Ecotricity is the UK’s oldest dedicated green electricity supplier, founded in 1996 by Dale Vince. Long before other suppliers marketed renewable tariffs, Ecotricity was building wind turbines and supplying homes from its own generation fleet. Their Green EV Tariff brings that green heritage to the EV charging market, offering a competitive 8p/kWh overnight rate alongside 100% renewable electricity.
For drivers who want to combine low-cost home charging with genuine environmental credentials, Ecotricity is one of the strongest options alongside Good Energy.
Green EV Tariff — how it works
Ecotricity’s Green EV Tariff is a whole-home time-of-use tariff. You pay a reduced rate of 8p/kWh during an overnight off-peak window — set your charger or EV timer to charge during those hours, and the cheaper rate applies to all your home’s electricity consumption overnight.
There is no smart dispatch. Scheduling is managed manually using your car or charger’s built-in timer. A SMETS2 smart meter is required for the tariff to operate correctly.
The renewable energy case
Ecotricity’s green credentials are well-established and independently verified. They:
- Supply 100% renewable electricity to all customers
- Generate electricity from their own wind farms and solar projects across the UK
- Have been a pioneer in green energy since before it became mainstream
- Built and operate the Electric Highway — the UK’s largest motorway charging network
The last point is particularly relevant for EV drivers. While the Electric Highway public charging rates are not discounted for home tariff customers, having a supplier that has invested directly in public EV charging infrastructure signals a genuine commitment to the EV transition.
Ecotricity’s sourcing is more invested in actual UK green generation than many suppliers who simply purchase REGOs (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin) to back up renewable claims without owning any generation assets.
Rate comparison
At 8p/kWh, Ecotricity’s overnight rate is competitive and matches Octopus Intelligent Octopus Go and E.ON Next Drive Smart:
| Provider | Off-peak | Peak | Renewable | Smart dispatch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| So Energy SO EV | 6.5p/kWh | 27.82p/kWh | No | No |
| Ecotricity Green EV | 8p/kWh | 31.67p/kWh | Yes | No |
| Octopus Intelligent Go | 8p/kWh | 33.72p/kWh | Yes | Yes |
| E.ON Next Drive Smart | 8p/kWh | 28.25p/kWh | Yes | Yes |
| Good Energy EV Charge | 9p/kWh | 32.52p/kWh | Yes | No |
Ecotricity’s 31.67p/kWh peak rate is its main weakness. It is higher than E.ON Next (28.25p) and EDF (25.66p), though slightly cheaper than Octopus’s 33.72p/kWh peak.
Who is the Green EV Tariff best for?
Ecotricity suits EV drivers for whom renewable energy and environmental impact are genuine priorities alongside cost:
- Drivers who want to verify that their EV miles are genuinely green
- Households that prefer a supplier with its own UK generation rather than paper-only renewable claims
- Drivers who value Ecotricity’s long history and track record in green energy
- Those who want a competitive overnight rate without paying the premium that some specialist green tariffs charge
Who should look elsewhere?
If cost is the overriding priority, So Energy (6.5p overnight) and Outfox (7.7p) both undercut Ecotricity on off-peak rate without the green premium. E.ON Next Drive Smart matches the 8p overnight rate with a significantly lower peak rate and adds smart dispatch.
If smart dispatch automation is important, Octopus Intelligent Octopus Go or E.ON Next Drive Smart are the options. Ecotricity does not offer automated scheduling.
Charger and vehicle compatibility
The Green EV Tariff works with any home EV charger and any electric vehicle. There are no smart dispatch integration requirements. You need a SMETS2 smart meter, which Ecotricity can arrange free of charge.
Ecotricity as a supplier
Ecotricity is a smaller supplier by customer count, but they are one of the most established and trusted names in UK green energy. Their digital tools are functional but less advanced than Octopus’s. Customer support is available by phone and online. The Electric Highway gives them a level of physical EV infrastructure that most energy suppliers don’t have.
Our verdict on Ecotricity Green EV Tariff
Ecotricity’s Green EV Tariff is a strong option for environmentally motivated EV drivers who want a competitive overnight rate and verified renewable electricity from a supplier with genuine green generation assets.
The 31.67p/kWh peak rate is higher than the best alternatives, which is the main reason it doesn’t rank ahead of E.ON Next or EDF for cost-only analysis. But for drivers who weigh environmental credentials alongside cost, Ecotricity’s combination of 8p overnight, 100% renewable electricity, and long green heritage makes it one of the most credible options in the market.
How Ecotricity compares
See how this tariff stacks up against the best alternatives.
| Tariff | Off-peak | Peak | Window | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green EV Tariff Ecotricity | 8p/kWh | 31.67p/kWh | Off-peak overnight | Switch |
| EV Charge Good Energy | 9p/kWh | 32.52p/kWh | Overnight off-peak | View |
| Intelligent Octopus Go Octopus Energy | 8p/kWh | 33.72p/kWh | Smart dispatch (typically 11pm–5am) | View |
| Drive Smart E.ON Next | 8p/kWh | 28.25p/kWh | Smart dispatch | View |
Rates correct as of April 2026. Always check with providers before switching.
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