For many electric vehicle owners, home charging is already cheaper and more convenient than relying on public charge points. However, the tariff you use can make a significant difference to your overall running costs.
In Redhill and across Surrey, drivers can potentially reduce charging costs by using a smart electric vehicle tariff and scheduling charging during off-peak periods. With the right combination of tariff, charger and electrical installation, overnight charging can cost substantially less than charging during the day.
This guide explains how smart tariffs work in 2026, how they compare with Economy 7, and what Redhill homeowners should consider when installing a home charging point.
What is a smart EV tariff?
A smart EV tariff is a time-of-use electricity tariff designed to encourage electricity consumption when demand is lower or renewable generation is more readily available.
Instead of charging the same unit rate throughout the day, you may pay:
- A lower rate during specific overnight or off-peak periods
- A higher rate during peak daytime hours
- A standard standing charge
- Potentially different rates depending on your region, supplier and payment method
Some smart tariffs go further by communicating with your electric vehicle or smart charger. You tell the app when you need the car ready and the required charge level. The system then schedules charging automatically during the cheapest available periods.
For example, Intelligent Octopus Go currently advertises smart charging from around 8p per kWh, with six hours of cheap home energy between approximately 11:30pm and 5:30am. EDF’s GoElectric tariff advertises seven hours of off-peak electricity between 11pm and 6am, with rates subject to the current tariff terms.
Rates can change, so always check the supplier’s latest quote, peak rate and standing charge before switching.
Smart tariffs versus Economy 7 in Surrey
Economy 7 has traditionally been a popular option for households with storage heaters, electric water heating or other overnight demand. It provides seven hours of cheaper electricity, usually overnight, with a higher daytime rate.
It can still be suitable for some homes in Redhill. However, a dedicated smart EV tariff may offer greater flexibility and better value for drivers who regularly charge at home.
Economy 7 may be suitable if:
- You already use storage heaters or an electric immersion heater
- Your existing Economy 7 night rate is competitive
- You do not have a compatible smart meter or charger
- You prefer to control charging manually
- You use very little electricity during the day
A smart EV tariff may be better if:
- You charge your electric car several times each week
- You have a compatible EV, smart charger and smart meter
- You want your car to charge automatically
- You can move household electricity use into cheaper periods
- You want to benefit from additional smart charging windows
The most important comparison is not simply the advertised night rate. Look at the whole tariff, including the daytime unit rate, standing charge, eligibility conditions and whether the cheaper rate applies to the entire home or only the vehicle.
How much could Redhill drivers save?
The exact saving depends on your mileage, battery size, driving efficiency and tariff. However, the difference can be significant.
Suppose your EV uses approximately 29 kWh to travel 100 miles:
| Charging rate | Approximate cost for 100 miles |
|---|---|
| 8p per kWh | £2.32 |
| 15p per kWh | £4.35 |
| 30p per kWh | £8.70 |
These are illustrative figures and do not include charging losses. Your actual cost will vary depending on the vehicle and tariff.
A driver travelling 10,000 miles per year could use roughly 2,860 kWh if the car averages 3.5 miles per kWh. Charging at 8p per kWh would cost approximately £229 for the electricity used, before losses and standing charges. Charging the same energy at 30p per kWh would cost approximately £858.
This is why choosing the right tariff and installing a reliable home charger can be worthwhile for regular commuters travelling from Redhill, Earlswood, Merstham, Salfords or surrounding Surrey areas.
How to schedule EV charging effectively
Smart charging is most effective when your vehicle is plugged in for long enough to allow the charger or supplier to choose the cheapest time.
1. Plug in when you arrive home
If your tariff or charging app controls the schedule, you can usually plug in when you return from work and leave the vehicle connected overnight. The system will delay charging until the selected off-peak period.
This is often more convenient than trying to remember to start charging manually.
2. Set a realistic ready-by time
Tell the app when you need the vehicle and the amount of charge required. Avoid setting an unnecessarily high target if you only need enough energy for the next day’s journey.
For battery health, many manufacturers also recommend using a lower daily charge limit where appropriate, rather than charging to 100% every night.
3. Use a boost function only when necessary
Most smart chargers allow an immediate boost if you need to leave soon. However, a boost may be billed at the higher daytime rate.
Before using it, consider whether you can delay the journey, reduce the charge target or use a cheaper scheduled window.
4. Coordinate household appliances
Where the cheaper rate applies to the whole property, you may also be able to schedule:
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines
- Tumble dryers
- Immersion heaters
- Storage heaters
- Battery storage systems
Avoid running multiple high-demand appliances at the same time as the EV unless your electrical system has been assessed for the combined load.
Why load balancing matters
A typical home EV charger can draw around 7 kW. That is a substantial additional load, particularly when the property also has an electric shower, cooker, immersion heater, heat pump or battery storage.
Load balancing, sometimes called dynamic load management, monitors the property’s electricity consumption and adjusts the EV charging rate when necessary.
For example, if someone turns on an electric shower while the car is charging, the system may temporarily reduce the vehicle’s charging power. When the household demand falls, charging can increase again.
This helps:
- Reduce the risk of overloading the incoming supply
- Make better use of existing electrical capacity
- Avoid unnecessarily restricting the charger
- Support installations where several high-demand appliances are present
- Improve the long-term flexibility of the charging system
Load balancing is particularly useful in older Redhill properties, homes with smaller incoming supplies and properties where the consumer unit is already serving several large electrical loads.
The role of the isolation switch
A properly installed EV charger should include suitable protection and a means of isolation. An isolation switch allows the charger circuit to be safely disconnected for maintenance, inspection or emergency situations.
The position and type of isolation equipment depend on the charger, installation route and property layout. It must be accessible, clearly identified and installed in accordance with current requirements.
This is one reason EV charger installation should not be treated as a simple outdoor socket installation. The electrician needs to assess the cable route, protective devices, earthing arrangement, consumer unit, charger location and connection to the property’s electrical system.
Will you need a consumer unit upgrade?
Not every EV charger installation requires a new consumer unit. However, an upgrade may be recommended if the existing equipment is outdated, damaged, overcrowded or unable to provide the required protection.
An electrician may recommend an upgrade where:
- The consumer unit is an older fuse board
- There is no suitable spare way for the EV charger circuit
- The board has limited or unsuitable protective devices
- The installation has earthing or bonding concerns
- The existing equipment does not provide appropriate residual current protection
- The property is undergoing wider electrical improvements
- Additional demand could place strain on the existing installation
A modern consumer unit upgrade can also be an opportunity to bring other parts of the electrical installation up to current standards. The correct solution depends on the results of the inspection rather than simply the age of the property.
Choosing an EV charger installer in Redhill
A professional assessment should take place before you commit to a charger or tariff. Your installer should consider:
- The EV and charger compatibility
- The available electrical capacity
- Cable length and route
- Whether the charger will be mounted on the house or detached garage
- The need for load balancing
- Isolation and protective equipment
- The condition of the consumer unit
- Any landlord, freeholder or planning requirements
- Whether the installation needs to be notified to the relevant network operator
ADS Electrical is a NICEIC Approved Contractor providing domestic, commercial and industrial electrical services across Redhill and Surrey. We install EV charging systems for homeowners and businesses in Redhill, Earlswood, Meadvale, St John’s, Merstham, Nutfield and Salfords.
We offer reliable communication, free quotes within 24 hours and a complete service from assessment through to installation.
For professional EV charger installation Redhill, call 07870 554498 or email [email protected].
Final thoughts
For many Surrey EV drivers, the combination of a smart tariff, a compatible home charger and correctly scheduled charging can reduce the cost of every journey.
Economy 7 may still work well for some households, but dedicated EV tariffs can offer cheaper overnight electricity, automatic scheduling and greater control. Before switching, compare the complete tariff rather than focusing on one headline rate.
Most importantly, make sure the electrical installation is designed properly. Load balancing, suitable isolation, protective devices and a condition assessment of the consumer unit all contribute to a safe and dependable home charging system.
Useful guidance is available through the UK Government’s EV Smart Charging Action Plan, while your local Redhill electrician can advise on the practical requirements at your property.