Last Updated: April 5, 2026
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3.49p per kWh is now possible in some UK areas
The key update from April 2026 is that some Intelligent Octopus Go customers are seeing rates as low as 3.49p per kWh in certain regions and setups. That is the headline number people care about, because it can make EV running costs extremely low when your charging is scheduled into the cheapest windows.
What that means per mile at 5 miles per kWh
- At 3.49p per kWh: 3.49p divided by 5 = 0.698p per mile (about 0.7p per mile).
- At 5.20p per kWh: 5.20p divided by 5 = 1.04p per mile.
So even at 5.20p, you are still around one penny per mile on energy if you average 5 miles per kWh. At 3.49p, you are well below one penny per mile.
Why the rate is different by area
Not everyone gets the same p/kWh. A major reason is regional network cost differences across the UK. Great Britain is split into 14 Distribution Network Operator (DNO) regions, and the cost of delivering electricity is not identical everywhere. That is why one postcode can get 3.49p while another sees a higher figure on the same tariff family.
My own rate in Cornwall is 5.20p per kWh for Intelligent Octopus Go charging windows, which still works out at roughly 1.04p per mile at 5 miles per kWh.
Price range summary you can use
- Low end reported: 3.49p per kWh in some regions.
- Example real-world rate: 5.20p per kWh in Cornwall.
- What changes it: DNO region, local network costs, and tariff setup details.
How to maximise the value
- Get a postcode quote and confirm your exact p/kWh first.
- Set EV charging to smart scheduled windows by default.
- Run home loads like dishwasher and washing machine in cheap windows where practical.
- Track monthly kWh and cost over time, not just one-day snapshots.
- Use bump charge only when you actually need extra charge quickly.
My experience with Octopus + Intelligent Go
I have used Octopus across two properties for a few years now, and I moved onto Intelligent Go as soon as I got my Tesla. The setup was straightforward and I was up and running the next day. In day to day use, the biggest win is not just the car charging rate, it is timing the rest of the house around the same cheap windows. I check the charging slots in the Octopus app, then run the dishwasher and washing machine during those periods so more of my usage lands at the lower rate. I use the official Tesla granny charger at home and typically charge around 300kWh a month, depending on trips. If I need extra range unexpectedly, bump charge has been useful without being something I rely on all the time. Support has also been strong whenever I have needed them, with quick responses and no hassle.
Useful next reads
Sources
- Octopus Energy: April 2026 price cap updates
- Infinity Energy: April 2026 Octopus EV charging update roundup
- Ofgem: regional price-cap context (April to June 2026)
Intelligent Octopus Go FAQ
Is Intelligent Octopus Go worth it?
It can be worth it if you have an eligible EV or compatible charger and can shift a meaningful amount of charging into the cheap windows. The exact saving depends on your local rate, mileage, battery size and how much home electricity you can move into cheaper periods.
Why does my Intelligent Octopus Go rate differ from someone else’s?
Regional network costs and DNO areas can affect pricing. That is why checking your own postcode matters more than copying someone else’s headline p/kWh.
Can I use cheap periods for more than the car?
In practice, many users also time household loads such as washing machines and dishwashers during cheap windows where practical. The car is usually the biggest saving, but shifting other usage can improve the overall benefit.
What should I check before switching?
Check EV or charger compatibility, your local rate, the off-peak window, exit terms from your current tariff and whether your charging pattern is predictable enough to benefit.
Final take: if your area can access the lowest Intelligent Octopus Go pricing, EV energy cost can drop below 1p per mile at 5 miles per kWh. Even at 5.20p, it is still around 1.04p per mile, which remains very competitive.
Get your £50 Octopus referral credit and check your local rate now
I’m Steven, founder of MoneyAppReviews. I test money apps, referral programs, and EV tools in real life before I write about them. I drive a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, use Octopus Intelligent Go for home charging, and regularly track costs, savings, and app performance over time. I focus on practical, evidence-based reviews that help people decide what is actually worth using, not just what pays the highest commission.