UK’s Top Energy Supplier Launches Its Own EV Charger
▼ Summary
– Octopus Energy is launching its own EV charger, the Octopus Charge, designed to pair with its Intelligent Octopus Go tariff for cheaper overnight charging.
– The charger comes in tethered (£999) and untethered (£899) versions, both backed by a three-year warranty and installed and supported by Octopus.
– It integrates with the Octopus app and is most appealing to existing customers, though it remains compatible with other UK energy suppliers if users switch.
– The charger simplifies integration with Octopus’s tariff compared to third-party options, which rely on APIs that can be problematic.
– Availability is planned for later this year, with early access offered to those leasing through Octopus Electric Vehicles and others able to register interest online.
Octopus Energy, the UK’s leading energy supplier, has introduced its own electric vehicle charger, the Octopus Charge, designed to integrate seamlessly with its Intelligent Octopus Go tariff. This move aims to simplify and reduce the cost of EV ownership by offering an end-to-end solution for customers seeking affordable and sustainable charging options.
The new charger comes in two variants: a tethered model with a 5-meter cable priced at £999, and an untethered version available for £899. Both options include a three-year warranty and are competitively priced when installation is factored in. What sets the Octopus Charge apart is that installation and ongoing support are handled entirely by Octopus, making it a convenient choice for existing customers.
Octopus has built a strong reputation by leveraging renewable energy to lower electricity costs, particularly through innovative tariffs like Intelligent Octopus Go. This plan provides six hours of overnight charging at just 7p per kWh, a significant saving compared to standard rates. The company’s agile pricing model adjusts every half-hour, reflecting real-time wholesale prices and helping consumers capitalise on periods of low demand.
The Octopus Charge integrates directly with the main Octopus app, offering a streamlined user experience. While the charger is especially appealing to Octopus Energy customers, it remains compatible with other UK energy suppliers. According to the company, users can switch the unit to Plug and Charge mode or utilise Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) support for broader functionality.
Although many third-party chargers can work with Intelligent Octopus Go, Octopus’s in-house design promises more reliable integration by reducing dependency on external APIs. The charger is expected to become widely available later this year, with priority access offered to those leasing vehicles through Octopus Electric Vehicles. Interested customers can register via the company’s website to receive updates on availability.
(Source: The Verge)
