Why You Should Switch to the Intelligent Octopus Go Tariff: Save Money and Charge Your EV with Ease

If you own an electric vehicle (EV) and want to save money on your home energy bills, the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff from Octopus Energy is a fantastic choice for 2025. This energy plan is specifically designed to help EV owners like me charge at off-peak times when energy is cheaper, while also offering flexible rates for other home energy needs. I’ve been with Octopus Energy for over seven years, and I can tell you that this plan has transformed the way I use energy at home.

In this post, I’ll explain how I’ve saved money, how the tariff works, and why Octopus Energy is the best energy supplier for EV owners. Read on to see why making the switch could be the right decision for you.

Written by Sarah Chambers.

What is the Intelligent Octopus Go Tariff?

Intelligent Octopus Go is a smart energy tariff from Octopus Energy designed for EV owners. It offers a minimum of six off-peak hours at just 7p per kWh, ensuring ultra-cheap charging for your electric vehicle while helping you save on home energy costs.

I was drawn to the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff because it offers at least six hours of off-peak electricity at an incredibly low rate of 7p per kWh. Not only does this make charging my EV more affordable, but I can also use the cheap off-peak electricity throughout my entire home, from running appliances like my washing machine to filling my home battery.

The off-peak hours are perfect for charging your EV, running your washing machine, or even using your tumble dryer. The tariff is ideal for anyone looking to reduce their energy costs while embracing green energy. Plus, it’s not just for your car, if you have home battery storage, you can use the same off-peak rates to charge your home battery as well, making it even easier to optimise your energy consumption.

How I Saved Money with the Intelligent Octopus Go Tariff

When I bought my Tesla Model Y (named Dennis) in February 2022, I was concerned about how much it would cost to charge at home. I knew I would save on petrol, but how would this impact my energy bills?

Here’s how switching to Intelligent Octopus Go saved me money:

1. Affordable Off-Peak Charging: The tariff offers a minimum of six hours of off-peak electricity at just 7p per kWh. I use this time to charge my EV, run my dishwasher, washing machine, and heated airer. It’s incredible how much money you can save by shifting energy use to these low-cost hours.
2. Lower Home Energy Bills: Despite adding an electric car to my home’s energy use, my bills haven’t increased. I pay less for my energy! With an average of 60% of my energy coming from off-peak hours, my home’s energy cost went down to around 14p per kWh.
3. Solar Panels, Battery Storage, and Even More Savings: In October 2023, I installed solar panels and a battery storage system. With this setup, my energy costs have dropped to an average of just 8p per kWh. This was a game-changer in terms of savings. Plus, I can charge my home battery during off-peak hours, further reducing the amount I need to draw from the grid when it is at its dirtiest.

I saved £844 on Intelligent Octopus Go in 2024 compared to a standard tariff variable tariff. (Octopus Flexible Tariff.)  That’s a whopping 49% saving on my electricty bill.

The Benefits of Charging Your EV and Home Battery with Octopus Energy

One of the most valuable features of the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff is the intelligent charging system. Octopus Energy doesn’t just let you pick a time to charge your car – they optimise your charging for green energy and cost savings.

1. Smart Charging: You tell Octopus how much charge you need and when your EV needs to be ready. Octopus then decides the best time to charge your car, ensuring it uses the greenest, cheapest electricity available – even if that means charging outside of normal off-peak hours.
2. Off-Peak Electricity for the Whole House: Octopus Energy also extends the off-peak rates to your home’s other energy needs. So even if you’re not charging your EV, you can use off-peak hours to run your white goods or even heat your home.
3. Charge Your Home Battery at Off-Peak Rates: Not only can you charge your EV, but if you have home battery storage, you can charge your battery during the off-peak period too. This helps you store cheaper energy to use later, reducing reliance on more expensive daytime electricity.

Why Octopus Energy is the Best UK Energy Supplier for EV Owners.

As the UK’s largest energy supplier, Octopus Energy is revolutionising the energy market with innovative solutions for electric vehicle owners  In my opinion Intelligent Octopus Go is the best tariff for households with an eligible electric vehicle or charger. Here’s why they stand out:

1. Customer-Centric Service: Octopus Energy is known for exceptional customer service. They’re always looking for ways to make energy easier and cheaper for their customers. Octopus are the most awarded energy supplier in the UK.
2. Renewable Energy Focus: Octopus uses smart technology to power homes and charge EVs. They are constantly looking for ways to help balance the national grid. This means that, as an Intelligent Octopus Go customer, you’re helping the planet while saving money.
3. The Electroverse Card: As an Intelligent Octopus Go customer, you get access to the Electroverse card. This card gives you discounts at EV charging stations not just in the UK, but across Europe. It’s a perfect solution for long road trips – like my recent journey to Berlin!

Intelligent Octopus Go offers great value for many electric vehicle owners due to its flexible nature and potential savings, though it may not be the best option for everyone.  You can check out if your vehicle or EV charger is compatible with Intelligent Octopus Go but if it is not you can look at Octopus Go. All you need for this is an EV and a smart meter.
(If you prefer to use YouTube you can watch the video below here.)

@sarah_go_green I’ve been using @Octopus Energy intelligent Octopus Go for almost 3 years and it’s drastically reduced my home energy bill. #evtariff #moneysavingtips .#energybills ♬ original sound – sarah_go_green

My Road Trip with Octopus Energy: The Octobahn Adventure

In October 2024, I was fortunate enough to join Octopus Energy on an exciting road trip across Europe. The journey called the Octobahn, took us from the UK to Berlin to attend the Energy Tech Summit. I had never driven abroad before and this was by far the longest trip I have done in my EV and I was alone. No hubby and kids in toe.

Octopus Energy makes everything involved in fueling your EV so simple. I drive a Tesla and the worry about using non Tesla superchargers was ridiculous now looking back. I drove from Cardiff to Berlin just using the Electrovese network and it was so easy.  Even if you do own a Tesla I found that some of the Elecroverse locations were better than those I would have used if I had followed my Teslas suggestions as charging stops. Plus I got a discount because I am on the Intelligent Otopcus Go tariff which is 8% off.

Meeting Greg Jackson, the founder of Octopus Energy, in Berlin was another exciting part of the trip. Greg is as inspiring in person as he appears on TV. He truly cares about both his customers and the planet. His tech background allows him to not only advocate for EV owners but also offer solutions that make the transition from petrol and diesel cars to electric much smoother. Octopus Energy’s leadership is one of the key reasons why I believe they are the best company for anyone who owns an EV. Octopus have vision and we need as much of that as we can get!

Why Octopus Energy is the Best Choice for EV Owners

If you’re looking for an energy provider that understands the needs of EV owners, Octopus Energy is the clear winner. Their Intelligent Octopus Go tariff is designed to save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and make it easier to manage your energy use.

• Low Off-Peak Rates: 7p per kWh for a minimum of six hours each night.
• Green Energy: Powered by renewable sources, helping you drive and live more sustainably.
• Smart Charging: Octopus handles the best time to charge your EV and optimises energy use across your home.
• Exclusive Discounts: The Electroverse card gives discounts at EV charging points across the UK and Europe.
• Charge Your Home Battery Too: Use off-peak electricity to charge your home battery, store cheap energy, and reduce your reliance on the grid at peak times.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Intelligent Octopus Go Tariff

1. What is the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff?
The Intelligent Octopus Go tariff is an energy tariff designed for EV owners. It offers a minimum of six hours of off-peak electricity at a reduced rate of 7p per kWh. The tariff helps reduce the cost of charging your electric vehicle and running home appliances.

2. How much does the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff save me?
By charging your EV and running other high-energy appliances during off-peak hours, you can save significantly on your energy bills. The off-peak rate is  7p per kWh, which can reduce your overall home energy costs.

3. Can I use the Electroverse card outside the UK?
Yes! The Electroverse card gives you discounts at EV charging stations not just in the UK, but across Europe as well, making long road trips more affordable. The app also helps you plan your trip making the journey effortless. I particularly liked being able to swipe to start and end a charge in the Electroverse app. (You can get an Electroverse card here and we share £10 credit when you charge for the first time)

4. How does Octopus Energy make charging more affordable?
Octopus Energy uses smart charging technology that optimises when your EV charges, ensuring it uses the cheapest, greenest electricity available. The tariff also offers off-peak rates for the entire home, so your energy bills remain low even as you use more electricity.

5. Can I charge my home battery with the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff?
Yes! If you have home battery storage, you can charge it during the off-peak period as well, benefiting from the same low rates and reducing your reliance on more expensive daytime electricity.

Is the Intelligent Octopus Go worth it?

Looking for a review of Intelligent Octopus Go in 2025?  I can give an honest review as an existing Intelligent Octopus Go customer. It’s been hands down one of the best import tariffs for my home, and I have already saved £85  in January 2025 compared to the Flexible tariff. That’s quite a good start to the new year!

Whether you have battery storage or not, this tariff offers fantastic value, and I’m always double-checking to ensure it’s still available to new customers, which it is.

The 6 hours minimum of off-peak electricty can help to drive down your home energy bills. Don’t just look at the savings on your EV charging look at how this impacts your overall energy bill too. Remember the off-peak rates can be used throughout the house too.

If you’ve got solar panels and battery storage, you can pair Intelligent Octopus Go with any of Octopus’s outgoing tariffs. I’ve opted for Intelligent Octopus Go for my import and Octopus Outgoing for my export, and it’s been a brilliant, set-and-forget solution all year round. The cheaper off-peak rates even helped keep my home powered on a grey New Year’s Day morning in 2025. It is definitely worth considering if you are looking to make the most of Octopus smart tariffs in 2025.

You can also watch this video if you prefer on Youtube

@sarah_go_green This is how I am powering my home at 7p per kWh today on @Octopus Energy intelligent go traiff. #moneysavingtips #savemoneytips ♬ original sound – sarah_go_green

Ready to Make the Switch to Octopus Energy?

If you own an electric vehicle and want to save money while supporting sustainable energy, the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff is the perfect choice. With affordable off-peak rates, smart charging, and the Electroverse card, Octopus Energy offers the best energy solutions for EV owners.

Switching to Octopus Energy has transformed how I use energy in my home. I’m excited to see what new innovations they’ll introduce in the future and I encourage you to join me on this journey!

If you decide to switch to Octopus Energy using my referral link we share £100 credit after your first direct debit is paid. Any questions please link up with me on social media and I will be delighted to help!

Key Takeaways:

• The Intelligent Octopus Go tariff offers 7p per kWh for a minimum of six off-peak hours, perfect for charging your EV and running home appliances.
• Octopus Energy is committed to providing green energy and smart solutions for EV owners.
• The Electroverse card gives discounts at EV charging stations across the UK and Europe.
• With solar panels and battery storage, you can reduce your energy bills even further.

Further posts by Sarah you may find interesting:

• Compare Octopus Energy Tariffs.
• Octopus Go v Intelligent Octopus Go?

Octopus Tracker Tariff is it still worth it?

With the January 2025 Energy Price Cap rising by 1% and fixed rates offering some protection from further predicted price cap increases in April 2025, is the uncertainty of the Octopus Tracker tariff still worth the risk this winter? I will attempt to give you my opinion as an existing Octopus Tracker tariff customer.

The Octopus Tracker tariff is the only energy tariff in the UK that truly follows wholesale energy prices. Every day Octopus updates the price you pay for your electricty and gas using a preset formula. The formula and the standing charge remain fixed for 12 months but the rates change daily depending on wholesale energy prices.

Written by Sarah Chambers.

Understanding the Octopus Tracker Tariff: How It Works and How It Differs from the Energy Price Cap

The Octopus Tracker tariff differs because it’s not linked to Ofgem’s Energy Price Cap. Instead, it’s directly tied to real-time wholesale energy prices, which change daily at midnight. This means the price per kWh with the Octopus Tracker tariff fluctuates based on the global energy market. If wholesale prices go up today, you’ll see an increase almost immediately, but you’ll also benefit when prices drop.

In contrast, Ofgem’s Energy Price Cap is updated every three months and is based on past wholesale prices, not current ones. For example, the January 2025 price cap increase reflects prices from September to November 2024. This period of assessment for the January Energy Price cap has now ended and today’s wholesale prices will be used to set the April 2025 price cap.

What to Expect as a Tracker Tariff Customer.

If you’re on the Octopus Tracker tariff, it’s important to pay attention to future wholesale energy price predictions rather than relying on the Ofgem price cap. For instance, higher wholesale prices this autumn have resulted in a 1% increase in the January 2025 price cap and a further increase without a doubt in April.

Looking ahead, analysts are predicting a further 3% increase in the price cap for April 2025, reflecting the slightly higher prices now being felt on the wholesale market. It’s the predictions for April you should look at to assess how the tracker tariff may perform now.

Keep an eye out for an Octopus Tracker tariff formula change. 

Octopus use a formula to work out the price you pay on the Octopus Tracker tariff. As you take on more of the risk of buying your energy as it fluctuates each day Octopus passes on some rewards.

On the 31st of December 2024, Octopus launched the December 2024 v1 of the Octopus Tracker tariff. If you switch to Octopus Tracker after the 30th of December or if your fixed period ends, you will go on to the latest version of the Octopus Tracker Tariff, December 2024 v1.

Thankfully the formula used on December v 1 of the Octopus Tracker tariff results in the price you pay for your electricty and gas being slightly cheaper than the previous version.

How much will I pay on the Octopus Tracker tariff?

If you switch to the Octopus Tracker tariff now or if your tracker tariff is up for renewal after 12 months you will be on December 2024  v1 of the Octopus Tracker tariff.

Octopus Energy Tariffs in South Wales (1st January to 31st March 2025)

Flexible Tariff:

• Electricity:  24.49p per kWh, with a standing charge of 62.06p per day
• Gas: 6.45p per kWh, with a standing charge of 29.77p per day.

Tracker Tariff (December 2024 v1, 4th February 2025)

• Electricity: 26.09p per kWh, with a standing charge of 62.06p per day.
• Gas: 7.09p per kWh, with a standing charge of 29.77p per day.

Choosing the right Octopus energy tariff can seem complicated, especially when rates fluctuate. Here’s a brief comparison of Octopus Energy fixed, flexible and tracker tariffs in South Wales as of the 4th of February 2025, to help you decide which might suit your needs best:

• Flexible tariff: Cheaper than the Octopus Tracker tariff today.
• Octopus 14 Months Fixed: Cheaper than the Flexible Tariff providing stability for the year.

Tracker Tariff: Consider the average monthly kWh price, not just the daily rates.Octopus

Energy Tariff Comparison: Fixed, Flexible, or Tracker – Which was cheaper in January 2025?

In South Wales, gas prices on the Octopus Tracker and Flexible tariffs were nearly the same. For electricity, the Flexible tariff saved around £6 compared to Tracker. You would have saved more being on the Octopus 14-month fixed tariff.

My Octopus Tracker Tariff is coming to an end what should I do?

If your Octopus Tracker tariff is due to renew within 49 days you can switch to another tariff without the 9 months penalty which restricts you from moving back to the Tracker tariff.

So if you can’t decide what to do you wouldn’t be doing yourself a disservice if you decide to fix your Octopus Energy rate while you decide what to do. This would lock in the rates which we have now before April 2025 Price Cap increases yet give you the flexibility to move back to the Octopus Tracker tariff at any time.

The 49-day rule for the Octopus Trakcer tariff has been confirmed by Octopus Energy just in case you are wondering if it is too good to be true.

@sarah_go_green If you @Octopus Energy tracker tariff has less than 49 days before renewal you can switch away without the 9 months penalty. #octopustrackertariff #octopustariffs ♬ original sound – sarah_go_green

Octopus Tracker tariff price spikes.

Over the last two weeks, prices have spiked. It is all to do with high gas prices and not a lot of wind. There is a bit less nuclear than usual and imports and running lower. You have to look at the average unit price that you are paying before deciding if to stick or twist with the tracker tariff.

I often get asked what I would do but this is so personal as you could well get gambler’s remorse from switching away for the security of a fixed tariff and then discovering prices have settled down. Remember it is the overall average unit price that matters not the random one-off price spikes that may nudge your average rate up. Still, it won’t necessarily make it more than a tradional Octopus tariff.

You can hop off the Octopus Tracker anytime but can’t return for 9 months. If you’re into saving by following wholesale rates again, try the Octopus Agile for electricity. You don’t need the same tariff for gas and electricity, you could fix your gas for 12 months while keeping your electricity on the Tracker tariff. Just contact Octopus to sort it out.

Will the Octopus Tracker tariff formula change in April 2025?

On the 31st of December 2024, the Octopus Tracker tariff formula changed and it became slightly cheaper than the previous version October v1. However, the standing charge changed and the electricty went up so it is now in line with all the other Octopus tariffs.

No one knows if or when the Octopus Tracker tariff formula will change again in 2025. If you switch to the tariff you will remain on your current formula for 12 months. This element of the tracker tariff is fixed along with the standing charge.

I suspect Octopus reduced the formula prices ready for January 2025 as the Tarcker tariff has always been marginal in terms of profit yet its popularity is increasing. It gives customers the benefits of short-term dips when there are lots of renewables on the grid but unlike Octopus Agile it’s much simpler to manage as there’s just one flat rate for the day.

Now that more customers are switching to smart tariffs and are becoming more prepared to change when they use energy to get cheaper rates I suspect Octopus want to make greener tariffs such as Octopus tracker tariff more attractive.

What the future might hold in 2025 for the Octopus Tracker tariff.

The Octopus Tracker tariff is still worth switching to if you’re not afraid of risk. Wholesale prices have already driven the 1% increase in the January 2025 price cap, and all versions of the Tracker tariff have, on average, performed well against them. Analysts predict at least a 3% price cap increase in April 2025, and we’re already feeling those prices. Despite the rise, the Octopus Tracker tariff can still save you money compared to the Octopus Fixed or Flexible rates—but gas prices are getting tight!

@sarah_go_green Replying to @Ali Hussain @Octopus Energy ♬ original sound – sarah_go_green

As long as you are prepared to hold your nerve and watch prices the Octopus Tracker tariff could be a fairly easy way to save money on your energy bill this winter. However, nothing is certain and there are several factors such as the conflict in the Middle East and the planned maintenance work for some pipelines that you need to take into consideration.

Predictions indicate a possible fraction of a percentage price reduction in the Energy Price Cap in July 2025 and the Octopus Tracker tariff will feel this downward trend first during the March to May 2025 Ofgem assessment window.

Is the Octopus Tracker Tariff still worth switching to?

When Octopus updated the formula of the Octopus Tracker tariff in October 2024 I first thought that the increase in the formula combined with the recent wholesale energy price rises would make the Octopus Tracker tariff more one to watch than to switch to.  The rates for gas have been so close to the Octopus Flexible rates that the risk of price increases I thought would deter customers from switching especially when the Octopus Fixed tariff has quite competitive rates right now.  However, there is an appetite to beat the system and I have noticed more of a determination to stick with the tracker tariff than expected

Now that the Octopus Tracker tariff has had the price of its formula lowered it’s going to be even more attractive hopefully in 2025. We just need gas wholesale prices to start falling!!!

The Octopus Tracker tariff can be great, but you need to watch for sudden price spikes. You should check if switching to a fixed or standard tariff makes sense, but you don’t need to decide quickly. Focus on the monthly average cost for gas and electricity, not daily rates.

So, yes the Octopus Tracker tariff could still work out cheaper than the January 2025 Energy Price Cap in February and March but it does feel more of a gamble than a certainty in respect of the gas element.

It is easy to switch away from the Octopus Tracker tariff. You simply email hello@octopus.energy but remember you can’t go back to the tariff for 9 months.

About the author:  I’ve Been a Happy Octopus Energy Customer for 6 Years.

I’m Sarah, and as a mum of 3 daughters, I want to save money and do right by the planet. This led me down a rabbit hole of researching tariffs, smart meters, and renewable options.

You can find me on X and TikTok where I connect with around 10,000 followers looking for practical ways to electrify their homes and reduce energy bills.

Feel free to follow me Sarah_Go_Green and join the conversation – I’d love to hear from you!

I’m also featured on the Octopus website and their YouTube channel as a solar customer. I’ve been on BBC News, and Radio Wales, published in the Telegraph for owning part of a wind turbine and had a feature in Bloomberg.

I genuinely want to help you understand your options and make smarter energy choices. It’s that simple, I have become very geeky about my home energy and I can help you too.

Another post by Sarah you may find of interest;

• Full Octopus Agile Review.
• Intelligent Octopus Go – The most popular EV tariff in the UK.
• Are Octopus energy prices going down?
• To fix or not to fix your energy tariff with Octopus Energy.