Lower electricity prices for charging your electric vehicle.

Am I eligible for the Next Drive tariff?

To be eligible for our Next Drive tariff you need to have a smart meter that can send us half hourly updates on your energy use. This is so we can bill you for the right rate.

If you have a smart meter already, you can check how often you send us your data in your online account.

Don't have a smart meter yet? If your home is eligible to have one, we'll install it free of charge.

Two-rate and single-rate EV tariffs.

When you start to shop around, you will generally find EV energy tariffs fall into one of two categories:

• There's the "dynamic two-rate tariff", which charges different prices for peak and off-peak hours. You'll normally find that the off peak prices are much lower in these.

• Then there's the straightforward "single-rate tariff", which comes with consistent pricing throughout the day. These are not so common and you won't normally get the big discount during off peak charging that you do with two-rate tariffs. But equally, you won't be charged a top rate during peak hours.

Of course, the choice is yours, and you should choose one that fits in with your charging habits and lifestyle. Maybe you're after the flexibility and potential cost savings during off-peak hours.

Alternatively if you want the freedom to charge during peak hours without being penalised for it, then a single rate tariff might be best for you.

When is it cheaper to charge my EV with Next Drive?

With Next Drive, you'll get lower electricity prices for charging your electric vehicle at night, specifically between 12 am and 6 am off-peak hours. While you can charge your vehicle during the day, the rates will be closer to standard electricity rates.

Can I charge my EV on the standard variable tariff?

The short answer is yes, you can charge your vehicle on the standard variable tariff (SVT). However, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind:

Typically, SVTs can be more expensive than EV-specific tariffs. This is because they do not offer any specific benefits for EV charging, such as lower rates during off-peak hours.

You may be unable to take advantage of off-peak electricity prices if you charge your vehicle at night. This is because some electricity suppliers only offer off-peak rates for certain types of tariffs, such as dual-fuel.

Now if you only charge your car occasionally, if you only drive your vehicle for short trips or if you are happy to use (and have access to) public charging points, you may not feel the need for a dedicated EV tariff.

But then again, why would you not want to take advantage of everything an EV tariff has to offer, when switching to one is so easy?

How do I switch to an EV tariff?

Switching to an EV energy tariff like E.ON Next Drive is usually straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Assess your EV charging needs. Work out your average daily or weekly electricity consumption. This will help you choose the most suitable EV tariff based on your charging patterns.

• Compare EV tariffs. Utilise price comparison websites or energy supplier websites to compare various EV tariffs. Consider factors like unit rates, standing charges, and any additional benefits or incentives.

• Check eligibility. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the EV tariff you've chosen. This may involve having a smart meter, or a compatible EV charger.

• Contact your current energy supplier. Inform your current supplier of your intention to switch to an EV tariff. They may provide assistance with the switching process.

• Provide necessary information. Provide the new EV supplier with your account details, including your meter number, payment information, and any additional documents they may require.

• Finalise the switch. Confirm the switching date and ensure you receive any necessary notifications from your current and new suppliers.

• Monitor your energy bills. To make the most of your new EV tariff, monitor your energy bills to ensure you're paying less as expected.

Here are some additional tips for switching to an EV energy tariff.

• Consider peak and off-peak rates if your EV charging patterns allow for flexibility.

• Check for any renewable energy credentials or environmental commitments associated with the EV tariff.

• Take advantage of any government incentives or subsidies available for EV charging.

How do I schedule my car to start charging at the cheapest time to use electricity?

There are several ways to set the charging times for your electric car. Helpfully the cheaper charging time for our Next Drive tariff is the same every night, so you only have to set the charging time once.

You can schedule your charging by:

• Most electric cars allow you to set the charging times in the infotainment system.

• Your car may have a separate app to schedule charging.

• You can also set your car to charge from a certain time or to the charge the battery to a set level so it won't start charging straight away.

You can still plug the car in at off peak times, it just won't charge the car unless you set it to do so. And, you can still charge at other times to off-peak, it'll just cost you a bit more.