Do I need an Octopus smart meter and compatible car?

Intelligent Octopus Go needs a smart meter and a compatible car or charger so Octopus can smart-schedule charging. If your car or charger is not supported you may still use Octopus Go with a fixed off-peak window.

Will the July 2026 price cap rise affect Octopus EV rates?

The cap rise (13% from 1 July 2026) lifts standard variable rates. Dedicated EV tariffs keep a cheap fixed overnight rate, so EV drivers are well insulated from the increase.

Octopus Energy EV tariff (2026)

Q: What is the Octopus EV tariff rate in 2026?

Intelligent Octopus Go gives a smart off-peak rate of about 7p/kWh in a 6-hour overnight window (roughly 11:30pm-5:30am). Octopus cut Go and Intelligent Go EV rates by up to 39% from 1 April 2026, with some regions paying as little as ~3.5p/kWh.

Q: Is Intelligent Octopus Go the cheapest EV tariff?

It is one of the cheapest and most popular EV tariffs in the UK, but the best deal depends on your car, charger, mileage and region. Other suppliers also offer competitive off-peak EV rates, so it is worth comparing the whole market before you switch.

Intelligent Octopus Go is one of the UK's most popular EV tariffs - smart overnight charging from around 7p/kWh. See how it compares to the whole market.

Compare EV tariffs How it works

Is the Octopus EV tariff right for you?

Intelligent Octopus Go smart-schedules your charging in a 6-hour overnight window (roughly 11:30pm-5:30am) at around 7p/kWh, and you can also use that cheap rate for the rest of the home during the window. It needs a smart meter and a compatible car or charger.

Octopus is excellent, but it is not automatically the cheapest for every driver. The best EV tariff depends on your mileage, when you charge, your region and whether you have solar or a battery. Compare the whole market on your charging pattern.

Octopus EV tariffs at a glance (2026)

Tariff	Off-peak rate	Best for
Intelligent Octopus Go	~7p/kWh, smart 6h window	Most EV drivers with a compatible car/charger
Octopus Go	Fixed cheap overnight window	Cars/chargers not supported by smart control
Cosy Octopus	~13p/kWh in 3 daily windows	Heat pump homes that also charge an EV

Rates vary by region and change over time. Figures reflect publicly published Octopus tariffs as of June 2026 - always confirm the live rate before switching.

Octopus EV tariff FAQs

What is the Octopus EV tariff rate in 2026?

Intelligent Octopus Go is about 7p/kWh in a smart 6-hour overnight window. Octopus cut EV rates by up to 39% from 1 April 2026, with some regions as low as ~3.5p/kWh.

Is Intelligent Octopus Go the cheapest EV tariff?

It is one of the cheapest and most popular, but the best deal depends on your car, mileage and region - compare the whole market before switching.

Do I need a compatible car and smart meter?

Yes - Intelligent Octopus Go needs a smart meter and a compatible car or charger. Octopus Go uses a fixed window if your setup is not supported.

Compare Octopus against the whole market

See whether Octopus or another supplier gives you the cheapest EV charging in 2026.

Find your cheapest EV tariff

Free, whole-of-market EV tariff comparison for 2026.

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No obligation. Reviewed 5 June 2026.

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Updated on 11 Jun 2026