Octopus Intelligent Go works best with electric vehicles that allow the tariff to control charging automatically via an API or a compatible smart charger. The cars that get the most from this tariff are those where Octopus can start and stop charging remotely, always targeting the cheapest and greenest slots in the overnight window.
This guide covers which EVs work seamlessly with Octopus Intelligent Go, which need a smart charger to unlock automation, and what to do if your car is not on the compatibility list.
What Is Octopus Intelligent Go?
Octopus Intelligent Go is the UK’s most popular EV electricity tariff, with over 150,000 customers. It offers a rate of 8p per kWh between 11:30pm and 5:30am every night — a 68% reduction compared to the standard Ofgem variable rate of 24.67p/kWh for Q2 2026.
The “intelligent” part is what sets it apart from a standard off-peak tariff. Rather than requiring you to set a charging timer, the Octopus app integrates directly with your EV or smart charger. You tell the app when you need the car ready and what battery percentage you want, and Octopus schedules charging automatically within the overnight window, prioritising the cheapest and lowest-carbon slots.
For a driver covering 7,000 miles per year, Octopus Intelligent Go saves approximately £271 annually compared to a standard tariff. Home charging at 8p/kWh is also 85% cheaper than the UK average public charging rate of around 54p/kWh.
The 8p/kWh rate applies to your whole home during the off-peak window, not just your EV — so overnight appliances benefit too.
How EV Compatibility Works
Octopus Intelligent Go connects to your EV in one of two ways:
Direct vehicle integration: Octopus integrates with your car’s onboard systems via the manufacturer’s API. You log in to your car’s account in the Octopus app, and the tariff controls when charging starts and stops at the charger. This works even with a standard (non-smart) home charger or a 3-pin socket, as long as your car’s charging API is accessible.
Smart charger integration: If your vehicle does not have a supported API, a compatible smart charger acts as the controller. Octopus communicates with the charger, which controls the power flow. Most EVs work this way.
EVs with Direct Octopus Intelligent Go Integration
The following brands have direct API integration with Octopus Intelligent Go. You connect via your manufacturer account in the Octopus app.
Tesla
Tesla integration is one of the most seamless options available. You connect your Tesla account to the Octopus app, enable smart charge scheduling in the Tesla app, and Octopus takes over. This works with Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. No smart charger is required — a standard EVSE cable or Tesla Wall Connector will do.
BMW and MINI
Select BMW i-series models and MINI Electric integrate directly with Octopus Intelligent Go via the BMW/MINI Connected app. The integration allows Octopus to start and stop charging via the car’s onboard connection.
Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Cupra, Porsche)
Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, Audi Q4 e-tron and e-tron GT, Skoda Enyaq, SEAT Born, Cupra Born, and Porsche Taycan (via Porsche Connect) all support direct API integration. You connect via your We Connect or similar manufacturer account in the Octopus app.
Nissan
Select Nissan Leaf and Ariya models support direct integration via the Nissan Connect account.
Renault
Select Renault Megane E-Tech and Zoe models integrate via the My Renault account.
EVs That Need a Smart Charger for Full Automation
If your vehicle is not on the direct integration list, a compatible smart charger enables the same automated features.
When Octopus controls the smart charger, it schedules the start and stop times of charging automatically. From your perspective, the experience is identical to direct vehicle integration: you plug in, set your preferences in the app, and wake up to a charged car.
Compatible smart chargers for Octopus Intelligent Go include:
Ohme Home Pro — Designed specifically for tariff integration. Connects to Octopus and adjusts charging in real time. Works with all EVs.
Zappi GLO — myenergi’s Octopus-compatible smart charger. Prioritises solar generation when available and shifts to grid charging during off-peak windows.
VCHRGD Seven Pro — Built into the Octopus ecosystem. Seamless integration via the Octopus app.
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro — Clean Octopus integration with a well-designed companion app.
Indra Smart Pro — On the Octopus approved list; also offers V2G capability for future vehicle-to-grid export.
Andersen A3 / Quartz — Andersen chargers connect via the Andersen app, enabling Intelligent Go scheduling through the charger.
Any of these chargers works with any EV — so even if your car does not have a supported API, you can still access full automated scheduling with a compatible charger installed.
What If Your EV Is Not Compatible?
If neither your vehicle nor any charger on the approved list is available to you, you can still benefit from the Octopus Intelligent Go rate. You simply set a charging timer manually on your car’s infotainment system or via your charger’s app to start charging at 11:30pm and stop before 5:30am.
The 8p/kWh rate still applies to your whole home during that window regardless of how your car charges. You just lose the automation — it becomes a standard time-of-use tariff with excellent rates.
In this scenario, Octopus Intelligent Go still offers the same savings as Octopus Go (their standard EV tariff without the intelligent scheduling), and the whole-home off-peak rate means you benefit from cheap overnight electricity on all appliances, not just your car.
How to Sign Up for Octopus Intelligent Go
- Visit octopus.energy and check your postcode is eligible.
- Confirm you have a smart meter (or arrange installation — Octopus installs them free).
- Check the Octopus compatibility tool to see whether your vehicle or charger qualifies for automated scheduling.
- Sign up online. Switching from another supplier takes around five working days.
- Download the Octopus app and connect your EV or charger.
- Set your charging preferences: departure time and target battery level.
From that point, Octopus manages overnight charging automatically.
Octopus Intelligent Go vs Other EV Tariffs
Octopus Intelligent Go is particularly strong if you want automation. For drivers who prefer to set a timer manually, E.ON Next Drive Smart offers the same 8p/kWh rate with no compatibility requirements and a six-hour overnight window.
If you own solar panels and a battery, Octopus Flux combines cheap overnight import with premium export rates during the evening peak.
For a full side-by-side comparison of all available UK EV tariffs, see our EV tariff comparison hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which EVs are compatible with Octopus Intelligent Go? Octopus Intelligent Go has direct API integration with vehicles from Tesla, BMW, MINI, Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Cupra, Nissan, Renault, and Porsche. Drivers with other vehicles can use a compatible smart charger — Ohme, Zappi, VCHRGD, Hypervolt, Indra, or Andersen — to access the same automated scheduling. Check the full list at octopus.energy.
Can I use Octopus Intelligent Go without a smart charger? Yes. If your EV has a supported API, you can use Intelligent Go with a standard charger or even a 3-pin socket. If your EV does not have a supported API, you can still sign up and use the 8p/kWh off-peak rate manually by setting a charging timer on your car or charger.
How much does Octopus Intelligent Go cost? The off-peak rate is 8p/kWh from 11:30pm to 5:30am, every night. This rate applies to your whole home. The daytime rate is higher — check the current rate at octopus.energy as it varies by region and changes periodically. You also pay a daily standing charge.
Does Octopus Intelligent Go work with all home charger types? Not for automated scheduling. For full automation, you need a charger on the Octopus approved list (Ohme, Zappi GLO, VCHRGD, Hypervolt, Indra Smart, Andersen). For the discounted rate without automation, any charger or cable works — you simply set a timer yourself.
How much can I save with Octopus Intelligent Go? Octopus estimates a saving of approximately £271 per year for a driver covering 7,000 miles annually, compared to the standard variable tariff. The tariff is 68% cheaper per unit than the Q2 2026 Ofgem price cap rate, and 85% cheaper per unit than the average UK public charging rate of 54p/kWh.
Key Takeaways
- Octopus Intelligent Go offers 8p/kWh overnight (11:30pm–5:30am), applying to the whole home, with automated scheduling available for 280+ compatible EVs and chargers.
- Direct API integration is available for Tesla, BMW, MINI, Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Cupra, Nissan, Renault, and Porsche — no smart charger required for these brands.
- Any EV can access full automation via a compatible smart charger: Ohme Home Pro, Zappi GLO, VCHRGD Seven Pro, Hypervolt, Indra Smart Pro, or Andersen.
- Even without compatibility for automated scheduling, you can still use Intelligent Go’s 8p/kWh rate by setting a manual charging timer.
- Drivers covering 7,000 miles per year save approximately £271 annually versus a standard tariff; home charging is 85% cheaper per unit than public charging.
Useful Resources
Octopus Energy — Intelligent Octopus Go tariff
https://octopus.energy/smart/intelligent-octopus-go/
Octopus Energy — Compatible vehicles FAQ
https://octopusenergy.com/help-and-faqs/what-electric-vehicles-evs-are-compatible-with-intelligent-octopus
Energy Saving Trust — Smart charging guide
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/smart-charging-electric-vehicles/