For many electric vehicle owners in Redhill and across Surrey, the cost of home charging depends as much on the electricity tariff as it does on the charger itself.
Octopus Intelligent Go can automatically schedule charging when electricity is cheaper, while standard Octopus Go provides a fixed overnight off-peak window. A conventional flat-rate tariff is simpler still, but usually offers no special discount for charging at night.
So which option saves Surrey drivers the most in 2026?
The short answer is that Intelligent Octopus Go is often the cheapest choice if your EV or charger is compatible and you are comfortable allowing smart charging controls. However, Octopus Go remains a practical alternative for drivers with unsupported equipment, and a standard tariff may suit low-mileage households that rarely charge at home.
The three tariff options at a glance
| Tariff | How it works | Who it may suit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard flat-rate tariff | One electricity rate throughout the day, subject to the supplier’s pricing structure | Low-mileage drivers or households unable to shift electricity use |
| Octopus Go | A cheaper, fixed overnight period, currently advertised as 00:30–05:30 | EV owners wanting predictable off-peak charging with any compatible EV and home charger |
| Intelligent Octopus Go | Octopus schedules charging automatically and provides up to six hours of low-cost home electricity overnight, plus smart charging opportunities | Drivers with a compatible car or charger, a suitable smart meter and flexible charging needs |
Octopus says Intelligent Octopus Go offers six hours of cheaper home electricity between approximately 23:30 and 05:30, with smart charging scheduled according to the cheapest available periods. Rates vary by region, tariff type and whether the plan is fixed or variable, so Surrey customers should check the current price before switching.
You can view the latest information on the official Intelligent Octopus Go tariff and Octopus EV tariffs.
Why the difference matters for Surrey drivers
A typical Redhill commuter may travel to London, Gatwick, Croydon, Reigate or business parks around Surrey several days each week. Depending on the route, traffic and vehicle, a driver could cover 40 to 60 miles on a commuting day.
If an EV achieves around 3 to 3.5 miles per kWh, a 50-mile journey may require approximately 14 to 17 kWh. Charging that energy during an off-peak period at around 8p per kWh could cost roughly £1.12 to £1.36, before charging losses.
The same electricity at a daytime rate of approximately 26p to 30p per kWh could cost £3.64 to £5.10. Actual savings depend on your vehicle’s efficiency, mileage, charging losses, standing charge and household usage, but the difference can become significant over a month.
This is particularly relevant for drivers who:
- Commute regularly to London or Gatwick
- Return home with a low battery most evenings
- Can leave their car connected overnight
- Run washing machines, dishwashers or other flexible appliances during the cheap window
- Have a household with substantial overnight electricity usage
Both Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Go can apply the off-peak rate to the wider home, not just the EV. That is an important advantage over tariffs that discount vehicle charging only.
Intelligent Octopus Go: the main benefits
The biggest advantage is convenience. You connect your eligible EV or charger through the Octopus app, enter the time you need the car ready and specify the required charge. The system then schedules charging automatically.
Smart charging may take place:
- During the regular overnight cheap window
- At another lower-cost period selected by Octopus
- During periods when electricity is expected to be greener or more readily available
Octopus states that smart charging managed by Intelligent Go is billed at the applicable off-peak rate, even when the scheduled charging takes place outside the usual overnight period. If you need energy immediately, you can use a boost or manual charge, although this may be billed at the prevailing daytime rate.
The potential advantages include:
- A longer standard cheap window than Octopus Go.
- Automatic scheduling, without repeatedly setting timers.
- Potentially lower charging costs where the tariff rate is cheaper.
- Off-peak household electricity, not only discounted EV electricity.
- Less manual management for drivers with changing schedules.
There are also limitations. You need a compatible smart meter that can provide half-hourly readings, and your EV or charger must be supported. Smart charging depends on communication between the Octopus app, your vehicle or charger and the energy system. Connectivity problems, account permissions, firmware and API changes can occasionally affect the experience.
Octopus Go: predictable and widely compatible
Octopus Go is less automated but more straightforward. It provides a defined overnight off-peak window, currently advertised as approximately 00:30 to 05:30. You set the charging schedule through your vehicle or charger, and Octopus does not usually control the charging equipment.
This can be a good choice if:
- Your EV is not eligible for Intelligent Octopus Go
- You have a Pod Point, Easee or VCHRGD charger that is not supported for charger-level smart control
- You prefer to control charging yourself
- Your car is regularly parked at home during the same overnight hours
- You want a simple and predictable tariff
Octopus Go requires a suitable connected smart meter, but it is not dependent on the same level of car or charger integration. It is therefore more flexible from an equipment perspective.
A conventional flat-rate tariff can still be suitable if you drive very little, mainly charge at public stations or cannot reliably leave your vehicle connected overnight. However, most regular home-charging EV drivers should compare their annual mileage and electricity consumption carefully before dismissing an EV tariff.
Charger compatibility: what Surrey homeowners need to check
Compatibility is one of the most important considerations when choosing an EV charger installation Surrey customers can rely on for long-term use.
Common charger brands associated with Intelligent Octopus Go eligibility include:
- Ohme
- MyEnergi Zappi, including Zappi v2.1 when correctly configured
- Hypervolt
- Andersen
- Indra
A Zappi installation may also require the correct hub, a stable internet connection and current firmware. The exact model and setup matter, so “Zappi compatible” should not be treated as a blanket guarantee for every installation.
Pod Point, Easee and VCHRGD may work perfectly well with standard Octopus Go. They may also be usable with Intelligent Octopus Go where the EV itself can be connected and controlled by Octopus, but they should not automatically be assumed to have charger-level compatibility.
Always confirm the exact vehicle and charger combination in the Octopus app before buying equipment or switching tariff. Compatibility lists change as manufacturers update firmware and energy suppliers add new models.
A professional installer can help you choose equipment that suits both your property and your intended tariff, but tariff eligibility ultimately needs to be confirmed with Octopus.
Installation considerations in Redhill and Surrey
Many homes around Redhill, Earlswood, Meadvale and St John’s are terraced or semi-detached properties with compact driveways, shared access routes or parking spaces positioned away from the main consumer unit.
During a survey, an experienced electrician should consider:
- The cable route from the consumer unit to the charger
- Whether the driveway is on the front, side or rear of the property
- The location of gates, paths and pedestrian access
- Cable protection and visual appearance
- The available electrical capacity
- Whether a separate circuit and appropriate protective devices are required
- The position of the charger and whether tethered or untethered is preferable
- Wi-Fi or mobile signal for smart charging functions
Older properties in Merstham, Nutfield, Salfords and surrounding areas may still have an ageing fuse board or consumer unit. Before installing a 7kW home charger, the electrician may need to assess earthing, bonding, RCD protection, cable routes and the condition of the existing installation.
A CT clamp may also be required. This device measures electricity flowing through the property and can help the charger manage demand, prevent the main supply from being overloaded and coordinate with solar generation. The correct placement and configuration of the CT clamp are essential.
Solar panels and smart charging
If you have solar panels, smart charging can become more complicated but potentially more rewarding.
A charger such as a Zappi may be able to use surplus solar generation, while a tariff such as Intelligent Octopus Go may schedule grid charging during low-cost periods. These objectives do not always align.
For example, a solar system may produce most of its electricity during the day, while Intelligent Go may choose to charge the vehicle overnight. The best arrangement depends on:
- Your solar generation profile
- Battery storage, if installed
- Your export tariff
- Your typical departure time
- The car’s required state of charge
- Whether the charger can prioritise solar or grid charging
An installer should discuss the control strategy before fitting the equipment. It may be preferable to use surplus solar during the day and rely on the overnight tariff only when more energy is required.
Which tariff saves the most?
For most regular Surrey commuters:
- Choose Intelligent Octopus Go if your EV or charger is confirmed as compatible and you can leave the vehicle plugged in for smart scheduling.
- Choose Octopus Go if you want a reliable overnight discount but have unsupported equipment or prefer to set the schedule yourself.
- Consider a flat-rate tariff if you rarely charge at home, have very low mileage or cannot shift your electricity use away from peak periods.
The cheapest tariff on paper is not always the cheapest in practice. Check the day rate as well as the overnight rate, include standing charges, and consider how much of your household electricity can be moved into the cheaper period.
Professional EV charger installation in Redhill
Whether you are replacing an older charger or planning your first home charging point, the installation should be designed around your property, vehicle, tariff and future needs.
ADS Electrical is an NICEIC Approved Contractor providing EV charging solutions across Redhill and surrounding areas, including Earlswood, Meadvale, St John’s, Merstham, Nutfield and Salfords.
We can assess your consumer unit, recommend suitable equipment, install CT clamps where required and provide clear advice on tethered or untethered chargers and smart charging compatibility. We offer free quotes within 24 hours, full project management from design through to installation, reliable communication throughout the work and 24-hour emergency call-outs when urgent electrical assistance is needed.
For dependable home charging point Surrey homeowners can plan with confidence, speak to our team about EV charger installation Redhill. You can also visit our Redhill electrician service page or contact ADS Electrical for a free quote.
