Octopus Intelligent Go Complete Guide: Maximise EV Charging Savings UK 2025

Octopus Intelligent Go Complete Guide: Maximise EV Charging Savings UK 2025

Octopus Intelligent Go is the UK's most sophisticated smart EV tariff, offering electricity at just 7p/kWh during off-peak hours compared to the standard 24-28p/kWh rate. For the average UK EV driver covering 10,000 miles annually, this translates to savings of £400-£600 per year on charging costs alone—with additional household savings possible by shifting consumption to cheap-rate periods.

This comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know about Octopus Intelligent Go in 2025: how it works, compatibility requirements, setup process, advanced optimisation strategies, and whether it's the right tariff for your household.

What Is Octopus Intelligent Go?

The Intelligent Difference

Octopus Intelligent Go isn't just another time-of-use tariff. Unlike basic Economy 7 tariffs with fixed cheap periods, Intelligent Go uses smart technology to actively optimise your charging schedule, finding the cheapest and greenest electricity throughout the day.

Core Features:

Guaranteed Off-Peak Window: 7p/kWh every night from 23:30-05:30 (6 hours guaranteed cheap electricity)

Intelligent Bumped Slots: Additional cheap-rate periods beyond the standard window when grid supply exceeds demand—typically 1-4 hours extra per week during high renewable generation

Whole-Home Discount: Unlike competitor tariffs that apply cheap rates only to EV charging, Intelligent Go's 7p rate applies to all household consumption during off-peak periods

Smart Scheduling: Automatically manages charging via compatible chargers or Tesla vehicles to maximise cheap-rate usage

Green Energy Matching: Octopus times your charging to coincide with periods of high renewable generation (wind and solar)

Current Pricing Structure (January 2025)

Off-Peak Rate: 7p/kWh (23:30-05:30 daily, plus intelligent bumped slots) Peak Rate: 24.50p/kWh (all other times) Standing Charge: 46p/day (£167.90 annually)

Contract Terms: Monthly rolling, no exit fees, no minimum term

Comparison to Standard Variable Tariff:

• Standard rate: 24-28p/kWh average
• Intelligent Go blended rate (for typical EV owner): 12-14p/kWh
• Saving potential: £400-£800 annually depending on usage patterns

How Octopus Intelligent Go Works

The Technology Behind Intelligent Charging

Octopus Intelligent Go operates through sophisticated integration between your smart meter, EV charger or vehicle, and Octopus Energy's algorithms.

Step 1: Smart Meter Data Collection

Your SMETS2 smart meter reports half-hourly consumption data to Octopus. This granular data allows accurate billing, distinguishing between off-peak and peak usage.

Step 2: Charger or Vehicle Integration

For compatible chargers (Ohme, Zappi, Wallbox, Hypervolt, Pod Point), you authorise Octopus to communicate with your charger via the manufacturer's API. For Tesla vehicles, Octopus connects directly to your Tesla account.

This integration allows Octopus to:

• Read your vehicle's state of charge
• Know your battery capacity
• Control when charging starts and stops
• Adjust charging speed if needed

Step 3: Ready-By Time Configuration

Through the Octopus app, you set your "ready-by" time—typically 07:00 for weekday commutes. Octopus guarantees your vehicle will be charged to your target percentage by this time.

Step 4: Intelligent Optimisation

Octopus's algorithms consider:

• Your required charge amount
• Time available until ready-by deadline
• Grid demand forecasts
• Renewable generation predictions
• Current state of charge

The system then schedules charging during the cheapest hours, prioritising:

1. Guaranteed 23:30-05:30 off-peak window (always 7p/kWh)
2. Intelligent bumped slots (additional cheap periods)
3. Peak hours only if absolutely necessary to meet ready-by time

Step 5: Dynamic Adjustment

If your plans change (you need charge earlier), simply override via the app. You can request immediate "charge now" at any time, though you'll pay peak rates for electricity consumed outside off-peak windows.

What Are "Intelligent Bumped Slots"?

Bumped slots are Octopus's secret weapon for maximising savings beyond the guaranteed 6-hour window.

How They Work:

When the UK electricity grid has surplus capacity—typically during high wind or solar generation—wholesale electricity prices drop, sometimes even going negative (generators pay to offload excess electricity). Octopus identifies these periods and extends cheap-rate charging to these "bumped" hours.

Typical Bumped Slot Patterns:

• Sunny afternoons (April-September): 13:00-16:00, when solar generation peaks
• Windy nights (October-March): 21:00-23:00 or 06:00-08:00, when wind farms produce maximum output
• Bank holidays and weekends: Extended slots when commercial demand drops

Real-World Example (from Octopus community forums, February 2025):

User "GreenDriver87" in Scotland reported receiving:

• Standard off-peak: 23:30-05:30 (6 hours at 7p/kWh)
• Bumped slot: 14:30-16:30 (2 hours at 7p/kWh) during exceptionally windy afternoon
• Total cheap hours that day: 8 hours
• Additional household savings: Ran dishwasher, washing machine, and tumble dryer during 14:30-16:30 slot, saving £1.80 compared to peak rate

Important: Bumped slots are bonuses, not guarantees. Octopus provides no minimum bumped hours, though most users report 3-8 additional cheap hours weekly on average.

Compatibility Requirements

Compatible Smart Chargers

Octopus Intelligent Go requires either a compatible smart charger or a Tesla vehicle. You cannot use this tariff with basic "dumb" chargers or 3-pin granny cables.

Fully Compatible Chargers (API Integration):

Ohme Home and Ohme Home Pro:

• Seamless integration, considered the "gold standard" for Intelligent Go
• Automatically receives schedules from Octopus
• Reports state of charge and charging progress
• Supports all Intelligent features including bumped slots
• Cost: £650-£850 installed

Myenergi Zappi (v1 and v2):

• Excellent integration via myenergi partnership
• Solar PV integration works alongside Intelligent Go
• Eco-mode can prioritise solar, with Octopus topping up at cheap rates overnight
• Cost: £900-£1,100 installed

Wallbox Pulsar Plus:

• Good integration, reliable scheduling
• MyWallbox app works alongside Octopus app
• Power Boost load management compatible
• Cost: £750-£900 installed

Hypervolt Home 3.0:

• British-designed charger with solid Intelligent Go support
• Multiple cable lengths available
• Cost: £800-£950 installed

Pod Point Solo 3:

• Native Octopus integration (Pod Point is Octopus-owned)
• Excellent reliability and support
• Cost: £900-£1,050 installed

Indra Smart Pro:

• Premium charger with full Intelligent support
• Cost: £1,100-£1,300 installed

Partially Compatible (Limited Features):

Some chargers work with Intelligent Go but don't support all features (e.g., no bumped slots). These include older models or chargers with limited API capabilities. Check Octopus's website for current compatibility list.

Incompatible Chargers:

• Rolec WallPod (no smart features)
• Andersen A2 (doesn't support Octopus API)
• EO Mini Pro 3 (limited integration)
• Generic OCPP chargers without specific Octopus certification

If you have an incompatible charger, consider:

1. Upgrading charger (£600-£900 for new compatible unit)
2. Using OVO Charge Anytime instead (works with any charger via manual logging)
3. Buying a Tesla (Tesla integration doesn't require smart charger)

Tesla Integration (No Charger Required)

All Tesla vehicles (Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X) are fully compatible with Octopus Intelligent Go without needing a smart charger.

How It Works:

1. Grant Octopus access to your Tesla account during signup
2. Octopus communicates directly with your Tesla via Tesla's API
3. Set ready-by time in Octopus app
4. Tesla automatically charges during cheapest hours
5. Works with any charger (3-pin granny cable, basic wallbox, or smart charger)

Benefits for Tesla Owners:

• No expensive smart charger required (save £600-£900)
• Can use any charging equipment
• Excellent integration reliability
• Vehicle app shows charging schedule

Limitations:

• Only works with Tesla vehicles
• Must keep Tesla connected to WiFi or mobile data
• Battery must have sufficient charge to maintain 12V system (for API communication)

Smart Meter Requirements

Octopus Intelligent Go mandates a SMETS2 smart meter (second-generation smart meter).

SMETS2 Features Required:

• Half-hourly consumption reporting
• Remote tariff switching
• Wide-area network (WAN) communication

If You Have SMETS1 (first-generation smart meter): Octopus will arrange free upgrade to SMETS2 before activating Intelligent Go. Upgrade typically takes 2-4 weeks to schedule, with installation lasting 1-2 hours.

If You Have No Smart Meter: Octopus arranges free SMETS2 installation. Current wait times: 3-6 weeks depending on region. Installation includes electricity and gas meters (if applicable).

Cost: £0 (smart meter installation is free under government-mandated rollout)

Setting Up Octopus Intelligent Go: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check Eligibility (10 Minutes)

Before applying, verify you meet requirements:

Checklist:

• Own or lease an electric vehicle
• Have compatible smart charger (Ohme, Zappi, Wallbox, Hypervolt, Pod Point) OR Tesla vehicle
• Have SMETS2 smart meter OR willing to have one installed (free)
• Have off-street parking with home charger installation
• Live in England, Scotland, or Wales (not currently available in Northern Ireland)
• Home WiFi network (for charger connectivity)

To Check Smart Meter Type:

1. Look at your in-home display (IHD)
2. SMETS2 displays show half-hourly data and have colour touchscreens (typically)
3. SMETS1 displays are often monochrome with limited data
4. Alternatively, contact current energy supplier to confirm meter type

Step 2: Apply Online (15 Minutes)

Application Process:

1. Visit octopus.energy/smart/intelligent-go
2. Click "Get Intelligent Go"
3. Enter postcode and current energy supplier details
4. Provide vehicle information:
   • Make and model
   • Battery size (kWh)
   • Typical daily mileage
5. Confirm charger type or Tesla ownership
6. Enter payment details (Direct Debit mandatory)
7. Select switch date (typically 14-21 days ahead)

Information Needed:

• Current energy supplier name
• Electricity MPAN number (13-digit, found on current bill)
• Current tariff name
• Vehicle registration (for verification)
• Charger make and model

Switching Process:

Octopus handles everything:

• Notifies current supplier
• Coordinates switch (no supply interruption)
• Switch completes within 14-21 days
• Current supplier may contact you to discuss retention offers (you can ignore if switching)

Exit Fees from Current Supplier:

If you're mid-contract with your current supplier, you may face exit fees (typically £30-£50 per fuel). Check your current contract. Often, the annual savings (£400+) far exceed one-time exit fees, making switching worthwhile immediately.

Step 3: Smart Meter Installation (If Needed)

If you need SMETS2 installation, Octopus books appointment after your switch completes.

What to Expect:

• Appointment duration: 1-2 hours
• Engineer replaces old meter(s) with SMETS2
• Brief power outage (5-10 minutes) during changeover
• Engineer configures and tests new meter
• In-home display (IHD) provided and set up

Preparation:

• Clear access to meter cupboard
• Reset any digital clocks after installation
• Reboot smart home devices if needed

Activation Delay:

Smart meters take 24-72 hours to "commission" (connect to WAN). Intelligent Go features activate after commissioning completes.

Step 4: Charger Integration (30 Minutes)

After switching to Intelligent Go, you'll integrate your charger or Tesla.

For Compatible Chargers (Ohme, Zappi, Wallbox, etc.):

1. Receive Octopus Email (arrives day of switch or day after):

   • Subject: "Welcome to Intelligent Go - Set Up Your Charger"
   • Contains unique integration link

2. Click Integration Link:

   • Redirects to charger manufacturer's authorisation page
   • Example (Ohme): "Octopus Energy requests access to your Ohme charger to manage charging schedules"

3. Authorise Access:

   • Click "Allow" or "Authorise"
   • Grants Octopus permission to:
     • Read state of charge
     • Control charging start/stop times
     • Adjust charging speed if needed

4. Set Ready-By Time (in Octopus app):

   • Download Octopus Energy app (iOS/Android)
   • Navigate to "Intelligent Go" section
   • Set default ready-by time (e.g., 07:00 weekdays, 09:00 weekends)
   • Set target charge percentage (e.g., 80% for battery longevity)

5. Test Charge:

   • Plug in vehicle
   • Verify charger doesn't start immediately (waits for scheduled cheap period)
   • Check Octopus app shows "Scheduled charging: 23:30-05:30"

For Tesla Vehicles:

1. Octopus Email provides Tesla integration link
2. Click Link → redirected to Tesla login
3. Grant Octopus Access to Tesla account
4. Set Ready-By Time in Octopus app
5. Disable Tesla's Built-In Scheduling:
   • In Tesla app, navigate to Charging → Schedule
   • Turn OFF scheduled departure/charging
   • Let Octopus control timing instead
6. Test: Plug in, verify Tesla waits for cheap period

Common Setup Issues:

Charger won't connect to Octopus:

• Verify charger is online (check manufacturer app)
• Ensure charger firmware is up-to-date
• Try revoking and re-authorising access
• Check WiFi connectivity
• Contact Octopus support: 0330 303 5063

Charging starts immediately instead of waiting for cheap period:

• Check ready-by time is set correctly (must be after current time)
• Verify integration authorisation completed
• Ensure charger isn't set to "charge now" override
• Wait 24-48 hours for full integration activation

Step 5: Optimise Household Consumption (Ongoing)

Maximise savings by shifting household loads to off-peak hours.

High-Impact Shifts:

Dishwasher (1.5-2 kWh per cycle):

• Run at 23:30 or later
• Annual saving: £120-£150
• Most modern dishwashers have delay-start timers

Washing Machine (0.8-1.5 kWh per cycle):

• Schedule for 00:00-05:00
• Annual saving: £90-£120 (2-3 cycles/week)

Tumble Dryer (3-4 kWh per cycle):

• Run during off-peak only
• Annual saving: £150-£200 (if used regularly)

Electric Hot Water Immersion (if applicable):

• Heat water overnight at 7p/kWh
• Annual saving: £200-£300 vs peak-rate heating

Home Battery Charging (if you have solar + battery):

• Charge battery from grid during off-peak
• Discharge to power home during peak hours
• Battery arbitrage savings: £300-£500 annually

Total Household Shifting Potential: £300-£800 annually beyond EV charging

Real-World Savings Analysis

Case Study 1: Nissan Leaf Owner (10,000 Miles/Year)

Driver Profile:

• Vehicle: Nissan Leaf e+ (62 kWh battery)
• Annual mileage: 10,000 miles
• Efficiency: 3.8 miles/kWh
• Charger: Ohme Home Pro
• Location: Manchester

Previous Tariff (British Gas Standard Variable):

• Rate: 27p/kWh
• Annual EV consumption: 2,632 kWh (10,000 ÷ 3.8)
• Annual EV charging cost: £711

Intelligent Go (12 months data, Jan-Dec 2024):

• Off-peak consumption: 2,580 kWh (98% of EV charging)
• Peak consumption: 52 kWh (2%, emergency top-ups)
• Off-peak cost: 2,580 × £0.07 = £181
• Peak cost: 52 × £0.245 = £13
• Total annual EV cost: £194
• Annual saving on EV: £517

Household Shifting Benefits:

• Dishwasher shifted to off-peak: 260 kWh × (£0.27 - £0.07) = £52 saved
• Washing machine shifted: 180 kWh × (£0.27 - £0.07) = £36 saved
• Occasional tumble dryer use shifted: 120 kWh × (£0.27 - £0.07) = £24 saved
• Total household shifting savings: £112

Grand Total Annual Saving: £517 + £112 = £629

Case Study 2: Tesla Model Y Owner (15,000 Miles/Year)

Driver Profile:

• Vehicle: Tesla Model Y Long Range (75 kWh battery)
• Annual mileage: 15,000 miles
• Efficiency: 3.2 miles/kWh (includes winter efficiency drop)
• Charger: Tesla Wall Connector (non-smart, uses Tesla API integration)
• Location: Bristol

Previous Tariff (E.ON Standard):

• Rate: 26p/kWh
• Annual consumption: 4,688 kWh (15,000 ÷ 3.2)
• Annual cost: £1,219

Intelligent Go (12 months data):

• Off-peak consumption: 4,595 kWh (98%)
• Peak consumption: 93 kWh (2%, occasional urgent charges)
• Off-peak cost: £322
• Peak cost: £23
• Total annual cost: £345
• Annual saving: £874

Additional Benefits:

• Home battery (Tesla Powerwall 2) charged overnight at 7p/kWh
• Battery consumption: 2,920 kWh annually (8 kWh daily average)
• Battery arbitrage saving: 2,920 × (£0.26 - £0.07) = £555

Grand Total Annual Saving: £874 + £555 = £1,429

Case Study 3: VW ID.4 Owner (8,000 Miles/Year, Solar Panels)

Driver Profile:

• Vehicle: VW ID.4 (77 kWh battery)
• Annual mileage: 8,000 miles
• Efficiency: 3.5 miles/kWh
• Charger: Myenergi Zappi v2 (solar integration)
• Solar panels: 4 kWp system
• Location: Sussex

Previous Tariff (Octopus Flexible):

• Rate: 24p/kWh
• Annual EV consumption: 2,286 kWh (8,000 ÷ 3.5)
• Solar charging: ~35% (800 kWh, mostly summer)
• Grid charging: 1,486 kWh
• Annual cost: 1,486 × £0.24 = £357

Intelligent Go (with solar optimisation):

• Solar charging: 800 kWh (£0 cost)
• Off-peak grid charging: 1,450 kWh × £0.07 = £102
• Peak grid charging: 36 kWh × £0.245 = £9
• Total annual cost: £111
• Annual saving: £246

Solar Export Improvement:

• Intelligent Go allows charging EV at night, leaving more solar for export during day
• Additional export: 600 kWh × £0.15 (SEG rate) = £90

Grand Total Annual Saving: £246 + £90 = £336

Advanced Optimisation Strategies

Strategy 1: Octopus Wheel of Fortune (Saving Sessions)

Octopus runs "Saving Sessions" during winter (November-March) when grid demand is critical.

How It Works:

• Octopus emails/app notification announces saving session (usually 24 hours notice)
• Typical windows: 16:00-19:00 (peak demand periods)
• You reduce consumption during window
• Earn £1-£4 per kWh saved vs your baseline

EV Charging Strategy for Saving Sessions:

1. Avoid charging during announced windows (shift to 23:30+ off-peak)
2. Delay home battery discharge until saving session starts
3. Postpone high-consumption tasks (cooking, laundry) to after 19:00

Real Example (January 2025 saving session):

• Saving window: 17:00-18:00
• Baseline consumption: 3 kWh (typical usage)
• Actual consumption: 0.5 kWh (lights and fridge only)
• Saving: 2.5 kWh
• Payment: 2.5 kWh × £2.50 = £6.25

Annual Potential: 10-15 saving sessions × £5-£15 average = £75-£150 extra

Strategy 2: Preheating on Cheap Rate (Winter Efficiency)

EVs lose 20-40% efficiency in winter due to cold batteries and cabin heating. Preheating on mains power (instead of battery) preserves range.

Implementation:

1. Schedule Preheating (in vehicle app):

   • Set departure time: 07:00
   • Enable preheating: 20 minutes before departure
   • Car heats cabin and battery using mains power during off-peak (still 7p/kWh)

2. Energy Impact:

   • Preheating draws: 3-5 kWh per session
   • Cost at 7p/kWh: £0.21-£0.35
   • Alternative (battery preheating): Reduces range by 10-15 miles

3. Annual Benefit:

   • Winter months (Nov-Feb): 120 days
   • Range preserved: 10 miles/day × 120 days = 1,200 miles
   • Efficiency maintained: Worth ~£80 vs lost efficiency
   • Comfort bonus: Warm car every morning

Strategy 3: Bumped Slot Monitoring and Exploitation

Maximise bumped slot benefits by monitoring patterns and timing high-consumption tasks.

Tools:

Octopus App Notifications:

• Enable push notifications for bumped slots
• Octopus announces bumped periods 1-2 hours in advance
• Plan accordingly (delay dryer, charge battery, etc.)

Community Resources:

• Octopus Energy Community Forum (forum.octopus.energy)
• Users share bumped slot notifications by region
• Patterns emerge (e.g., "Windy weekends = bumped slots 21:00-23:00")

Predictive Timing:

• Check wind forecast (Windy.com or Met Office)
• Strong overnight wind forecast → high probability of bumped slots 21:00-23:00
• Sunny weekend forecast (summer) → possible bumped slots 13:00-16:00
• Plan high-consumption tasks accordingly

Example Exploitation:

User "EcoHome2025" (from Octopus forum, March 2025):

• Monitored bumped slot patterns for 3 months
• Noticed consistent bumped slots 14:00-16:00 on sunny Saturdays (solar surge)
• Scheduled weekly tasks:
  • Tumble dryer: 14:30 start (4 kWh)
  • Dishwasher: 14:00 start (1.8 kWh)
  • EV top-up: 14:00-16:00 (10 kWh)
• Weekly saving: 15.8 kWh × (£0.245 - £0.07) = £2.77
• Annual saving: £144 from bumped slot timing alone

Strategy 4: Battery State of Charge Management

Intelligent charging works best when you give Octopus flexibility. Optimise your target charge levels.

Best Practices:

Daily Commute Scenario (30 miles round trip):

• Battery capacity: 60 kWh
• Daily consumption: ~10 kWh (30 miles ÷ 3 miles/kWh)
• Optimal approach:
  • Let battery drop to 30-40% during week
  • Set ready-by charge: 70-80% (not 100%)
  • Octopus has 30-40 kWh charging flexibility within 6-hour window
  • Enables maximum intelligent optimisation

Weekend/Low-Use Days:

• If not driving, set ready-by charge to 60% (instead of 80%)
• Reduces grid demand
• Extends battery longevity (lower state of charge = less degradation)
• Still provides 150+ miles range for unexpected trips

Avoid (reduces Octopus's optimisation flexibility):

• Charging 90-100% daily when you only need 70%
• Setting very early ready-by times (e.g., 05:00) when you don't depart until 08:00
• Frequent "charge now" overrides during peak hours

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

What If I Need to Charge Outside Off-Peak Hours?

Octopus provides "charge now" override functionality.

Using Charge Now:

1. Open Octopus Energy app
2. Navigate to Intelligent Go section
3. Tap "Charge Now"
4. Confirm override
5. Charging starts immediately at current rate (peak rate if outside off-peak window)

Cost Impact Example:

• Emergency 20 kWh charge at 15:00 (peak time)
• Cost: 20 kWh × £0.245 = £4.90
• If scheduled to off-peak: 20 kWh × £0.07 = £1.40
• Difference: £3.50 premium for immediate charging

Best Practice: Reserve "charge now" for genuine emergencies (forgot to plug in, unexpected journey). Even monthly use (once/month) has minimal impact on annual savings.

Does Intelligent Go Work If I Have Solar Panels?

Yes, and the combination is powerful if managed correctly.

Optimal Setup (with Zappi or Ohme solar-compatible charger):

Summer Strategy:

1. Daytime: Charger prioritises solar (Zappi Eco+ mode or Ohme solar boost)
2. Nighttime: Intelligent Go tops up any remaining required charge at 7p/kWh
3. Result: Maximum solar self-consumption, grid backup when needed

Winter Strategy:

1. Daytime: Limited solar, export to grid (earn SEG payments)
2. Nighttime: Intelligent Go charges EV at 7p/kWh
3. Result: Export income + cheap grid charging

Example (4 kWp solar, Zappi, Nissan Leaf):

• Annual EV consumption: 2,800 kWh
• Solar charging (summer months): 900 kWh (32%)
• Grid charging (Intelligent Go): 1,900 kWh
• Cost: 1,900 × £0.07 = £133 (vs £672 on standard tariff)
• Saving: £539 + free 900 kWh solar = exceptional value

Important: Coordinate solar charger modes with Intelligent Go:

• Zappi: Use Eco+ mode (solar priority, grid top-up)
• Ohme: Enable solar boost in Ohme app
• Let Octopus handle overnight scheduling
• Avoid conflicts (disable Octopus during daytime solar charging if preferred)

Can I Use Intelligent Go with Multiple EVs?

Yes, Intelligent Go supports multi-EV households, though setup complexity increases.

Scenario 1: Two Compatible Chargers

• Integrate both chargers with Octopus
• Set independent ready-by times for each vehicle
• Octopus schedules both optimally within off-peak windows
• Note: May require load balancing if total draw exceeds supply capacity

Scenario 2: One Charger, Two EVs

• Octopus can only control the charger, not individual vehicles
• Workaround: Manually manage which vehicle charges which night
• Set ready-by times to alternate (e.g., Car 1: Monday/Wednesday/Friday; Car 2: Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday)
• Requires coordination but works effectively

Scenario 3: Tesla + Non-Tesla

• Integrate Tesla via Tesla API
• Integrate non-Tesla's charger separately
• Octopus handles both independently
• Ideal setup for mixed households

What Happens If My WiFi Goes Down?

Charger connectivity loss doesn't prevent charging, but impacts intelligent features.

During WiFi Outage:

Compatible Chargers:

• Last-received schedule continues (charging still occurs during programmed off-peak hours)
• No new schedule updates (if you change ready-by time, change won't apply until WiFi restores)
• Bumped slot notifications won't reach charger
• Charger falls back to standard 23:30-05:30 window

Tesla Vehicles:

• Tesla uses mobile data as backup (if vehicle has connectivity)
• Usually unaffected by home WiFi loss
• Continues intelligent scheduling normally

Billing:

• Unaffected (billing relies on smart meter WAN, not home WiFi)
• Off-peak rates still apply to consumption during off-peak hours

Resolution: Restore WiFi → charger reconnects within 15-30 minutes → normal service resumes

Is Intelligent Go Worth It Without Compatible Charger?

No—Intelligent Go specifically requires compatible charger or Tesla integration.

Alternative Options If You Have Incompatible Charger:

Option 1: OVO Charge Anytime

• Works with any charger (even 3-pin)
• Manual logging of charging sessions
• Same 7p/kWh rate
• Best for: Those unwilling to upgrade charger

Option 2: E.ON Next Drive

• Whole-home off-peak (9p/kWh, 00:00-07:00)
• No charger requirements
• Manual scheduling via charger timer (if available)
• Best for: Households shifting significant consumption to off-peak

Option 3: Upgrade Charger

• Invest £600-£900 in compatible charger (Ohme, Zappi, Wallbox)
• Unlock Intelligent Go benefits
• Payback period: 12-18 months from savings
• Best for: Long-term EV ownership plans

Intelligent Go vs Competitors

Intelligent Go vs OVO Charge Anytime

Verdict: Intelligent Go wins if you have compatible charger (better optimisation, whole-home discount, bumped slots). OVO wins if you lack compatible charger or prefer simplicity.

Intelligent Go vs E.ON Next Drive

Verdict: Intelligent Go offers 22% cheaper off-peak rate (7p vs 9p), flexible contract, and intelligent optimisation. E.ON suits those wanting fixed pricing and willing to sacrifice 2p/kWh for stability.

Intelligent Go vs British Gas Electric Drivers

Verdict: Intelligent Go superior on every metric except British Gas Rewards (minor benefit). 5-hour off-peak window on BG is limiting for larger batteries.

Who Should Choose Intelligent Go?

Ideal Candidates

✅ You Should Choose Intelligent Go If:

• You own a Tesla (seamless integration without smart charger)
• You have or will install compatible smart charger (Ohme, Zappi, Wallbox)
• You can shift household consumption to off-peak (dishwasher, laundry)
• You drive regularly (7,000+ miles/year) making savings significant
• You value automation (don't want manual logging like OVO)
• You have home battery + solar (maximise arbitrage opportunities)
• You prefer flexible contracts (no exit fees)

❌ You Should Avoid Intelligent Go If:

• You have incompatible charger and won't upgrade (choose OVO instead)
• You have very low mileage (<4,000 miles/year) where savings are minimal
• You frequently need to charge at peak times (irregular schedule)
• You lack reliable home WiFi (Tesla owners exempt)
• You prefer simplicity over optimisation (manual scheduling easier for some)

Break-Even Analysis

When does Intelligent Go investment pay back?

Scenario: Need to Buy Compatible Charger

• Current charger: Rolec WallPod (incompatible, worth ~£200 used)
• Replacement: Ohme Home Pro (£850 installed)
• Net investment: £650

Annual Savings vs Standard Tariff (10,000 miles/year):

• EV charging saving: £500
• Household shifting saving: £150
• Total annual benefit: £650

Payback Period: 12 months

5-Year Value: £650 × 5 = £3,250 saved 10-Year Value: £650 × 10 = £6,500 saved

Verdict: Even requiring new charger, Intelligent Go pays for itself within one year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Switch Away from Intelligent Go If I Don't Like It?

Yes, absolutely. Intelligent Go is a monthly rolling contract with zero exit fees.

Switching Process:

1. Choose new supplier/tariff
2. Apply with new supplier (they handle switch)
3. 14-21 days switch period
4. No penalties or fees from Octopus

Reasons Users Switch Away (rare, but happens):

• Moving to property without EV charger
• Selling EV, no longer need EV tariff
• Found better deal elsewhere (uncommon—Intelligent Go is typically cheapest)

Note: Octopus has excellent retention. Most users stay long-term due to savings and service quality.

What Happens If I Go on Holiday for 2 Weeks?

No issue—just don't plug in your EV.

Impact on Bill:

• You only pay for electricity you use
• Standing charge continues (46p/day, unavoidable)
• If car unplugged, no EV charging costs
• Household consumption continues normally

Smart Meter: Continues reporting (no action needed) Charger: Stays online, awaits next plug-in Ready-By Settings: Remain configured, activate when you next plug in

Tip: If holiday extends beyond 3+ weeks, consider:

• Shifting household consumption to off-peak via timers (reduces costs while away)
• Adjusting ready-by times upon return if schedule changes

Does Intelligent Go Work with Home Battery Storage?

Yes, and it's one of the best combinations possible.

Battery Arbitrage Strategy:

1. Charge battery from grid during off-peak (23:30-05:30 at 7p/kWh)
2. Discharge battery to power home during peak (avoid 24.50p/kWh grid consumption)
3. Profit: £0.175/kWh (£0.245 - £0.07 = £0.175)

Example (Tesla Powerwall 2, 13.5 kWh usable):

• Daily cycle: Charge 10 kWh overnight, discharge during day
• Daily saving: 10 kWh × £0.175 = £1.75
• Annual saving: £1.75 × 365 = £639

Compatible Batteries:

• Tesla Powerwall 2/3
• GivEnergy All-In-One
• Sonnen Batterie
• Powervault 3
• Lux Power

Setup: Configure battery (via its app/controller) to:

• Charge from grid: 23:30-05:30 only
• Discharge to home: 05:30-23:30
• Reserve capacity: 10-20% (for outages)

Combined EV + Battery Savings: £500 (EV) + £600 (battery) = £1,100+ annually

Can I Use Intelligent Go with Work-From-Home High Daytime Usage?

Yes, though benefits reduce if you can't shift consumption to off-peak.

Daytime Consumption Impact:

Scenario: Work from home, high daytime usage (computer, monitors, heating, cooking lunch)

• Typical WFH consumption: 8-12 kWh daily (08:00-18:00)
• Cost on Intelligent Go peak rate: 10 kWh × £0.245 = £2.45/day
• Cost on standard tariff: 10 kWh × £0.24 = £2.40/day
• Difference: Minimal (£0.05/day or £18/year worse)

EV Charging Savings Offset:

• Annual EV saving: £500
• Daytime peak usage penalty: £18
• Net benefit: £482

Verdict: Intelligent Go still delivers substantial savings even with high daytime usage, because EV charging (largest consumption component) occurs at 7p/kWh.

Optimisation: Shift what you can (dishwasher, laundry, batch cooking) to off-peak to maximise benefits.

Is the 7p/kWh Rate Guaranteed, or Can Octopus Change It?

Octopus can change rates with 30 days notice, but changes are rare and competitive.

Price Change History:

• Launch (September 2021): 7.5p/kWh off-peak
• June 2023: Reduced to 7p/kWh (yes, reduced!)
• January 2025: Still 7p/kWh

Regulatory Protection:

• Ofgem requires 30 days notice for price changes
• You can switch penalty-free if dissatisfied with new rates
• Intelligent Go competes with OVO (also 7p), creating downward price pressure

Likelihood of Increase: Low in near term (2025-2026). If wholesale prices fall further (more renewable capacity), off-peak rates may decrease. If wholesale prices spike, rates could increase to 8-9p, but you'd switch if better deals emerge.

Protection Strategy: Monitor comparison sites annually. If Intelligent Go increases significantly, alternatives (OVO, E.ON) exist.

Do I Need to Do Anything Special for Bumped Slots?

No—bumped slots are automatic bonuses.

How They Appear:

• Octopus app notification: "Extra cheap charging available 14:00-16:00 today"
• Your charger automatically receives updated schedule
• If car plugged in, charging may occur during bumped slot (if needed to meet ready-by target)
• Household consumption during bumped slots automatically charged at 7p/kWh

What You Can Do (optional optimisation):

• Check notifications regularly
• Plan high-consumption tasks around announced bumped slots (tumble dryer, dishwasher)
• Charge battery storage during bumped slots

What You Don't Need to Do:

• Manually configure anything
• Worry if you miss notifications (standard 23:30-05:30 window always available)
• Plug in car earlier (Octopus optimises automatically)

Frequency: 3-12 bumped slots per month (highly variable, weather-dependent)

Can I Combine Intelligent Go with Solar Export (SEG) Tariff?

Yes, and it's an excellent combination.

Dual Tariff Setup:

• Import tariff: Octopus Intelligent Go (7p/kWh off-peak, 24.50p peak)
• Export tariff: Octopus Outgoing Fixed (15p/kWh) or Outgoing Agile (variable)

Strategy:

1. Daytime: Export solar to grid at 15p/kWh (earn income)
2. Nighttime: Import grid power to charge EV and battery at 7p/kWh
3. Profit margin: 8p/kWh (£0.15 export - £0.07 import)

Example (4 kWp solar, 10 kWh battery, Nissan Leaf):

• Annual solar generation: 3,800 kWh
• Self-consumption: 1,200 kWh (daytime household use)
• Export: 2,600 kWh × £0.15 = £390 income
• Nighttime import: 3,500 kWh (EV + battery) × £0.07 = £245 cost
• Net position: £390 - £245 = £145 profit (plus ~£500 saved vs standard tariff)

Best Export Tariff to Pair:

• Octopus Outgoing Fixed: 15p/kWh, predictable income
• Octopus Outgoing Agile: Variable (10-30p/kWh), higher earnings potential but requires active management

Conclusion: Is Intelligent Go the UK's Best EV Tariff?

For most UK EV drivers with compatible equipment, Octopus Intelligent Go is unequivocally the best tariff in 2025.

Unmatched Advantages:

• Market-leading 7p/kWh off-peak rate
• Intelligent optimisation maximises cheap-rate charging
• Whole-home discount (not just EV charging)
• Bumped slots provide bonus cheap hours
• Zero exit fees, monthly rolling contract
• Exceptional customer service and app experience

Who Wins Most:

• Tesla owners (free integration, no charger requirement)
• Existing compatible charger owners (Ohme, Zappi, Wallbox)
• Households with solar + battery (arbitrage opportunities)
• High-mileage drivers (15,000+ miles/year)

When to Consider Alternatives:

• Incompatible charger + unwilling to upgrade → OVO Charge Anytime
• Want fixed pricing certainty → E.ON Next Drive
• Very low mileage (<5,000 miles/year) → Standard tariff may suffice

The Bottom Line: With average annual savings of £500-£800 on EV charging alone, plus £200-£500 in household shifting benefits, Intelligent Go typically saves UK EV drivers £700-£1,300 annually compared to standard tariffs. For a monthly rolling contract with zero exit fees, it's a risk-free switch that pays for itself within the first month.

If you have compatible equipment, switching to Intelligent Go is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make as a UK EV owner in 2025.