Intelligent Octopus Go Rates, Setup Guide and FAQ (2025)

Intelligent Octopus Go Tariff in Plain English

Updated November 2025: This guide explains everything about the Intelligent Octopus Go EV tariff, including the current off-peak rates, cheap charging times, and how automatic scheduling works.

If you’re new to Octopus tariffs, here’s the simple version:

• Octopus Intelligent Go gives you a cheap overnight rate for charging your EV.

• You tell the Octopus app when you want your car ready, and it automatically schedules charging at the lowest-cost, greenest times.

• You always get at least six hours of cheap electricity overnight (typically 23:30-05:30), with extra bonus cheap slots when the grid has surplus renewable power.

• The result? Lower bills, less hassle, and cleaner charging compared to standard tariffs.

If that’s all you need, you already know the basics. If you want more detailed information, savings, comparisons, eligibility, and how it all works, read on.

Reading Guide

This article about Intelligent Go is a comprehensive read, drawing on both data and hands-on testing.

Use the Table of Contents below to jump straight to the questions that matter most or scroll through at your own pace.

Quick Snapshot: Intelligent Octopus Go Rates, Setup & Savings

If you just want the essentials, here’s what Intelligent Octopus Go looks like in practice. The overnight rate is around 7.5p per kWh, with daytime rates averaging about 29p per kWh. Cheap hours usually run from 11:30 pm to 5:30 am, and your entire home benefits from those lower prices during that window.

To get started, you’ll need a smart meter, a compatible EV or charger, and the Octopus app to handle charging schedules automatically. Most drivers save £400–£600 a year compared to a standard tariff, and households with solar or heat pumps can cut costs even further by using those cheap overnight slots.

Now let’s look at the latest regional rates and how Intelligent Octopus Go pricing changes with the wholesale market.

Latest Intelligent Octopus Go Rates & Off-Peak Hours (Updated October 2025)

Intelligent Octopus Go rates vary slightly by region and change in line with wholesale electricity costs. The table below shows a typical snapshot of peak and off-peak prices as of October 2025, along with the standard six-hour overnight charging window. Actual rates are confirmed on your Octopus Energy account once you join.

Intelligent Go is available as both a fixed and a variable tariff for EV owners:

IOG Variable Tariff Pricing Snapshot

Below is a current example of variable Intelligent Octopus Go pricing. These figures are based on October 2025 price cap data and may move with wholesale rates.

Rates vary by region and may update with changes in wholesale prices. For detailed regional data, see the links below.

Octopus Intelligent Go Rates by UK Region

Explore detailed regional pricing via our 14 UK DNO (district network operator) pages:

Eastern England
East Midlands
London
Merseyside and Northern Wales
North Eastern England
North Western England
Northern Scotland
Southern England
South Eastern England
Southern Wales
South Western England
Southern Scotland
West Midlands
Yorkshire

Half hour Intelligent Go Rates for the last 7 days (Eastern England)

Eligibility & Onboarding: Smart Meter, Compatibility, and Joining Path

To join Intelligent Octopus Go, you’ll need a few things in place:

1. An Octopus Energy electricity supply – You must already be a domestic customer with Octopus or switch to them first.

2. A smart meter with half-hourly readings – This allows Octopus to schedule charging automatically and apply off-peak pricing.

3. A compatible EV or charger – Check the current supported list on the Octopus Energy website before applying.

4. The Octopus Energy app – You’ll use it to set your “ready by” times, monitor charging, and view overnight slots.

👉 New to Octopus? You can join Octopus using my referral link and claim £50 of free credit.

When you switch, you’ll start on a standard tariff while your account and smart meter are connected. Once your setup is complete and your EV or charger is confirmed as compatible, Octopus will move you onto Intelligent Octopus Go automatically.

You can check your progress in the app at any time, including meter status, onboarding stage, and when your first cheap overnight slots will appear.

How Intelligent Octopus Go Works

Intelligent Octopus Go is a smart EV tariff that automatically charges your car when electricity is cheapest and greenest. It uses data from your smart meter, your EV or charger, and the Octopus app to schedule charging without you needing to plan it manually.

Automatic charging

Plug in your car when you get home and set your target charge and “ready by” time in the Octopus app. Intelligent Go will then plan your charging overnight, making sure your car is ready when you need it.

If you start charging manually outside these scheduled slots (using the “bump charge” option), electricity used during that time may be billed at the standard rate rather than the off-peak rate.

EV battery size and charging speed

The system automatically calculates how many charging hours you need based on your battery size and charger power.

For example, a 7 kW charger adds roughly 7 kWh per hour, so a 42 kWh top-up would take about six hours. If your car needs more energy, or if the grid has spare renewable power, Intelligent Go can add extra cheap slots outside the usual 11:30 pm–5:30 am window.

Why some off-peak slots fall outside standard hours

You might notice extra charging periods at different times of day. These appear when:

• Your EV requires more energy than can fit into the six-hour window

• There’s a surplus of renewable generation (windy or sunny conditions)

• Local grid demand is lower than usual

Any electricity used in those extra half-hour slots is billed at the off-peak rate, as long as your EV is actively charging during that time.

Whole-home benefit

During the main off-peak window (11:30 pm–5:30 am), your entire home enjoys the same cheaper rate, not just the car.
Extra daytime slots only apply at the reduced rate if your EV is charging.

Behind the scenes

All this is powered by Octopus Kraken, the same smart energy platform used worldwide by other suppliers to balance supply and demand. It constantly adjusts charging schedules based on grid conditions, renewable output, and your charging habits.

Savings with Intelligent Octopus Go

Switching to Intelligent Octopus Go is about more than convenience. The combination of cheap overnight pricing and smart scheduling can cut electricity costs for both driving and home use.

Electricity tariff savings

Charging during the six-hour off-peak window (typically 11:30 pm–5:30 am) costs much less than using a standard tariff. A typical EV driver covering 8,000–9,000 miles a year can save around £400–£600 annually compared with standard electricity pricing.

Because the off-peak unit rate is usually lower than the regular Octopus Go tariff, Intelligent Go often works out cheaper overall, especially if you get extra “bonus” cheap slots when renewable power is abundant.

Petrol vs EV cost comparison

Driving 8,800 miles in a petrol car (40 mpg, £1.50 per litre) costs roughly £1,660 a year.
The same mileage in an EV charged on a standard electricity tariff (30p/kWh) costs about £630, while using Intelligent Go at 7.5p/kWh drops that to just £132.

That makes petrol driving more than ten times more expensive per mile than charging overnight on Intelligent Go.

Cost assumptions

These figures are based on:

• Petrol efficiency of 40 mpg at £1.50 per litre

• EV energy use of 0.30 kWh per mile

• Electricity rates of 30p/kWh (standard) and 7.5p/kWh (Intelligent Go off-peak)

Why it matters

Even moderate mileage drivers see clear savings. Someone driving 5,000 miles a year still saves a few hundred pounds compared with petrol, while higher-mileage EV owners can save more than £1,400 annually.

The savings grow further when you shift other home usage into the cheap overnight hours, such as running dishwashers, washing machines, or charging home batteries.

Virtual Power Plant: Grid Flexibility and Carbon Benefits

Intelligent Octopus Go isn’t just a cheap overnight EV tariff. It’s also part of the world’s largest virtual power plant (VPP).  A network of connected EVs, chargers, batteries, and other smart devices that help balance the electricity grid.

Octopus Energy’s platform now includes more than 200,000 customers and works with over 280 EV and charger models across the UK, Germany, the USA, and New Zealand. Together, these devices can store or release enough energy to match half a nuclear power station, helping to power cities like Birmingham or Leeds during high-demand periods.

Why it matters

• Uses surplus renewable energy: When wind or solar generation is high, the system automatically shifts charging to absorb that power instead of wasting it.

• Reduces grid strain: During evening peaks, the platform can delay or slow charging to avoid fossil-fuel backup generation.

• Delivers value to users: Drivers get cheaper, greener energy automatically while supporting grid stability behind the scenes.

For more detail, see Octopus Energy’s blog on Intelligent Octopus and why smart tariffs matter.

Extra Cheap Slots – Real World Example

Sunny and Windy Days May Lead to Extra Slots

Intelligent Go is designed to take advantage of times when the grid has an abundance of renewable energy.

On particularly sunny or windy days, you may see additional off-peak charging slots scheduled outside the core window (11:30 pm – 5:30 am).

For example, if you plug in your EV on a sunny, windy afternoon, Intelligent Go can automatically add extra slots. In the screenshot from the Octopus Energy app, extra slots were provided between 13:07 and 17:00.

These slots would have been charged at the discounted off-peak rate, as long as the EV is actively charging for at least part of the 30-minute billing period (see FAQ Q11 for full details).

These extra slots aren’t guaranteed, but when conditions are right there’s a good chance you’ll get them—so it’s always worth plugging in if the conditions look favourable.

Get Insights from Octopus Agile Tariff

One way to anticipate these periods is by checking the Octopus Agile tariff.

Agile pricing follows the underlying wholesale cost of electricity, so when wholesale prices are low, Intelligent Go often schedules extra cheap slots at the same time.

Here’s an example of Agile pricing on Monday 4th August 2025, highlighting how a sunny, windy afternoon could have been the perfect time for extra discounted charging on Intelligent Go.

For daily updates on Agile and other Octopus Energy smart tariffs, follow @energystatsuk on Twitter/X, Bluesky, Mastodon, and Instagram.

Who Can Benefit Beyond EV Owners?

• Heat pump owners: Move hot water runs to off-peak slots to save even more, as detailed in The Heat Pump Hot Water Golden Rules.

• Solar/battery owners: Maximise self-consumption of renewable energy using off-peak slots to charge your batteries, illustrated in Whole House Running Costs and Stats 2024.

Although designed for EV owners, this electric vehicle tariff also benefits households with heat pumps or solar/batteries.

EV and Charger Compatibility

Intelligent Octopus Go is compatible with a wide range of electric vehicles (EVs) and chargers, but compatibility depends on both the car and the charger. Octopus Energy can directly communicate with over 280 EV and charger models, and they are constantly expanding this list.

EV Compatibility

Intelligent Octopus Go can directly control charging for many EVs, including select models from Audi, BMW, Mini, Renault, Tesla, and Volkswagen.

Charger Compatibility

Some chargers, such as Ohme and Zappi, are designed to work seamlessly with Intelligent Octopus Go. Other chargers can also be used, particularly if the EV itself allows charge scheduling via its own system.

Checking Compatibility

Always double-check your specific EV and charger on Octopus Energy’s website to ensure full compatibility. This ensures you can take full advantage of Intelligent Go’s automatic scheduling and off-peak rates.

For example, you may have a dumb wall charger but Octopus are able to talk directly to the EV instead to wake it up when it’s time to charge.

Whereas, if you have a compatible charger like an Ohme or a Zappi, then in theory you should be able to charge any EV as it’s the smart charger that Octopus is talking to.

If your charger and EV are not a compatible combination, you may need to consider the standard, non-smart Octopus Go EV tariff instead.

Greener Nights Forecast (formerly Greener Days)

In September 2025, Octopus rebranded their Greener Days forecast to Greener Nights, to better reflect the true time window covered by the raw API data (11PM–6AM).

This forecast shows which overnight periods are cleanest for charging, based on wind generation forecasts and grid carbon intensity. The greener the night, the higher the score.

What’s New?

• ✅ New name: Greener Nights (no longer “Greener Days”)

• ✅ Rewards: Intelligent Octopus customers can now earn Octopoints for shifting charging into greener nights:

  • 70% greener nights → 320 pts (~40p/month)

  • 80% greener nights → 640 pts (~80p/month)

  • 90% greener nights → 2800 pts (~£3.50/month, ~£42/year)

This means Intelligent Octopus users don’t just help reduce carbon emissions — you can now collect rewards too.

For full details and the daily charts, see my dedicated page:
👉 Octopus Greener Nights (formerly Greener Days)

Other Octopus Smart Tariffs & Export Options

Octopus Go — Fixed Off-Peak Window

A simpler EV tariff with a fixed off-peak charging window (typically 00:30–04:30). The off-peak rate is slightly higher than Intelligent Go, but it’s predictable and doesn’t rely on the Octopus app for scheduling. Good for EV drivers who want a straightforward, no-fuss overnight option or don’t have a device compatible with Intelligent.

Octopus Agile — Half-Hourly Wholesale Pricing (Plunge Pricing Possible)

Agile prices change every half hour, directly linked to the wholesale electricity market. At times of high renewable generation, prices can drop very low — and occasionally even go negative, creating “plunge pricing” events where customers get paid to use electricity. Agile suits tech-savvy users, households with smart appliances, or those with a home battery who can shift usage.

Octopus Tracker — Daily Wholesale-Linked Pricing

Tracker follows wholesale prices on a daily basis. Rates can be lower than the Ofgem price cap over time, but they do change every day. This tariff is ideal for customers who want long-term transparency and are comfortable with some volatility.

Octopus Cosy — Heat Pump Optimisation

Cosy is built for homes with heat pumps or electric heating. It provides two cheap off-peak windows each day, making it easier and more affordable to heat homes with low-carbon technology.

Octopus Flux — Solar & Battery Import/Export Optimisation

Flux is designed for households with solar PV and a home battery. It provides cheaper import rates during the day and higher export rates at peak times, helping solar homes maximise value by storing energy and selling it back when it’s worth more.

Export Tariffs (Outgoing Octopus)

If you generate your own electricity with solar panels (or have a battery), Octopus offers dedicated export tariffs that pay you for sending energy back to the grid:

Outgoing Fixed — Stable Export Payments

Pays a flat rate (currently around 15p/kWh) for every unit you export. Predictable and simple, great for households who want certainty.

Outgoing Agile — Variable Export Linked to Wholesale Prices

Export prices change every half hour, just like Agile on the import side. Returns can be higher during peak demand periods, but are more variable. This tariff works well for solar and battery households who want to maximise export income.

Which Tariff is Right for You?

• EV drivers → Intelligent Octopus Go (smartest and cheapest overnight charging).

• Simple EV charging → Octopus Go (predictable window, no app needed).

• Tech enthusiasts or battery owners → Agile or Flux.

• Price-watchers → Tracker (daily link to wholesale markets).

• Heat pump households → Cosy. Or see my Best Heat Pump Tariff guide.

• Solar panel owners → Outgoing Fixed (stable income) or Outgoing Agile (higher but variable returns).

👉 For a full breakdown of all Octopus smart tariffs, with current pricing and regional variations, see my detailed comparison here: Octopus Energy Smart Tariffs Pricing.

FAQ – Intelligent Octopus Go

What are the current Intelligent Octopus Go rates?

As of November 2025, the off-peak rate is around 7.5 p/kWh and the peak rate averages about 29 p/kWh. The off-peak rate applies during the overnight window, usually from 11:30 pm to 5:30 am. Rates can vary slightly by region and may change with wholesale prices.

What time does the Intelligent Octopus Go cheap rate start?

The standard cheap window runs from 11:30 pm to 5:30 am. Some users may see extra discounted slots when the grid has spare renewable energy, often on windy or sunny days.

Can I use Intelligent Octopus Go without an EV?

No. You need a compatible EV or smart charger to qualify for the tariff. Once you’re on it, though, the cheaper overnight rate applies to your entire household electricity use, not just the EV.

How much can I save with Intelligent Octopus Go?

Most drivers save £400 – £600 a year compared with a standard electricity tariff. Savings depend on how often you charge overnight and how much daytime power you shift into the cheap window.

What’s the EV cost per mile on Intelligent Octopus Go?

At about 7.5 p/kWh, the average EV costs around 1.5 p per mile to run. That compares with roughly 7 p per mile on a standard tariff and 19 p per mile for petrol driving.

Do savings depend on how many miles I drive?

Yes. The more you drive, the bigger the savings. A low-mileage driver might save a few hundred pounds each year, while higher-mileage EV owners can save more than £1,000 – £1,400 annually.

Is Intelligent Octopus Go a variable tariff?

Yes. Prices track wholesale electricity costs, which means the off-peak rate can change slightly over time. Fixed versions of the tariff are sometimes available for customers who prefer price stability.

How does Intelligent Octopus Go decide when to charge?

The Octopus app works with your smart meter and EV or charger to schedule charging when demand is low and renewable generation is high. You set your “ready by” time, and the system ensures the car is charged on time at the lowest rate.

Is Intelligent Octopus Go cheaper than Octopus Go?

Usually yes. Intelligent Go has a lower off-peak unit rate and can add bonus cheap slots when renewable supply is high. Standard Octopus Go has a fixed five-hour window, so it’s simpler but not as flexible.

How do I switch to Intelligent Octopus Go?

Download the Octopus Energy app and apply through your account. You’ll need a smart meter with half-hourly readings and a compatible EV or charger. Octopus will move you onto Intelligent Go once your setup is verified.