Octopus Go and similar tariffs give a cheap window at set hours, and you do the scheduling. Intelligent-style tariffs, where the supplier can start and stop compatible chargers or cars, can place the cheap energy with less effort and sometimes more flexibility, in exchange for compatibility and a bit of control. Names and hours change. The useful comparison is: does your charger or car appear on the supplier's current compatibility list, do you need a fixed window because you leave at a fixed time, and what is the peak rate you will pay if you plug in at dinner?
The price effect of octopus Intelligent versus Go for home charging
Switching has no install cost and a real bill effect. Do it after the charger is commissioned, not before you know the unit works on your Wi-Fi.
A miss that shows up later: octopus Intelligent versus Go for home charging
The mistake is running two schedulers, the car and the supplier, so they cancel each other. Another is assuming every 'Octopus compatible' forum list is the official one.
Write octopus Intelligent versus Go for home charging into the quote
Ask the installer which integration they will set up, and keep the supplier's compatibility link in the handover notes.
Octopus Intelligent versus Go for home charging
A tariff that is brilliant and incompatible with your wallbox is a different product from the one in the advert. Check the list the week you switch.
- Fixed window versus supplier-controlled smart charging
- Compatibility lists change
- Compare peak and standing charge too
- Use one scheduler
Check octopus Intelligent versus Go for home charging before you accept a price
Look at standing charge, peak rate and off-peak rate together. A very cheap night rate with a punishing day rate is a bad fit if you also heat the house on electricity in the late afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
Will any smart charger work?
No. Use the supplier's list for that tariff.
Can I switch without changing the charger?
Often yes, if the unit or the car is supported. Sometimes you need a setting change or a different lead.
What if the smart schedule misses the morning?
Keep a manual boost method and test it before you rely on it for a dawn departure.
Is this only Octopus?
No. Other suppliers run EV windows and smart tariffs. Compare the current offers, not a 2024 screenshot.
Core buying guides
Start with these high-intent guides, then dig into the rest of the library.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
How this guide was prepared
This guide was written by the Local EV Installers Editorial Team. We compare official guidance, legislation and established consumer information, separate general information from project-specific advice, and show publication dates and sources. We do not accept installer accreditation claims at face value.