Asger Risom
The update arrives as energy firms try to control demand.
A major UK electricity provider is preparing a rule change that will reshape how drivers charge their electric vehicles. The shift is expected to affect homes that rely on long overnight top ups.
The update arrives as energy firms try to control demand and keep certain off peak rates in place.
New tariff limits
Octopus Energy has confirmed that its Intelligent Octopus Go tariff will introduce a strict six hour window for its lowest cost smart charging from January, according to reporting by Express.co.uk. The company says most sessions currently finish within that period.
Any charging that continues beyond the first six hours will no longer qualify for the discounted unit rate. Instead, the tariff moves the driver onto a higher Bump rate, even if the car remains plugged in during the usual 11:30pm to 5:30am off peak window.
Customers will still receive six hours of off peak home electricity and up to six hours of smart charging within each 24 hour cycle.
Impact on households
Octopus explained that the discounted hours can fall inside or outside the traditional off peak period, depending on when the system schedules charging. Once the six hour limit is reached, any additional half hour blocks will be charged at the higher rate.
Drivers hoping to avoid the increased fee can adjust their charge target in the Octopus app to ensure the session finishes within the allowance.
The change applies per household rather than per vehicle. Families with several electric cars could therefore use up the allocation quickly and face higher charges for the remaining time plugged in.
Preparing for change
Octopus said customers will soon be able to choose whether to keep smart charging capped at the discount level or prioritise reaching a higher battery level. The firm also encouraged drivers to connect their cars earlier in the evening to give the system greater flexibility.
A company statement said customers will receive six hours of off peak charging per home and that early charging helps support the grid by allowing vehicles to be charged at the most efficient times.
Sources: Express, Octopus Energy statements.
