Octopus EV Tariff: Cheap Overnight Charging for Electric Vehicles

Quick Answer: The Octopus EV tariff offers cheap overnight charging at 8.5p per kWh between 12:30am and 5:30am with Octopus Go, or smart charging with Intelligent Octopus. EV drivers can save hundreds of pounds per year compared to standard electricity tariffs. Switch to Octopus Energy to start saving on your EV charging costs.

Electric vehicle owners in the UK are always looking for ways to reduce their charging costs. The Octopus EV tariff has become one of the most popular options for home EV charging, offering significantly cheaper rates during off-peak hours. This comprehensive guide explains how Octopus EV tariffs work, what they cost, and whether they're worth switching to. Get started with Octopus Energy to begin saving on your EV charging today.

How Does the Octopus EV Tariff Work?

The Octopus EV tariff is specifically designed for electric vehicle owners who charge their cars at home. There are two main options: Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus.

Octopus Go - Simple Overnight Charging

Octopus Go is the straightforward option for EV owners who want cheap overnight charging:

Off-Peak Rate: 8.5p per kWh between 12:30am and 5:30am (4-hour window)
Standard Rate: Your normal daytime rate applies outside the off-peak window
No Smart Charger Required: Works with any home EV charger
Simple Setup: Just switch your electricity tariff - no special equipment needed

How it works:

You switch your electricity tariff to Octopus Go
Set your EV to charge during the 12:30am-5:30am window
Pay just 8.5p per kWh for all electricity used during those hours
Pay your standard rate for all other electricity usage

Intelligent Octopus - Smart Charging

Intelligent Octopus is the advanced option that uses smart charging technology:

Off-Peak Rate: 7.5p per kWh (even cheaper than Go)
Extended Window: Up to 6 hours of off-peak charging
Smart Scheduling: Automatically charges when electricity is cheapest
Requires Compatible Charger: Needs a smart charger that works with Octopus
Drive Packs: Optional add-on for additional savings

How it works:

You need a compatible smart charger (see our compatibility guide)
Octopus connects to your charger via their app
The system automatically schedules charging during the cheapest periods
You get up to 6 hours of off-peak charging at 7.5p per kWh
The system optimises charging around your schedule and grid demand

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV on Octopus Go?

Let's break down the actual costs of charging an electric vehicle with Octopus Go:

Example: Charging a 60kWh EV Battery

Scenario 1: Full charge from empty (60kWh needed)

Off-peak charging (12:30am-5:30am): 60kWh × 8.5p = £5.10
Standard rate charging: 60kWh × 30p (average) = £18.00
Savings per full charge: £12.90

Scenario 2: Typical daily top-up (20kWh needed)

Off-peak charging: 20kWh × 8.5p = £1.70
Standard rate charging: 20kWh × 30p = £6.00
Savings per charge: £4.30

Annual Charging Costs

For an average EV driver covering 10,000 miles per year:

Electricity needed: Approximately 3,000 kWh per year
Octopus Go cost: 3,000 kWh × 8.5p = £255 per year (if all charging is off-peak)
Standard tariff cost: 3,000 kWh × 30p = £900 per year
Potential annual savings: £645 per year

Important Note: These calculations assume all your EV charging happens during the off-peak window. If you charge during the day, you'll pay your standard rate for that electricity.

What Time Is Off-Peak Charging with Octopus EV Tariffs?

Octopus Go Off-Peak Times

Off-Peak Window: 12:30am to 5:30am (4 hours)

This is a fixed window every night. You need to ensure your EV is plugged in and charging during these hours to benefit from the 8.5p per kWh rate.

Tips for maximising Octopus Go savings:

Set your EV's charging schedule to start at 12:30am
Use your car's built-in timer or charger's scheduling feature
Plug in when you get home, but delay charging until off-peak hours
Most modern EVs and chargers have scheduling apps to automate this

Intelligent Octopus Off-Peak Times

Off-Peak Window: Up to 6 hours, automatically scheduled

Intelligent Octopus is more flexible - the system automatically finds the cheapest 6-hour window within a larger timeframe (typically 11:30pm to 5:30am, but can extend). The exact times vary based on:

Grid demand
Your charging needs
Your schedule (you set when you need the car ready)
Renewable energy availability

Benefits of Intelligent Octopus timing:

Automatically optimises for cheapest rates
Can extend beyond the standard 4-hour window
Adapts to grid conditions for maximum savings
You just set when you need your car ready

How Much Can EV Drivers Save Per Year Using Octopus Energy?

The savings depend on your driving habits, but here are realistic scenarios:

Light EV User (5,000 miles/year)

Electricity needed: ~1,500 kWh
Octopus Go cost: £127.50 (all off-peak)
Standard tariff cost: £450
Annual savings: £322.50

Average EV User (10,000 miles/year)

Electricity needed: ~3,000 kWh
Octopus Go cost: £255 (all off-peak)
Standard tariff cost: £900
Annual savings: £645

Heavy EV User (15,000 miles/year)

Electricity needed: ~4,500 kWh
Octopus Go cost: £382.50 (all off-peak)
Standard tariff cost: £1,350
Annual savings: £967.50

Intelligent Octopus Savings

With Intelligent Octopus at 7.5p per kWh, savings are even greater:

10,000 miles/year: £225 per year (vs £255 with Go)
Additional savings over Go: £30 per year
Total savings vs standard tariff: £675 per year

Real-World Considerations:

Not all charging will be off-peak (emergency top-ups, long trips)
You'll still pay standard rates for household electricity
Savings assume you can charge during off-peak hours most of the time
Actual savings vary based on your current electricity rate

Is Octopus EV Tariff Worth It Compared to Standard Electricity Tariffs?

Short answer: Yes, for most EV owners.

When Octopus EV Tariff Makes Sense

✅ You charge at home regularly - The tariff only saves money if you charge at home during off-peak hours

✅ You can schedule overnight charging - You need to be able to delay charging until 12:30am

✅ You drive significant miles - The more you drive, the more you save

✅ You have a compatible charger - For Intelligent Octopus, you need a smart charger (see our compatibility guide)

✅ You're disciplined about charging times - You need to avoid daytime charging to maximise savings

When It Might Not Be Worth It

❌ You rarely charge at home - If you mainly use public chargers, you won't benefit

❌ You can't charge overnight - If you can't schedule charging for the off-peak window, you'll pay standard rates

❌ You drive very few miles - If you only do short trips, the savings might not justify switching

❌ Your current tariff is already very cheap - If you're on an exceptionally low rate, compare carefully

Cost Comparison Example

Standard Electricity Tariff:

Day rate: 30p per kWh
Night rate: 20p per kWh
EV charging cost (3,000 kWh): £600-900 per year

Octopus Go:

Off-peak (12:30am-5:30am): 8.5p per kWh
Standard rate: ~30p per kWh (varies)
EV charging cost (3,000 kWh, all off-peak): £255 per year
Savings: £345-645 per year

Intelligent Octopus:

Off-peak: 7.5p per kWh
Standard rate: ~30p per kWh
EV charging cost (3,000 kWh, all off-peak): £225 per year
Savings: £375-675 per year

Who Is the Octopus EV Tariff Best For?

Perfect For:

Daily Commuters - Regular charging routine fits the off-peak schedule
Homeowners with Driveways - Can install a home charger and charge overnight
High-Mileage Drivers - More miles = more savings
Tech-Savvy EV Owners - Can set up scheduling and use smart features
Environmentally Conscious Drivers - Octopus uses 100% renewable electricity

Also Suitable For:

Fleet Operators - Can save significantly across multiple vehicles
Two-Car EV Households - Double the savings potential
People with Solar Panels - Can combine with solar for even greater savings
Those Planning to Buy an EV - Good to set up before you get your car

Understanding Octopus Go vs Intelligent Octopus

Octopus Go - The Simple Option

Best for: EV owners who want straightforward, cheap overnight charging

Key Features:

Fixed 4-hour off-peak window (12:30am-5:30am)
8.5p per kWh during off-peak
Works with any EV charger
Simple tariff switch
No special equipment needed

Limitations:

Fixed time window (less flexible)
Slightly higher rate than Intelligent Octopus
You must manually ensure charging happens during off-peak hours

Intelligent Octopus - The Smart Option

Best for: EV owners with compatible smart chargers who want maximum savings

Key Features:

Up to 6 hours of off-peak charging
7.5p per kWh (cheaper than Go)
Automatic smart scheduling
Adapts to grid conditions
Can charge when renewable energy is abundant

Requirements:

Compatible smart charger (see our compatibility guide)
Compatible EV (most modern EVs work)
Octopus app setup

Limitations:

Requires compatible equipment
More complex setup
Slightly more expensive if you need to buy a new charger

How to Switch to Octopus EV Tariff

Step 1: Check Your Current Situation

Do you have a home EV charger? If not, you'll need one installed (see our best home EV chargers guide)
What's your current electricity tariff? Compare rates to see potential savings
Can you charge overnight? You need to be able to schedule charging for off-peak hours

Step 2: Choose Your Tariff

Octopus Go: Simple option, works with any charger
Intelligent Octopus: Smart option, requires compatible charger, better rates

Step 3: Apply Online

Visit Octopus Energy's website to get started
Enter your postcode and current usage
Select Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus
Complete the application
Octopus will handle the switch (usually takes 2-3 weeks)

Step 4: Set Up Your Charging Schedule

For Octopus Go: Set your EV or charger to start charging at 12:30am
For Intelligent Octopus: Connect your charger to the Octopus app and set your schedule

Maximising Your Octopus EV Tariff Savings

Tips for Octopus Go Users

Always charge during off-peak hours - Set a schedule and stick to it
Plug in when you get home - But delay charging until 12:30am
Avoid daytime top-ups - Unless absolutely necessary
Use your EV's scheduling features - Most modern EVs have built-in timers
Monitor your usage - Check your bills to see actual savings

Tips for Intelligent Octopus Users

Set realistic ready times - Give the system flexibility to find cheapest rates
Keep your schedule updated - Update the app if your plans change
Use Drive Packs - Consider adding Drive Packs for additional benefits (see our Intelligent Octopus guide)
Trust the system - Let it optimise charging automatically
Check compatibility - Ensure your charger and EV are fully compatible

Common Questions About Octopus EV Tariffs

Can I Use Octopus EV Tariff If I Don't Have an EV Yet?

Yes, but you won't benefit from the off-peak rates until you start charging an EV. You'll pay standard rates for all electricity until you have an EV to charge.

What Happens If I Charge During the Day?

You'll pay your standard electricity rate (typically around 30p per kWh) for any daytime charging. Only electricity used during the off-peak window gets the cheap rate.

Do I Need a Smart Meter?

Yes, Octopus EV tariffs require a smart meter to track usage accurately and apply the correct rates.

Can I Switch Back to a Standard Tariff?

Yes, you can switch away from Octopus EV tariffs at any time, though you may be subject to exit fees depending on your contract terms.

Does Octopus Energy Use Renewable Electricity?

Yes, Octopus Energy supplies 100% renewable electricity, so your EV charging is powered by clean energy.

What If I Move House?

You can transfer your Octopus EV tariff to your new address, subject to availability and any new connection requirements.

Related Guides

Which EV Chargers Are Compatible with Octopus Energy? - Find out if your charger works with Octopus tariffs
Best Home EV Chargers for Octopus Energy Tariffs - Choose the right charger for your setup
Octopus Intelligent EV Charging Explained - Deep dive into smart charging and Drive Packs

Conclusion

The Octopus EV tariff offers significant savings for UK electric vehicle owners who charge at home. With rates as low as 7.5p per kWh during off-peak hours, EV drivers can save hundreds of pounds per year compared to standard electricity tariffs.

Key Takeaways:

Octopus Go offers 8.5p per kWh between 12:30am and 5:30am
Intelligent Octopus offers 7.5p per kWh with smart scheduling
Average EV drivers can save £600+ per year
Works best for regular home chargers who can schedule overnight charging
Requires a smart meter and compatible charger (for Intelligent Octopus)

Ready to switch? Get started with Octopus Energy and see how much you could save on your EV charging costs. The switch is straightforward, and Octopus handles the entire process.

About the Author: The AutoChain Team includes UK motoring experts with extensive knowledge of electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and energy tariffs. Our team is dedicated to helping UK drivers make informed decisions about EV ownership and charging.