Do I need a smart meter for Octopus solar export?

Yes. A compatible smart meter with half-hourly readings is typically required so your exports can be measured and paid accurately.

What’s the difference between Outgoing and Flux?

Outgoing Octopus is an export-only SEG tariff paying you for each kWh exported. Octopus Flux is a time-of-use import and export tariff designed for homes with solar and often a battery, enabling you to buy off-peak and export during higher-value periods.

Do I have to be an Octopus electricity customer to access export payments?

Requirements can change over time. In many cases you may need to be supplied by Octopus for certain tariffs. Always check the current policy with Octopus Energy before switching.

What documents do I need for SEG export?

You will usually need proof that your installation meets relevant standards and that your Distribution Network Operator has approved the connection. Octopus will confirm the exact documentation needed for your tariff.

How long does set-up take?

Timelines vary based on metering, documentation, and network records. After everything is aligned, export setup can often be completed within a few weeks, but timeframes can differ.

Is there a standing charge for export?

Standing charges apply to your import supply. Export payments are made for the energy you feed back to the grid under your chosen tariff. Always check the tariff’s latest terms and rates with Octopus.

Octopus Energy EV Tariffs: Intelligent Octopus Go, Octopus Go and Flux

Charge your electric car for less with smart overnight rates and compare the latest UK domestic energy tariffs. This guide explains how Octopus EV tariffs work, who can get them, and how to switch smoothly with Energy Plus.

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Updated November 2025. Live rates and availability vary by region, meter type and eligibility. Always check your personal quote before you switch.

Why choose an EV electricity tariff?

Cheaper overnight pricing to cut the cost per mile of home charging
Smart scheduling to automatically fill your battery when energy is cheaper and greener
Time-of-use pricing that rewards shifting energy use to off-peak hours
Options for solar and battery homes to earn more from export during peak times

EV tariffs can significantly reduce charging costs vs a standard single-rate plan when you regularly charge at home. Your actual saving depends on how much usage you move into the off-peak window and your local unit rates.

Octopus EV tariff options at a glance

Tariff	Best for	Off-peak structure	Key requirements
Intelligent Octopus Go	EV drivers who want automated smart charging and extended low-rate hours	At least six hours overnight, scheduled via the Octopus app; timing can flex	Smart meter with half-hourly reads, and a compatible EV or charger
Octopus Go	Simple, fixed overnight window for cheaper charging	Fixed low-rate window every night (for example, a few hours after midnight)	Smart meter; usually no specific car or charger compatibility needed
Octopus Flux	Homes with solar PV and batteries optimising import and export	Different day, peak and overnight import prices plus enhanced export rates	Smart meter and export registration; ideal with solar and storage
Agile / Tracker (selected)	Advanced users who want dynamic pricing linked to wholesale markets	Half-hourly or daily rates that can change frequently	Smart meter and appetite for price variability

Exact availability may vary by location and meter type. Some legacy products may be closed to new customers from time to time. We will confirm current options when you request your quote.

The latest UK domestic energy tariffs explained

The UK domestic market often changes in line with Ofgem price cap updates, which typically apply from January, April, July and October. While the standard variable tariff follows the cap, fixed and time-of-use tariffs can be above or below depending on wholesale markets and supplier strategy.

Standing charges differ by region and meter configuration; they do not fall under off-peak discounts
Unit rates for electricity and gas vary by region, property profile and payment method
Smart meters enable access to EV and time-of-use pricing with half-hourly billing
Prepayment and Economy 7 or Economy 10 meters have specific rules and rate structures

Tip: If you drive an EV, a time-of-use electricity plan can lower your charging costs without changing how you use energy during the day. Keep high-usage appliances like washing machines and dishwashers for off-peak where practical.

Intelligent Octopus Go in detail

Intelligent Octopus Go uses the Octopus app to connect with your compatible EV or smart charger. You set your desired departure time and target state of charge, and the system schedules charging to guarantee your car is ready while maximising your time on the cheaper overnight rate.

What you need

SMETS2 (or enrolled SMETS1) smart meter with half-hourly reads
A compatible EV or charger, such as selected models from popular brands
Reliable home Wi-Fi so the app and device can communicate

Why drivers choose it

Longer low-rate window than traditional Economy 7 style tariffs
Automated scheduling that adapts to grid conditions
Simple app experience to plan charging around your life

Check your eligibility

Tell us your postcode, meter type and EV model. We confirm availability and off-peak hours for your home.

See my Intelligent Octopus options

Octopus Go: the simple overnight EV tariff

Octopus Go delivers a fixed off-peak window every night. It is a great choice if you want predictable cheap hours without needing a compatible charger or car integration. You still need a smart meter so your supplier can measure day and night usage precisely.

Fixed, easy to plan overnight window
Ideal for set-and-forget charging schedules on your charger
Often available even when Intelligent variants are waitlisted

If your routine suits a fixed window, Octopus Go can offer consistent savings for EV charging compared with a single-rate tariff when you regularly charge at home.

Octopus Flux: for solar and battery homes

Octopus Flux combines time-of-use import pricing with enhanced export rates. It encourages you to import off-peak, use or store solar during the day, and export during evening peaks when the grid value is higher. This can improve the payback of home batteries and solar PV.

Different import prices across night, day and peak
Premium export rates at peak times on eligible setups
Requires smart meter and export registration (like SEG)

We will verify whether Flux is available in your area and whether your system meets the export requirements.

How to switch to an Octopus EV tariff with Energy Plus

Tell us about your home: postcode, meter type, current supplier, and typical usage
Confirm EV details: your car model and charger brand to check Intelligent compatibility
Get your live quote: we present current unit rates, off-peak hours and standing charges
Approve the switch: we handle the supplier onboarding with minimal disruption
Set up the app: complete smart meter data sharing and charging preferences

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What to check before you choose

Smart meter status: check you have a working SMETS2 meter. If not, request an install first
Regional rates: unit prices and standing charges vary by region and meter profile
Off-peak usage: estimate how much of your charging will fit into the low-rate window
Standing charge impact: compare full bill cost, not just the off-peak unit rate
Compatibility: for Intelligent tariffs, confirm your car or charger is on the supported list

Unsure which option suits your driving and home routine? Our team can run numbers against your actual mileage and usage pattern.

Understanding the UK tariff landscape

Suppliers adjust pricing as wholesale markets move and as Ofgem price caps update. Time-of-use tariffs can be attractive if you can shift a large share of your consumption into cheaper windows. If you are on a standard variable tariff, you are protected by the price cap but may still pay more to charge during peak evening periods.

Some fixed tariffs may offer price certainty for 12 months or longer. Whether to fix depends on your risk preference and market outlook. EV drivers often find the most value in off-peak EV tariffs rather than traditional fixed single-rate plans.

Common questions about Octopus EV tariffs and UK home energy

What is Intelligent Octopus Go?

Intelligent Octopus Go is a smart EV plan that schedules charging overnight to deliver at least six hours at a cheaper rate. It needs a smart meter and a compatible EV or charger.

How does Octopus Go differ from Intelligent?

Octopus Go has a fixed overnight window with cheap rates and does not usually need a compatible car or charger. Intelligent uses flexible scheduling via the app and may offer longer low-rate periods.

Do I need a smart meter?

Yes. Half-hourly readings are required so your supplier can bill different day and night rates correctly.

What time are the off-peak hours?

Times vary by tariff and region. Intelligent Octopus Go schedules at least six hours overnight. Octopus Go provides a fixed window every night. Check your quote for current hours.

Will I definitely save vs the standard variable tariff?

Savings depend on how much charging you shift to off-peak, your region and standing charges. We will model your usage so you can compare whole-bill costs, not just unit rates.

Can renters switch?

If you control the electricity account and have a smart meter, you can usually switch. If bills are included in rent, ask your landlord or agent for options.

What about export if I have solar and a battery?

Octopus Flux offers time-of-use import and premium export rates during peak periods. You will need export registration and a smart meter.

Important information

Availability of specific Octopus tariffs can change and may be limited by region, metering and compatibility
Live pricing updates regularly and may change before your supply start date
Economy 7 or Economy 10 customers may need a meter reconfiguration for certain EV tariffs
Off-peak hours are not guaranteed and may be varied by the supplier with notice