E.ON Next Drive + Battery: 6 Hours of 7.5p Charging
Next Drive's midnight–6am window is the only mainstream UK EV tariff long enough to fully charge an AEG 14.4 kWh battery from empty. 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 an AEG 14.4 kWh system (3 units) needs around 5.6 hours to fully charge. E.ON's 6-hour window comfortably accommodates this, while many 4-hour tariffs cannot.
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:
- AEG 4.8 kWh (1 unit) — ~1.9 hours to charge ✓ Any tariff works
- AEG 9.6 kWh (2 units) — ~3.8 hours to charge ✓ Most tariffs work
- AEG 14.4 kWh (3 units) — ~5.6 hours to charge ⚠️ Needs 6-hour window
If you're considering the AEG 14.4 kWh system, E.ON Next Drive's 6-hour window ensures your battery reaches full charge every night.
Why our plug-in batteries Pairs Especially Well with E.ON Next Drive
The 6-hour off-peak window is what unlocks the largest battery configuration. Stack three AEG 4.8 kWh units (AEG 14.4 kWh total) and you're charging at a combined 6.6 kW — full charge in roughly 2.2 hours. Even with conservative slot management you'll be done well before sunrise, and you can repeat the cycle every single night without worrying about partial fills. On 4-hour tariffs, the AEG 14.4 kWh stack typically only reaches ~70% before the rate flips back to peak.
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).