British Gas Electric Driver UK Tariff Guide (2026): Rates, Savings, Who It's For
Last updated: 4 May 2026
British Gas Electric Driver — UK tariff guide (2026)
Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on May 2026
British Gas Electric Driver is a EV time-of-use tariff from British Gas. It's designed for EV owners.
Rates (2026)
| Field | Value | |---|---| | Off-peak rate | 8.95p / kWh | | Peak rate | 32-38p / kWh | | Off-peak window | 00:00-05:00 | | Standing charge | varies by region (typically 50-65p/day) | | Estimated annual savings vs standard tariff | £250-600/year |
Who this tariff is for
Ev owners.
How to maximise savings
The British Gas Electric Driver pays off when you can shift load INTO the off-peak window. Practical ways to do this:
- Plug-and-play battery storage — charge during off-peak (e.g. 00:00), discharge during peak. See our plug-and-play batteries UK guide for the products that work with this.
- EV smart charging — schedule your EV to charge only during the off-peak window via your charger's app or via Octopus Intelligent Go's automated scheduling.
- Heat pump scheduling — pre-heat the house during off-peak hours, coast through peak. Particularly powerful with the Octopus Cosy tariff if you have a heat pump.
- Dishwasher / washing machine timers — built-in delay timers on modern appliances let you start them at off-peak hours.
How to switch to British Gas Electric Driver
- Visit British Gas's website and check eligibility (some tariffs require a smart meter or specific equipment)
- Most providers complete the switch within 5-10 working days
- No exit fees on most modern tariffs (verify before switching)
- SMETS2 smart meter required for half-hourly billing on most TOU tariffs
Common combinations
- British Gas Electric Driver + plug-and-play battery — charge battery off-peak, discharge during peak. Average £125-£300 additional annual saving vs the tariff alone.
- British Gas Electric Driver + EV smart charger — schedule overnight charging. EV owners save £400-£800/year on this combo vs Standard Variable Tariff.
- British Gas Electric Driver + heat pump + battery — full-stack low-carbon home setup. Average £700-£1,500/year savings vs gas heating + standard electricity.
Related guides
- Plug-and-play batteries UK guide (2026)
- Best UK time-of-use tariffs (2026)
- Energy-saving devices for UK households
Sources
- British Gas published tariff page (most recent rates)
- Ofgem Time-of-Use Tariff Database
- Energy UK consumer trends report (2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the British Gas Electric Driver rates?
Off-peak: 8.95p/kWh. Peak: 32-38p/kWh. Off-peak window: 00:00-05:00. Rates as of May 2026; check British Gas's site for current pricing.
Who is the British Gas Electric Driver tariff best for?
Ev owners.
How much can I save with the British Gas Electric Driver?
Estimated **£250-600/year** per year compared to a standard variable tariff, depending on how much load you can shift into the off-peak window.
Do I need a smart meter for the British Gas Electric Driver?
Yes — a SMETS2 smart meter is required for time-of-use tariffs to work properly. Most UK households now have SMETS2 meters; if you don't, your supplier will install one free.