E.ON Heat Pump Tariff: Next Drive Rates and Review
E.ON Next Drive offers overnight electricity at just 9-11p per kWh — among the lowest off-peak rates on the market. Originally designed for electric vehicle charging, Next Drive has become a viable option for heat pump owners who can schedule the bulk of their heating during the midnight-to-7am cheap window.
In this review, we examine E.ON's Next Drive tariff: the current rates, eligibility requirements, how it compares to Octopus Cosy and EDF GoElectric, and whether it is the right choice for your heat pump setup.
Calculate your heat pump running costs on different tariffs
Use Our Free CalculatorSee how much you could save by switching tariff
E.ON Next Drive Explained
E.ON Next Drive is a two-rate time-of-use tariff offering cheap overnight electricity for high-consumption households. The structure is similar to EDF GoElectric:
Off-Peak Rate
~9-11p/kWh
Daytime Rate
~26-30p/kWh
Off-Peak Window
Midnight to 7am
Requirements
Smart meter + eligible postcode
The overnight rate is very competitive — potentially the lowest among major suppliers. However, the daytime rate is higher than standard tariffs to compensate, and postcode restrictions mean it is not available everywhere.
Current Rates (Q1 2026)
| Period | Time | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Off-Peak | Midnight to 7am | ~9-11p/kWh |
| Daytime | 7am to midnight | ~26-30p/kWh |
Rates vary by region and postcode. The daytime rate is above the standard Ofgem cap rate.
Savings for Heat Pump Owners
E.ON vs Octopus vs EDF
| Feature | E.ON Next Drive | Octopus Cosy | EDF GoElectric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-peak rate | ~9-11p | ~10p | ~10-12p |
| Off-peak hours | 7hrs (overnight) | 9hrs (3 windows) | 7hrs (overnight) |
| Daytime rate | ~26-30p | ~23.5p standard | ~25-28p |
| Postcode restriction | Yes | No | No |
| Best for | Well-insulated + EV | Most heat pump homes | Good insulation + EV |
Next Drive's overnight rate is the lowest, but the higher daytime rate and postcode restrictions make it less universally suitable than Octopus Cosy. If you also have an electric vehicle, Next Drive becomes more attractive.
Who Does Next Drive Suit?
- Homes with excellent insulation: The house must hold overnight heat for 8+ hours
- EV + heat pump households: Double benefit from cheap overnight electricity
- Large hot water cylinders: 250L+ heated overnight provides hot water all day
- Eligible postcodes: Check availability before getting excited about the rates
If Next Drive is not available in your area, EDF GoElectric offers a very similar structure without postcode restrictions. For maximum flexibility, Octopus Cosy remains our top recommendation.
Compare all UK heat pump tariffs
Get Free Installer QuotesMCS installers can advise on the best tariff for your home
What would a heat pump cost in your home?
Calculate Your CostsFree, instant results based on your property details
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E.ON Next Drive available for heat pump owners?
Yes, E.ON Next Drive is available to any household with a smart meter in eligible postcodes. While designed primarily for EV owners, the cheap overnight rate benefits heat pump owners who can schedule heating overnight.
How does E.ON compare to Octopus for heat pumps?
E.ON's Next Drive offers very competitive overnight rates but only a single off-peak window. Octopus Cosy offers three off-peak windows, making it more flexible for most heat pump homes. See our full tariff guide for detailed comparison.
What are E.ON's off-peak hours?
E.ON Next Drive's off-peak window is typically midnight to 7am, giving 7 hours of cheap electricity per night at approximately 9-11p per kWh.
Do I need an EV for E.ON Next Drive?
While Next Drive is marketed to EV owners, it is available to other households in many areas. Check with E.ON for availability at your postcode.
Is E.ON Next Drive available in my area?
Next Drive has postcode restrictions. Check the E.ON Next website for availability. If not available, consider EDF GoElectric or Octopus Cosy as alternatives.
E.ON and the Electrification of UK Heating
E.ON's Next Drive tariff reflects the growing convergence of electric vehicle charging and heat pump operation in UK households. Both technologies benefit from cheap overnight electricity, and E.ON's overnight rates help make heat pump running costs competitive with gas. When combined with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, solar panels for daytime generation, and improved insulation, whole-home electrification becomes financially attractive for a growing number of UK homeowners.