Octopus Energy, the UK’s biggest green energy supplier, is now moving into the electric vehicle market with its own home charger. Called the Octopus Charge, the new device is designed to work best with the company’s Intelligent Octopus Go tariff, which gives drivers six hours of cheap overnight electricity at just 7p per kWh. For EV owners, this means charging a car for a fraction of the cost compared to daytime rates. Octopus says the move is part of its goal to make owning and running an electric car more affordable for British households.
How Much Does the Octopus Charger Cost?
The charger comes in two versions. The tethered charger, which includes a built-in five-metre cable, costs £999 (about $1,300). The untethered model, which lets you use your own cable, is slightly cheaper at £899 (about $1,200). Both options include installation and support directly from Octopus Energy, which sets them apart from many third-party chargers. Customers will also get a three-year warranty, giving extra peace of mind.
Easy to Control With the Octopus App
One of the biggest advantages of the new charger is that it links directly with the Octopus Energy app. Drivers can set charging schedules, monitor energy use, and track costs in the same place they already manage their household energy bills. While Octopus has worked with third-party chargers before, those connections sometimes had issues. By launching its own device, Octopus promises a smoother, more reliable setup for customers.
Can It Work If You Leave Octopus?
The charger is mainly designed for Octopus customers, but it won’t become useless if you decide to switch suppliers. It can connect through the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), which means other suppliers can control it if they have the right system. If your new supplier doesn’t support OCPP, you can still use the charger in Plug and Charge mode, setting up charging schedules through your car instead of the app. This makes the charger a long-term investment, even if you change energy companies in the future.
Supporting the Switch to Electric Cars
Octopus Energy has built its reputation on using renewable energy and offering flexible tariffs like Octopus Agile and Intelligent Octopus Go, which help customers save money. With electricity prices rising in recent years, these tariffs have been especially popular. Now, by launching the Octopus Charge, the company is going a step further. It’s giving EV owners a simple, cost-effective way to charge at home while taking full advantage of low overnight prices.
For now, the charger is being offered first to customers leasing cars through Octopus Electric Vehicles, but it will be available to more drivers later this year. Anyone interested can already sign up on the Octopus Energy website to be notified when sales open. Octopus is betting that its mix of cheaper tariffs, smart technology, and now its own hardware will make the shift to electric cars easier for households across the UK.