E.ON Heat Pump Tariff: Is Next Drive an Option?

E.ON Next Drive is an electric vehicle tariff, not a heat pump tariff. It offers cheaper overnight electricity, and eligibility usually requires an EV. If your household has both an EV and a heat pump, you can schedule the bulk of your heating and hot water into the overnight cheap window.

In this review, we explain how Next Drive works, who it can suit, and how it compares with Octopus Cosy, a dedicated heat pump tariff, and EDF GoElectric, another EV tariff. Earlier versions of this page quoted Next Drive unit rates and hours that we could not verify, so we have removed them. E.ON Next has also marketed a heat pump tariff, but we could not verify its current availability or rates, so check E.ON Next's own site. Last reviewed October 2026.

E.ON Next Drive Explained

E.ON Next Drive is a two-rate time-of-use tariff for electric vehicle drivers, with cheap overnight electricity and a day rate at other times. The structure is similar to EDF GoElectric:

On two-rate tariffs like this, the day rate can be higher than a standard single-rate tariff to compensate for the cheap overnight rate, so you need to shift a large share of your use overnight to save money.

Rates and Eligibility

Next Drive rates vary by region and change often, so we do not quote point figures here. Check E.ON Next's website for your postcode, including the overnight hours, the day rate and the eligibility rules. As a benchmark, the Ofgem price cap rate for standard variable electricity is 26.32p per kWh for 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026 (GB average, Direct Debit).

What Could It Save a Heat Pump Household?

E.ON vs Octopus vs EDF

Because Next Drive is an EV tariff with a single overnight window, it is less universally suitable than Octopus Cosy. If you also have an electric vehicle, Next Drive becomes more attractive.

Who Does Next Drive Suit?

• EV + heat pump households: Next Drive usually requires an EV; if you have one, both the car and the heat pump benefit from cheap overnight electricity
• Homes with excellent insulation: The house must hold overnight heat for 8+ hours
• Large hot water cylinders: 250L+ heated overnight provides hot water all day
• Eligible postcodes: Check availability before relying on the tariff

If Next Drive does not suit you, Octopus Cosy is a dedicated heat pump tariff that does not need an EV and remains our top recommendation for flexibility. EDF GoElectric has a similar overnight structure but is also an EV tariff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E.ON Next Drive a heat pump tariff?

No. Next Drive is an electric vehicle tariff and eligibility usually requires an EV. If you qualify, its cheaper overnight rate can also be used by a heat pump scheduled to run overnight. Check E.ON Next's current eligibility rules and rates.

How does E.ON compare to Octopus for heat pumps?

E.ON Next Drive is an EV tariff with a single overnight cheap window. Octopus Cosy is a dedicated heat pump tariff with three cheap 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?

Next Drive has an overnight cheap window. The exact hours and rates vary and change, so check E.ON Next's current terms for your postcode.

Do I need an EV for E.ON Next Drive?

Usually, yes. Next Drive is marketed as an electric vehicle tariff and eligibility usually requires an EV. Check E.ON Next's current terms before applying.

Is E.ON Next Drive available in my area?

Check the E.ON Next website with your postcode for availability and eligibility. If it does not suit you, consider Octopus Cosy, a dedicated heat pump tariff, or another EV tariff such as EDF GoElectric if you have an EV.