Intelligent Octopus Go Tariff Review and Guide

Smart EV tariffs are the best way to save money on home EV charging. Fact. And, whether you have been researching the topic in depth or are an EV smart tariff newbie, you will likely have come across the UK’s most popular EV tariff – the Intelligent Octopus Go EV Tariff.

But what is the Intelligent Octopus Go Tariff? How much can I charge for? And between the two Octopus energy tariffs – Octopus Go vs Intelligent Go – which is better?

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know in our extensive guide to the Intelligent Octopus Go EV tariff.

What is the Intelligent Octopus Go Tariff?

In summary, the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff is a variable EV tariff from Octopus Energy that allows you to access cheap EV charging rates of 7p per kilowatt-hour between 11:30 p.m. and 05:30 a.m. That’s 6 hours of cheaper, greener electric car charging.

How does the tariff work?

The Octopus Energy Intelligent Go Tariff uses their ‘Kraken machine learning’ technology to find the best EV charging times for you. In turn, the smart tariff automatically schedules charging during cheaper, greener off-peak hours.

The only caveat is that Octopus needs access to your electric car to do so – and control it.

But, it sounds worse than it is. And, in return, you’re gifted with six hours of low-cost and greener energy.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for using the Intelligent Octopus Go Tariff:

1. Download the Octopus app: Ensure you have the Octopus Energy app installed on your smartphone.
2. Connect your EV or charger: In the app, connect your electric vehicle (EV) or compatible charger and give Octopus access.
3. Plug in your car: Physically plug the charging cable from the charger into your electric vehicle.
4. Set charging information through the Octopus app: Let the app know how much charge your EV needs and when you want it fully charged.
5. Automatic scheduling: Octopus’ smart technology will automatically schedule your charging sessions during the cheapest and greenest times.
6. Save money: Access lower home charging rates of 7p per kilowatt during off-peak hours and charge with less carbon intensive energy.

What do you need?

At present, to take advantage of the Intelligent Octopus Go, EV owners need:

• To be an Octopus Energy customer
• Have a smart meter
• Own a compatible electric vehicle (EV) OR have an Intelligent Octopus compatible charger installed at your home
• Have a smartphone compatible with the Octopus app. For iPhone users, you need iOS v14.0 or higher. Similarly, Android users need v7 or newer.

Which EV chargers are compatible with Intelligent Octopus Go?

Currently, only the Zappi, Hypervolt, Indra Smart Pro, Indra Smart Lux, and Ohme EV chargers are fully compatible with the Octopus Intelligent Go Tariff (if you don’t have a compatible car).

Get your free Ohme EV charger quote today and take advantage of Octopus’ coveted tariff.

Which electric cars are compatible?

Please note that not all electric cars are compatible with the Octopus Intelligent Go Tariff. That said, electric car models from the below manufacturers are typically compatible:

• Audi
• BMW
• Chevy
• Jaguar
• Mini
• Porsche
• Tesla
• Volkswagen

To double-check compatible cars, please use Octopus Energy’s online checker.

Can I charge two electric vehicles with the lower rate? 

Unfortunately, you can’t charge two electric cars at the same time at Octopus Energy’s lower 7p rate. But you can take it in turns.

In fact, you don’t need to charge your EV every night – and you shouldn’t, if you want to look after your battery health. So, this isn’t an issue. Easily charge two electric vehicles with the lower 7p rate on different evenings.

What’s the difference between Octopus Go and Intelligent Go tariffs?

On the whole, the main difference between the Octopus Intelligent Go and Octopus Go EV tariffs is the length of the cheaper charging window. For example, the Intelligent Go tariff offers six hours of discounted electricity for charging your EV at home. In comparison, Octopus Go only provides five hours of discounted electricity from 12:30 – 05:30am.

Additionally, Octopus Go works with all electric vehicles and EV chargers, while Intelligent Octopus Go works with only a select handful of chargers and electric cars.

Is it worth switching to the Intelligent Octopus Go Tariff?

In our opinion, it’s 100% worth switching to the Intelligent Octopus Go Tariff. Charging your electric vehicle during off-peak hours with the Intelligent Octopus Go Tariff can send your EV charging costs plummeting. To demonstrate, the energy price cap is currently 25p per kilowatt-hour. Compare this to the 7p per kWh with the Intelligent Go tariff, and you can easily see how much can be saved as an EV owner.

On top of this, the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff is one of the cheapest out there. For example, the Scottish Power EV tariff is 7.2p per kWh, and 9p per kWh for only five hours for the EDF GoElectric tariff.

Interested in an Octopus compatible EV charger?

Save on home EV charging costs by investing in an Ohme or Indra today and charge your car for cheaper. Enquire below to get your free quote and have your Ohme, Indra, Hypervolt or Zappi installed by the experts.

As a nationwide EV charger installation company, we guarantee peace of mind for your EV charger installation with over 15,000 safe, successful installations to date. Don’t believe us? Check out what our happy customers have to say.

Let us navigate the complex journey of an EV charger installation on your behalf, handling DNO notification, any applicable grant paper, and the supply and installation of your chosen charger.