E.ON Next has reduced the overnight electricity rate on its Next Drive Smart tariff from 8p to 6.5p per kWh, which the energy supplier says is the lowest off-peak rate currently available in the UK market.
The new rate took effect on October 27 and applies to electricity consumed between midnight and 6am. Unlike tariffs that offer discounted prices exclusively for electric vehicle (EV) charging, Next Drive Smart applies the lower rate to a household’s entire electricity consumption during the qualifying period.
Customers can therefore use the cheaper overnight window to charge their vehicles and operate household appliances, including washing machines and dishwashers.
Smart Charging Requires Compatible Equipment
Next Drive Smart is available to customers with a compatible EV and home charger, alongside a smart meter capable of recording electricity consumption at half-hourly intervals.
Customers must use the E.ON Next Home app to schedule smart charging sessions and access the discounted rate.
Electricity consumed outside the qualifying overnight period is charged at the standard daytime rate, currently 34.0p per kWh. Charging sessions initiated through the app’s boost function are also subject to the standard rate.
E.ON Next has also reduced the off-peak price on its Next Drive Fixed tariff, cutting it from 9p to 8.5p per kWh.
Unlike the Smart tariff, the Fixed option guarantees its discounted overnight rate for 12 months. Both tariffs are available without exit fees.
E.ON Next Estimates Annual Charging Savings
The supplier estimates that drivers could save an average of £476 annually with Next Drive Smart or £428 with Next Drive Fixed compared with charging at the current energy price cap.
The estimates assume annual driving of 8,000 miles and average vehicle efficiency of 3.33 miles per kWh. Actual savings will depend on individual driving patterns, vehicle efficiency and electricity consumption.
E.ON said:
“As drivers face higher fuel prices at the pumps, E.ON Next is enabling EV drivers with a home charger to access low-cost charging at home. By shifting EV charging into the overnight window, customers can take advantage of the lower rate, which means lower energy bills without using less energy overall.”
Free Zoom EV Subscription Included
Customers signing up for the tariffs can also receive a complimentary one-year subscription to Zoom EV.
According to E.ON Next, the subscription provides access to benefits and discounts covering public charging, parking and car hire. It also includes a one-off donation to the Woodland Trust.
The latest price reductions reflect growing competition among UK energy suppliers to attract EV owners through dedicated home-charging tariffs. By extending discounted electricity rates to all household consumption during overnight hours, E.ON Next is also targeting customers looking to shift more of their energy use away from peak-price periods.