E.ON Next Drive + Battery: 6 Hours of 7.5p Charging
Next Drive's midnight–6am window is long enough to fully charge a 10.24 kWh battery from empty, and to fill a 15.36 kWh battery to around 86%. Here's the maths — and your projected savings.
How much can you save on E.ON Next Drive?
See your personalised battery savings using E.ON's Next Drive rate with a 6-hour overnight off-peak window.
Which tariff are you on?
What region are you in?
Your supply region is on your E.ON Next bill or online account.
How E.ON Next Drive Works
E.ON Next Drive offers a simple time-of-use structure: between midnight and 6am, you pay just 7.5p/kWh. During the remaining 18 hours, you pay the standard regional rate. What makes Next Drive stand out is its 6-hour off-peak window — the longest of any UK EV tariff.
For home battery owners, this extra hour matters. The plug-in home battery charges at up to 2.2 kW, meaning a 15.36 kWh system (3 units) needs around 7 hours to fully charge. E.ON's 6-hour window fills it to around 86% (about 13.2 kWh), while a 10.24 kWh system (~4.7 hours) charges fully. Many 4-hour tariffs cannot fully charge either.
E.ON Next Drive vs Other UK Tariffs
How does E.ON's offering compare?
| Supplier | Tariff | Off-Peak Rate | Off-Peak Window | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E.ON | Next Drive | 7.5p/kWh | 00:00–06:00 | 6 |
| Octopus | Go | 7.5p/kWh | 00:30–04:30 | 4 |
| Octopus | Intelligent Go | 7.5p/kWh | 23:30–05:30 | 6 |
| Scottish Power | EV Saver | 8.5p/kWh | 00:00–05:00 | 5 |
| British Gas | Battery Tariff | ~12.5p/kWh | 00:00–05:00 | 5 |
| EDF | GoElectric | 6.99p/kWh | 23:00–06:00 | 7 |
| OVO | Charge Anytime | 14p/kWh | Smart managed | ~5 |
Key takeaway: E.ON Next Drive offers the best combination of low off-peak rate (7.5p) and long off-peak window (6 hours). Scottish Power's EV Saver is a little higher at 8.5p and only offers 5 hours. For larger battery systems, E.ON's extra hour can make the difference between a full and partial charge.
Why 6 Hours Matters for Battery Storage
The plug-in home battery charges at 2.2 kW. Here's how long each configuration takes to fully charge:
- 5.12 kWh (1 unit) — ~2.3 hours to charge ✓ Any tariff works
- 10.24 kWh (2 units) — ~4.7 hours to charge ✓ Fills fully on 5-hour+ windows (about 85% on a 4-hour window)
- 15.36 kWh (3 units) — ~7 hours to charge ⚠️ Fills fully on a 7-hour window (about 86% in 6 hours)
If you're considering the 15.36 kWh system, E.ON Next Drive's 6-hour window charges it to around 86% each night. Daytime solar can top up the rest.
Why our plug-in batteries Pairs Especially Well with E.ON Next Drive
The 6-hour off-peak window suits the larger battery sizes. At 2.2 kW, a 10.24 kWh system charges fully in about 4.7 hours, and a 15.36 kWh stack reaches around 86% (about 13.2 kWh) before the rate changes. On a 4-hour tariff, the same stack only reaches about 57% (8.8 kWh).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EV for E.ON Next Drive?
Yes, E.ON Next Drive is designed for EV owners. You'll need to have or be getting an electric vehicle. However, once on the tariff, your entire home benefits from the 7.5p overnight rate — including a home battery.
Is E.ON Next Drive available in my area?
E.ON Next Drive is available across Great Britain. As one of the UK's largest suppliers with over 5 million customers, they cover all 14 supply regions. A smart meter is required.
Can I switch to E.ON Next Drive if I'm not currently with E.ON?
Yes, you can switch to E.ON and sign up for the Next Drive tariff. The switching process typically takes 2–3 weeks. You'll need a smart meter installed (E.ON can arrange this for free).