EV Tariffs Overview
Octopus Energy offers specialized tariffs designed for electric vehicle owners to charge their cars at the lowest possible cost.
Available EV Tariffs
- Intelligent Octopus Go: 7p/kWh off-peak (23:30-05:30) + smart charging
- Octopus Go: Fixed off-peak rate without smart charging
- Intelligent Octopus Flux: For EV + Solar + Battery customers
Intelligent Octopus
How It Works
Intelligent Octopus is our smart charging tariff that automatically charges your EV when energy is cheapest and greenest.
Key Features:
- Charges your car automatically during cheapest periods
- Guaranteed ready by your set departure time
- Provides 6+ hours of super cheap rates (7p/kWh)
- Works with compatible smart chargers and vehicles
- Can extend cheap periods beyond standard off-peak window
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have a compatible EV or smart charger
- Compatible vehicles: Tesla, VW, Audi, SEAT, Skoda, Cupra (full list in Knowledge Hub)
- Compatible chargers: Ohme, Hypervolt, Indra, Wallbox, Zappi
- Requires smart meter (SMETS2 preferred)
Setup Process
- Customer applies through Octopus Energy account
- Link their vehicle or charger through the app
- Set charging preferences (departure time, minimum charge level)
- System automatically manages charging schedule
Common EV Questions
Charging Not Starting Automatically
Troubleshooting steps:
- Check vehicle or charger is properly connected to the app
- Verify departure time is set correctly
- Ensure car is plugged in and charging cable is secure
- Check vehicle isn't in delayed charging mode
- Confirm smart meter is sending readings
Want to Charge Outside Smart Schedule
Customers can use "Boost" feature to charge immediately, but they'll pay standard rate rather than cheap rate. Show them how to:
- Open Octopus Energy app
- Go to EV charging section
- Select "Charge Now" or "Boost"
- Choose amount of charge needed
Switching from Go to Intelligent Octopus
Customers on regular Octopus Go can switch to Intelligent Octopus if they have compatible equipment. Benefits include:
- Automated charging (no manual scheduling needed)
- Potential for longer cheap rate periods
- Flexibility with departure times
- Same low off-peak rate (7p/kWh)
Home Charger Support
Charger Installation
Octopus Energy offers home charger installation through partnerships with leading manufacturers.
Installation Requirements:
- Off-street parking (driveway or garage)
- Consumer unit with spare capacity
- Distance from meter to parking location
- Building regulations approval may be needed
- WiFi coverage at charging location (for smart chargers)
Charger Types
- 7kW Single Phase: Most common, charges overnight
- 22kW Three Phase: Faster charging, requires three-phase supply
- Smart Chargers: Required for Intelligent Octopus
- Solar-Compatible: Can prioritize solar energy
Cost Savings Calculator
Typical Savings Example
Average EV driver (12,000 miles/year):
- Standard tariff: ~£800/year
- Octopus Go: ~£350/year
- Intelligent Octopus: ~£300/year
Annual savings: £450-500 compared to standard rates
Helping Customers Calculate
Use these metrics:
- Average EV efficiency: 3-4 miles per kWh
- 12,000 miles/year = ~3,000-4,000 kWh
- Intelligent Octopus rate: 7p/kWh off-peak
- Standard rate: typically 24-30p/kWh