Energy price cap increase: 7 ways to save on charging your electric car

The energy price cap is rising by 13% from July, pushing up electricity costs for millions of UK households. Here’s how electric car drivers can reduce charging cost and save money despite higher bills.

Households across the UK are facing another rise in energy bills after the latest increase to the energy price cap set by Ofgem, the nation’s energy regulator. From July, the average dual-fuel household bill is expected to rise to £1,862 a year – a 13% increase. Electricity unit rates will also increase from 24.67p per kWh to 26.11p per kWh.

This will also increase the cost of charging an electric car at home.

But there’s a silver lining: EVs are still typically far cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars, especially if you have a home charger. With a few smart changes, drivers can keep charging costs low and even save hundreds of pounds a year.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used electric car right here on Carwow. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Why the price cap matters for electric car drivers

Most EV charging happens at home, and home charging costs are directly linked to energy prices.

A typical electric car uses around three to four miles of range per kWh. At the new July rate of 26.11p per kWh:

• Driving 1,000 miles could cost roughly £65-£85 in electricity
• Charging a 60kWh battery from empty could cost around £15.67
• High-mileage drivers may see annual charging costs rise noticeably over the next year

Given the energy price cap increase, here are seven charging habits to help keep your costs down.

1. Switch to an EV energy tariff

One of the biggest savings opportunities comes from using a specialist EV tariff.

Many suppliers now offer overnight electricity rates designed specifically for electric car owners. These tariffs can slash charging costs by offering electricity at a much lower rate during off-peak hours – often overnight.

For example:

• Standard daytime rate: about 26p per kWh
• Typical overnight EV tariff: 7p-10p per kWh

That means a full charge could cost almost a quarter of the daytime price.

2. Charge overnight whenever possible

Even without a dedicated EV tariff, many time-of-use electricity plans offer cheaper rates outside peak demand hours.

Peak electricity demand usually happens:

• Early morning
• Between 4pm and 7pm

Charging overnight reduces strain on the grid and, if you’re on the right tariff, lowers your costs.

3. Avoid rapid chargers for every use

Yes, public rapid chargers are convenient, but they are often the most expensive way to charge an electric car. You’re looking at an average of around 79p per kWh, according to Zapmap, while home charging is roughly 7p-26p per kWh depending on the tariff.

That means public charging can cost three to five times more than smart home charging.

Rapid charging makes sense for:

• Long-distance journeys
• Emergencies
• Drivers without home charging access

But for daily use, home charging remains the cheapest option by far.

4. Use smart charging features

Modern electric cars are now designed to help owners save money automatically.

Features worth using include:

• Delayed charging timers
• Off-peak scheduling
• Charge limit settings

Some suppliers and apps can even adjust charging times automatically based on live electricity prices.

The less charging you do during expensive peak periods, the more you save over time.

5. Improve your driving efficiency

Reducing how much electricity your car uses is just as important as lowering the unit price.

Here are some simple ways to improve your EV’s efficiency:

• Drive smoothly
• Reduce motorway speeds
• Keep tyres properly inflated
• Remove unnecessary roof boxes or weight
• Use eco driving modes

In the colder months, consider pre-heating the car while plugged in or using your heated seats instead of blasting cabin heating.

These small efficiency improvements can noticeably reduce charging frequency over a year.

6. Compare charging networks before long trips

Public charging prices vary enormously between networks.

Before travelling:

• Check charging apps
• Compare pence-per-kWh prices
• Look for supermarket or destination charging discounts
• Avoid ultra-rapid charging unless necessary

Planning ahead can save a surprising amount on longer journeys.

7. Consider solar charging

For households with solar panels, charging an electric car during sunny periods can dramatically reduce running costs.

Some drivers effectively power a portion of their annual mileage using self-generated electricity.

While solar installation requires upfront investment, combining solar panels, home battery storage, and smart EV charging can offer long-term protection against future energy price rises.

The latest energy price cap is another reminder that electricity prices remain volatile. But electric car drivers still have more control over their running costs than petrol and diesel motorists. By following a few simple charging habits, you could save hundreds of pounds over the next year.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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