Electric vehicle owners can now drive 200 miles for as little as £4.57 by charging at home during off-peak hours, according to Smart Energy GB. The organisation said that topping up an EV for 200 miles of range typically costs £14.92 on a standard electricity tariff, but drivers using a smart meter with a dedicated EV tariff can reduce that figure dramatically.
Smart meter tariffs unlock deeper savings
Smart Energy GB explained that the lower cost of £4.57 is achievable when drivers charge their batteries using a smart meter on a dedicated EV tariff during off-peak overnight periods. This compares favourably with the £14.92 cost on a standard tariff, offering potential savings of more than £10 per 200-mile journey.
Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, said: “With household budgets under pressure, shorter breaks closer to home offer the chance to relax, recharge and create lasting memories without travelling far and often at a lower cost.”
“For EV owners, those savings can go even further. By using a smart meter to access an EV tariff that fits your needs best, you can save a significant amount on travel costs by charging during cheaper, off-peak periods,” she added.
Survey reveals EV ownership boosts local trips
The study, which surveyed more than 500 EV owners, found that almost half (47%) say owning an EV has made them more likely to take a micro-cation. Two in five (40%) cited spending less on fuel as the reason for this shift in behaviour.
Already, 37% of EV owners are using a dedicated EV tariff with a smart meter to reduce their running costs further, while only 14% opt to use a public charging point. Two in five EV owners (39%) said they enjoy the convenience of leaving home with a fully charged vehicle, avoiding the detour to a service station or public charge point.
Olympic champion highlights affordable local adventures
Double Olympic Champion and EV enthusiast Helen Glover OBE commented: “Some of our best family adventures haven't involved travelling hundreds of miles - they've been spontaneous trips that are less than a couple of hours away by car.”
“Whether it's the rolling countryside of Devon, the dramatic coastline of Cornwall or the peaceful trails of Dartmoor, there are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. As an EV driver, those local adventures can be more affordable, convenient and sustainable too,” she said.
The findings underline the growing appeal of shorter, cost-effective breaks among EV owners, with smart meter-enabled tariffs playing a key role in reducing travel expenses.
