The overnight rate sits 1p above the cheapest smart tariffs, but the peak rate is the lowest in our comparison:
| Metric | British Gas | Octopus Int. Go | E.ON Next Drive Smart | EDF GoElectric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-peak | 9p/kWh | 8p/kWh | 8p/kWh | 9p/kWh |
| Peak | 25p/kWh | 33.72p/kWh | 27.76p/kWh | 26.69p/kWh |
| Smart dispatch | No | Yes | Yes | No |
The 25p/kWh peak rate is 8.72p cheaper than Octopus on peak; a meaningful saving if you use a lot of daytime electricity, and it now undercuts EDF’s 26.69p/kWh too.
Who is the British Gas EV Tariff best for?
The tariff suits existing British Gas customers who want to add EV charging savings with minimal friction. Switching within British Gas avoids the hassle of changing supplier entirely, and British Gas’s customer service is well-established.
It is also a reasonable option for Hive ecosystem households who want integrated app-based scheduling without moving away from a familiar platform.
Who should look elsewhere?
If your household uses little daytime electricity and you charge purely overnight, a lower off-peak rate matters more than the day rate. Octopus Intelligent Go and E.ON Next Drive Smart both charge 8p/kWh overnight with smart dispatch, and either will edge out British Gas for pure overnight chargers.
The 52p/day standing charge is also high — it’s worth factoring this into any full cost comparison.
Customer experience
British Gas’s customer support is extensive, with phone, live chat, and in-app options. The Hive app is polished and well-maintained, with strong smart home integration. For customers who prioritise a familiar, full-featured app over specialist EV features, the experience is positive.
Our verdict on the British Gas EV Tariff
The British Gas EV Tariff is a competent but not outstanding option. It will save money compared to a standard variable tariff, and the Hive integration is a genuine convenience for compatible households. The 25p/kWh peak rate is now the lowest of any major EV tariff, and while the 9p overnight rate can be beaten by 1p at the smart dispatch tariffs, the overall rate shape is one of the strongest in the market.
If you’re an existing British Gas customer, this tariff is now an easy recommendation. If you charge overnight only and never use much daytime power, compare it against the 8p smart dispatch tariffs before deciding.
How British Gas compares
See how this tariff stacks up against the best alternatives.
| Tariff | Off-peak | Peak | Window | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV Tariff British Gas | 9p/kWh | 25p/kWh | Off-peak overnight | Switch |
| Intelligent Octopus Go Octopus Energy | 8p/kWh | 33.72p/kWh | Smart dispatch (typically 11pm–5am) | View |
| Drive Smart E.ON Next | 8p/kWh | 27.76p/kWh | Smart dispatch | View |
| GoElectric Overnight EDF Energy | 9p/kWh | 26.69p/kWh | 00:00–05:00 daily | View |
Rates correct as of April 2026. Always check with providers before switching.
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