EV Tariffs in
Northern Ireland
Make sure you’re on the right tariff for your EV – it could save you hundreds. Compare EV plans with Power to Switch.
Driving Electric: The Shift is Underway
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly popular choice for drivers in Northern Ireland. With more models available, lower running costs, and growing awareness of environmental benefits, EV ownership is on the rise.
But to really benefit, it’s important to be on the right electricity tariff especially if you charge your EV at home.
Charging Your EV in Northern Ireland
While Northern Ireland’s public EV charging network is growing, the reality is that around 80–90% of EV charging happens at home. Home charging is not only more convenient but also often cheaper, especially when paired with the right electricity tariff.
Installing a dedicated home charger is recommended. These units are faster and smarter than a standard socket and often allow you to schedule your charging for off-peak times.
You can learn more about home chargers and how to choose one here.
Are There EV Tariffs in Northern Ireland?
There are currently no specific EV tariffs available in Northern Ireland.
However, Economy 7 (E7) tariffs are the next best thing. They provide a cheaper night-time electricity rate, making it ideal for charging your EV overnight. Typically, the night rate covers a 7-hour period, allowing drivers to benefit from a lower-cost charge while they sleep.
What is Economy 7?
- Economy 7 offers two rates: a day rate and a cheaper night-time rate (typically midnight–7am).
- Summer: Day (9am- 2am). Night (2am – 9am)
- Winter: Day (8am – 1am). Night: Winter (1am – 8am)
- Perfect for overnight charging when your EV is parked and not in use.
Power to Switch compares Economy 7 tariffs across all suppliers in Northern Ireland. Simply choose your current supplier, select Economy 7 meter, and what percentage of electricity use is split between day time and night time. You can enter how much you spend on electricity or how much electricity you use to find savings.
The results page will show all tariffs that are available and how much you could save by switching deals.
How Much Could You Save Charging on an Economy 7 Tariff
Let’s say you drive 1,000 miles a month and charge your EV (60 kWh battery) at home:
- Battery size: 60 kWh
- Range per charge: 250 miles
- Monthly driving distance: 1,000 miles
- Charges needed per month: 1,000 miles ÷ 250 miles = 4
- Monthly electricity use: 60 kWh × 4 = 240 kWh
- Annual electricity use: 240 kWh × 12 = 2,880 kWh
Charging Option | Cost per Charge | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
24-Hour Tariff (30.91p/kWh) | £18.55 | £74.18 | £890.21 |
Economy 7 Tariff (Night rate: 17.16p/kWh) | £10.44 | £45.33 | £544.07 |
You Save | £8.11 per charge | £28.87 per month | £346.14 per year |
* Tariff and savings based on Power NI standard tariffs for illustration purposes only. Economy 7 tariff includes a separate daily standing charge.
Smart Meters: EV Tariffs May Be Coming
The rollout of smart meters in Northern Ireland is under way but still in the early stages.
Once smart meters become more widely available, energy suppliers will be able to offer time-of-use and EV-specific tariffs, as already seen in the Republic of Ireland. These tariffs allow even more flexibility and potential savings based on when and how you use electricity. For example in Ireland several suppliers offer a lower EV charge rate between 2am-5am.
Until then, Economy 7 remains the most cost-effective way to charge your EV at home.
Do I Need a Meter Change to access Economy 7 Tariffs?
If you’re on a standard 24-hour meter, you’ll need to switch to an Economy 7 meter to be able to access Day / Night rates.
Here’s how the process works:
- Contact your current electricity supplier and request to move to an Economy 7 tariff.
- Your supplier will arrange the meter change with NIE Networks.
- NIE or your supplier will contact you to agree a date to install the new meter
- The meter change should be free of charge, but it’s always best to confirm with your supplier. In some cases if a meter has been changed recently (e.g. within the last 6 to 12 months) a charge may apply.
Ready to Save on EV Charging?
Whether you already drive electric or you’re just getting started, choosing the right electricity plan can save you hundreds each year. Let Power to Switch help you find the best deal.
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