EV tariffs: the cheap window explained
An EV tariff gives a very cheap rate, about 8.45c to 8.84c a kWh, for a short window at night: most run from 2am to 5am, some from 2am to 4am or 2am to 6am, and one from 11pm to 5am. The catch is the rest of the day: day rates and standing charges on EV plans can be higher, so compare the whole bill.
How they work, what they save, and the catch in the day rate.
Free, no obligation. One registered electrician prices a charger, not five.
- 8.84ca kWh in a typical cheap window
- 2am–5amthe most common window
- 2 to 6 hourshow long the windows run
- Smart meterneeded for an EV plan
What to check
- The window. 2, 3, 4 or 6 hours, and when it starts.
- The cheap rate in that window.
- The day rate for everything else in the house.
- The standing charge.
- A smart meter. EV and time-of-use plans need one.
What will charging cost you?
Four quick taps. You see your yearly cost at home, the cost per 100 km and the saving against petrol and diesel. Your number is only asked for at the end, if you want a price.
A Tesla Model Y doing 15,000 km a year on a night rate: about €407 a year at home, against about €1,783 for a petrol car.
How this is worked out
The energy is your car's real-world use per km, plus a tenth for what's lost while charging. The unit rates include VAT: a standard 24-hour rate of 34.38c a kWh, a night rate of 15.42c, and an EV tariff's cheap window at 8.84c. Standing charges are left out. Petrol and diesel are at pump prices of about €1.98 and €2.15 a litre. It's a guide to plan with; your own bill has your rates.
What an EV window saves over a night rate
| Car | Per 100 km, night rate | Per 100 km, EV window | Saved a year, 15,000 km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | €2.71 | €1.56 | €174 |
| Tesla Model 3 | €2.29 | €1.31 | €147 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | €3.09 | €1.77 | €198 |
| Toyota bZ4X | €2.99 | €1.71 | €191 |
| Skoda Elroq | €2.88 | €1.65 | €185 |
| Kia EV3 | €2.90 | €1.66 | €186 |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | €2.88 | €1.65 | €185 |
| Renault 5 | €2.68 | €1.54 | €172 |
| Nissan Leaf | €2.83 | €1.62 | €181 |
Before the day rate and standing charge. A home charger is what fits a day's driving in a short window.
Home Car Chargers guides & price breakdowns
Straight answers to what people ask most: itemised costs, specifications, planning or grants, and what to check before you book.
More guides & resources: All guides & calculator hub · Technical & trade glossary · Frequently asked questions · Charging times by car · 3-pin plug or charger · Installers by county · Claiming the grant · No driveway?
Questions people ask
What is an EV tariff?
An EV tariff gives a very cheap rate, about 8.45c to 8.84c a kWh, for a short window at night: most run from 2am to 5am, some from 2am to 4am or 2am to 6am, and one from 11pm to 5am. The catch is the rest of the day: day rates and standing charges on EV plans can be higher, so compare the whole bill.
Do I need a smart meter for an EV tariff?
Yes. EV and other time-of-use plans need a smart meter.
Is an EV tariff always cheaper?
Not always. If the day rate and standing charge are higher, a household that uses a lot in the day can pay more overall. Compare the whole bill.
Home Car Chargers across all 26 counties
Requests from all 26 counties go to one vetted local specialist who covers your county — from Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick to Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Waterford and Donegal. Pick your county below for local prices, specifications and advice.
What will yours cost?
Four taps to your yearly cost at home and the saving on petrol. Then, if you want, one registered electrician who fits home chargers in your county rings with a price for a charger.