How Much Is Octopus Ev Tariff

How Much Is Octopus Ev Tariff

How Much Is Octopus EV Tariff? A Simple Guide to Rates, Benefits, and SavingsElectric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common on the roads, and so is the need for affordable, smart charging at home. That’s where the Octopus EV tariff comes in. Offered by Octopus Energy, this special electricity tariff is designed to help EV owners save money by charging their vehicles during off-peak hours. But how much does it actually cost? Is it worth switching to? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Is the Octopus EV Tariff?

The Octopus EV tariff, also known as the Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus, is a home electricity plan designed specifically for electric car owners. The key feature of this tariff is cheaper electricity prices during certain hours, usually overnight when demand on the grid is low.

This allows EV owners to charge their cars at a fraction of the normal cost, making it both economical and environmentally friendly.

How Much Does the Octopus EV Tariff Cost?

Prices vary slightly depending on your location in the UK, but here’s a general idea of the Octopus Go tariff structure (as of recent data)

  • Off-peak rate (usually between 1130 PM and 530 AM) around 7.5p per kWh

  • Standard daytime rate around 30p to 35p per kWh

In comparison, a standard electricity tariff might charge the same rate 24/7, usually in the range of 30p-35p per kWh or more.

So if you charge your EV at night on the Octopus Go tariff, you could be saving up to 75% on charging costs.

What Is the Intelligent Octopus Tariff?

The Intelligent Octopus tariff is an even smarter version of Octopus Go. It uses a connected app and your EV charger to automatically schedule charging when electricity is cheapest and greenest.

Some highlights of this plan

  • Cheaper rate for at least six hours overnight (around 7.5p/kWh)

  • Octopus automatically manages your car’s charging

  • You need a compatible vehicle or charger

This tariff works best if you don’t mind letting the system choose the best time to charge your vehicle overnight.

How Much Can You Save on EV Charging?

Let’s say your electric vehicle has a 60 kWh battery and you typically charge it from 20% to 100% (about 48 kWh).

  • On a standard tariff at 35p/kWh 48 kWh × 0.35 = £16.80 per full charge

  • On Octopus Go at 7.5p/kWh 48 kWh × 0.075 = £3.60 per full charge

That’s a saving of over £13 per charge. If you charge once a week, that’s over £600 in annual savings just from switching to an EV-friendly tariff.

Is There a Standing Charge?

Yes, both Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus include a daily standing charge, which covers the cost of maintaining the grid connection.

Typical standing charges range from 35p to 55p per day, depending on your location. This is fairly standard across most electricity tariffs in the UK.

What Do You Need to Use Octopus EV Tariff?

To qualify for the Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus tariff, you need

  • An electric vehicle (obviously!)

  • A smart meter capable of sending half-hourly readings

  • A compatible EV charger or vehicle (for the Intelligent tariff)

Octopus Energy can help arrange a smart meter installation if you don’t already have one.

Benefits of the Octopus EV Tariff

Here are some key reasons why many EV drivers switch to Octopus

  1. Cost Savings The overnight rates are among the cheapest available for home EV charging.

  2. Grid-Friendly Charging Charging off-peak helps reduce strain on the electricity grid.

  3. Smart Technology Intelligent Octopus adjusts your charging schedule based on electricity demand and availability.

  4. Green Energy Octopus Energy supplies 100% renewable electricity, which means you’re charging your EV with cleaner energy.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

While the Octopus EV tariff has many advantages, it’s good to be aware of a few potential downsides

  • Time-limited cheap rates mean charging must mostly happen at night.

  • You need a smart meter to access these tariffs.

  • Intelligent Octopus requires compatible devices or vehicles.

For most EV owners who can charge overnight, these are minor limitations compared to the savings.

Can You Use the Tariff for Home Appliances Too?

Yes, you can but keep in mind that only the off-peak hours will be at the lower rate. So if you run your dishwasher or washing machine at night, you can save money. But energy used during the day will still be billed at the standard rate.

Is the Tariff Available Everywhere?

The tariff is available to customers in the UK with a compatible smart meter and a registered EV. Regional pricing may vary slightly depending on local energy costs, but the structure remains similar across most regions.

Final Thoughts Is It Worth It?

If you own an electric vehicle and have the flexibility to charge overnight, the Octopus EV tariff is definitely worth considering. With significant savings, support for renewable energy, and smart scheduling, it’s one of the most attractive EV electricity plans on the market.

Whether you choose Octopus Go for simplicity or Intelligent Octopus for advanced automation, both plans are designed to make electric driving more affordable and efficient. As more drivers switch to EVs, smart tariffs like these are likely to play a big role in shaping the future of home energy use.