Octopus EV Tariff: Intelligent Octopus Go 7p Compared - June 2026
Quick answer: Intelligent Octopus Go charges your electric car at 7p/kWh during its 23:30-05:30 off-peak window - around a quarter of the ~27p day rate. It is one of the cheapest EV tariffs in the UK, neck-and-neck with E.ON Next Drive (~6.7p) and OVO Charge Anytime (~7p), and well below British Gas Electric Driver (~8.95p). Below we compare them, explain eligibility, and show worked annual savings, all verified June 2026.
- 7p/kWh off-peak (23:30-05:30, 6-hour smart window) on Intelligent Octopus Go
- Ranked against E.ON Next Drive, OVO Charge Anytime & British Gas Electric Driver
- Typical EV driver saves roughly £500-£600/yr on charging alone
- Whole-of-market comparison - we check if Octopus is actually cheapest for you
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service. Savings depend on your usage, meter eligibility and tariff availability. Home energy only.
Compare Octopus EV tariffs with the whole market
Intelligent Octopus Go is one of the most popular EV tariffs in Britain, but it is not automatically the cheapest for every home. E.ON Next Drive currently undercuts it slightly on the headline off-peak rate, OVO Charge Anytime lets you charge cheaply at any time of day, and your day-rate usage, region and standing charge all change the answer.
Use EnergyPlus.co.uk to compare EV-friendly home energy tariffs by postcode, meter type and charging habits. We show the real trade-offs - low off-peak unit rate versus higher day pricing - so you switch with confidence. This is especially worthwhile now: with the Ofgem cap rising +13% to £1,862/yr from 1 July 2026, locking in a strong off-peak EV rate protects you from the day-rate increase.
Good to know: EV tariffs reward shiftable usage. On Intelligent Octopus Go the 7p rate applies to all electricity in the 23:30-05:30 window - so running the dishwasher, washing machine and heating overnight stacks extra savings on top of EV charging.
What you'll get from this comparison
- Octopus ranked against rival EV tariffs - a true whole-of-market view
- Clarity on peak vs off-peak rates and charging windows
- Eligibility checks (smart meter + compatible EV or charger)
- A clear next step: switch, enquire, or keep your current plan
Get EV tariff matches
Fill in your details and we'll route your enquiry to suitable EV-friendly home energy tariffs - including Octopus-style and rival off-peak deals where available.
Tip: EV smart tariffs rely on half-hourly smart-meter readings. If you already have a smart meter, check it is communicating before you switch.
Intelligent Octopus Go vs Octopus Go: what's the difference?
Octopus runs two main EV tariffs, and the names cause confusion. Octopus Go is the original: a simple fixed off-peak window where everything you use overnight is cheap. Intelligent Octopus Go is the smart upgrade - it talks to your car or charger, gives a lower 7p/kWh rate, and can add extra cheap slots when the grid is greener.
The headline appeal is the same: shift a meaningful chunk of your electricity into off-peak hours - especially EV charging - and your bill falls. With Intelligent Octopus Go you simply plug in and let the app pick the cheapest time to charge within (and sometimes around) the 23:30-05:30 window.
Intelligent Octopus Go (smart)
- 7p/kWh off-peak, 23:30-05:30 core window
- Smart charging via compatible EV or charger
- App schedules the cheapest charge automatically
- Can add bonus off-peak slots when the grid is green
Octopus Go (original / fallback)
- Fixed cheap window (typically a set overnight block)
- No EV/charger integration needed
- Good fallback if your car or charger isn't supported
- You set your own charge timer to hit the window
Not sure either Octopus tariff is best for you? A quick whole-of-market comparison shows how they stack up against E.ON, OVO and British Gas for your postcode.
Best UK EV tariffs ranked - off-peak rates, June 2026
Here are the leading EV tariffs by off-peak unit rate, verified June 2026. Rates are indicative and vary by region; always check your personalised quote. The day rate matters too - if you use a lot of electricity outside the cheap window, a slightly higher off-peak rate with a lower day rate can win.
| EV tariff | Off-peak rate | Off-peak window | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| E.ON Next Drive | ~6.7p/kWh | Overnight window | Lowest headline rate for predictable overnight charging |
| Intelligent Octopus Go | 7p/kWh | 23:30-05:30 (6h, smart-extendable) | Plug-in-and-forget smart charging; wide EV/charger support |
| OVO Charge Anytime | ~7p/kWh | Anytime (EV charging only) | Drivers who can't always charge in a fixed overnight slot |
| British Gas Electric Driver | ~8.95p/kWh | Overnight window | Existing British Gas customers wanting a single supplier |
Rates indicative, verified June 2026. Off-peak EV rates sit outside the Ofgem standard-variable cap; day rates are broadly capped and rise from 1 July 2026. Octopus Cosy (13p in three daily slots) suits heat-pump homes rather than pure EV charging.
Want this ranked for your postcode and mileage? Use the form above and we'll shortlist EV-friendly tariffs for your home. You can also read our guide to the best EV tariff in the UK.
Worked savings: what a 7p EV tariff is worth in 2026
The savings from an EV tariff come from the gap between the off-peak rate (7p) and your normal day rate (around 27p under the current cap, rising as the cap climbs to £1,862/yr from 1 July 2026). Here's a typical worked example for a home charger and average UK mileage.
| Driver profile | Annual EV charging | Cost at ~27p day rate | Cost at 7p off-peak | Approx. saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower mileage (~6,000 mi) | ~1,800 kWh | ~£486 | ~£126 | ~£360/yr |
| Typical driver (~9,000 mi) | ~2,700 kWh | ~£729 | ~£189 | ~£540/yr |
| Higher mileage (~12,000 mi) | ~3,600 kWh | ~£972 | ~£252 | ~£720/yr |
Assumes ~3.3 miles/kWh and home charging in the off-peak window. Figures illustrative, June 2026; excludes standing charge and any savings from shifting household appliances overnight, which add to the total.
Estimate your own saving in 4 steps
- Annual EV kWh: your yearly miles ÷ your EV's miles/kWh (typically 3-4).
- Off-peak cost: EV kWh × 7p.
- Day-rate cost: EV kWh × your current day rate (~27p capped).
- Saving: subtract the two - then add any laundry/dishwasher loads you move overnight.
See how time-of-use plans compare more broadly in our guide to the best time-of-use electricity tariffs, or get matched now.
Intelligent Octopus Go eligibility: what you need
Smart EV tariffs have requirements around metering and compatibility. Check these before you switch - if your car or charger isn't supported for smart charging, the standard Octopus Go fixed-window tariff (or a rival like E.ON Next Drive) is usually the fallback.
Common requirements
- Smart meter sending half-hourly readings (required)
- Compatible EV or smart charger for smart-controlled charging
- Reliable off-street charging (driveway, garage or dedicated bay)
- UK domestic supply on Direct Debit (this page is home energy only)
Helpful to know
- If your smart meter isn't communicating, time-of-use billing can be inaccurate
- Supported vehicle/charger lists are wide but not universal - check your model
- Standing charge and day rates vary by region and network
- Mainly use public charging? An EV tariff usually won't pay off
Common mistakes when switching to an EV tariff
EV tariffs reward timing. These are the most common reasons drivers miss the savings they expected.
Charging outside the cheap window
If your car starts charging the moment you plug in, you may pay the day rate. Let Intelligent Octopus Go schedule it, or set the car's timer to the 23:30-05:30 window.
Ignoring peak household usage
A 7p night rate is great, but heavy evening use at the day rate can offset it. Review when you actually use electricity first.
Not checking meter readiness
Smart EV tariffs need working half-hourly readings. If the meter isn't communicating, billing can go wrong.
Comparing only the off-peak rate
E.ON's ~6.7p may beat Octopus's 7p on paper, but day rate and standing charge decide the real winner. Compare the full picture.
Assuming your car is supported
Smart control needs a supported EV or charger. Check the list before switching - or pick a fixed-window tariff as a fallback.
Overestimating charge speed
A slow charger may not fit all the energy you need into the off-peak window. The smart app's bonus slots help, but plan your schedule.
Octopus EV tariff FAQs (June 2026)
How much is Intelligent Octopus Go per kWh in 2026?
As of June 2026, Intelligent Octopus Go charges 7p/kWh in its 23:30-05:30 off-peak window (six hours), with a higher day rate otherwise. The 7p rate applies to all electricity used in that window - not just EV charging - so shifting laundry and dishwasher loads overnight saves too.
What is the difference between Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Go?
Octopus Go is the original fixed-window EV tariff. Intelligent Octopus Go is the smart version: it controls charging through a compatible EV or charger, gives a lower 7p off-peak rate, a longer effective cheap window because the app can add extra slots when the grid is greener, and lets you plug in any time and charge automatically at the cheapest moment.
Is Intelligent Octopus Go cheaper than E.ON Next Drive or OVO Charge Anytime?
They're very close. E.ON Next Drive is ~6.7p/kWh off-peak and Intelligent Octopus Go is 7p, so E.ON edges the headline rate. OVO Charge Anytime is ~7p but applies to EV charging at any time rather than a fixed window. British Gas Electric Driver is higher at ~8.95p. The best choice depends on your day-rate usage, region and whether your car or charger is compatible.
Am I eligible for Intelligent Octopus Go?
You need a compatible smart meter sending half-hourly readings, plus a compatible EV or smart charger for smart charging. The supported list is wide but not universal, so check your model. If it's not supported, standard Octopus Go (fixed window) is the usual fallback.
How much could I save with an EV tariff in 2026?
A typical driver covering 8,000-10,000 miles uses roughly 2,500-3,000 kWh charging. At 7p instead of the ~27p capped day rate you save about 20p per kWh - roughly £500-£600 a year on EV charging alone, before any savings from shifting household appliances overnight.
Will the 1 July 2026 price cap change my EV tariff?
The Ofgem cap rises 13% to £1,862/yr for a typical dual-fuel home from 1 July 2026 (confirmed 27 May 2026). That lifts the ceiling on standard day rates, widening the gap to a 7p EV off-peak rate and making overnight charging even more valuable. Smart EV tariffs sit outside the headline cap, so check current off-peak and day rates before switching.
Do I need a home charger for Intelligent Octopus Go?
Smart control works through either a compatible EV (direct) or a compatible smart home charger. You don't always need a separate wallbox if your car is directly supported, but reliable off-street overnight charging is what makes the tariff worthwhile. If you rely on public charging, an EV tariff usually won't pay off.
Can I compare Octopus EV tariffs against the whole market with EnergyPlus?
Yes. EnergyPlus compares EV-friendly tariffs across suppliers using your postcode, meter type and charging habits, so you can see whether Intelligent Octopus Go, E.ON Next Drive, OVO Charge Anytime or another plan is cheapest for your home before you switch.
Unsure which Octopus EV option fits, or want to see alternatives? Start here: compare EV tariffs.
Why households use EnergyPlus.co.uk
EV tariffs are brilliant in the right home, but they're not one-size-fits-all. Our goal is to match you to a plan that fits your real usage - not just the lowest headline off-peak rate. Reviewed and last updated June 2026 by the EnergyPlus comparison team.
Whole-of-market viewpoint
We compare EV-friendly options across suppliers, so you can see whether Intelligent Octopus Go is genuinely best for you.
Plain-English guidance
We explain peak/off-peak trade-offs, standing charges and the eligibility points that catch people out.
Built for busy households
A quick form and clear next steps - whether you're ready to switch now or just want a reliable shortlist.
What people say
A few recent comments from households comparing EV and off-peak energy options in 2026.
"I assumed Intelligent Octopus Go's 7p was unbeatable, but the comparison showed E.ON's day rate suited our usage better. Genuinely useful."
"Clear explanation of which cars are supported for smart charging and what to do if yours isn't. Saved us a headache."
"Simple form, sensible shortlist. We switched before the July cap rise and our overnight charging is now a fraction of the day rate."
Ready to compare Octopus EV tariff alternatives?
Get a whole-of-market view of EV-friendly home energy tariffs - Intelligent Octopus Go, E.ON Next Drive, OVO Charge Anytime and more. Submit your details and we'll find options that fit your charging window, meter setup and postcode, before the cap rises to £1,862 on 1 July 2026.
- Whole-of-market EV tariff comparison
- Smart meter / eligibility guidance
- Clear next steps to switch and lock in off-peak rates
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