Last Updated: February 17, 2026

Cut EV charging costs in 2026 by unlocking extra 7p/kWh daytime slots with Intelligent Octopus Go.
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Last Updated: February 17, 2026


⚡ Want cheap energy during the day?

Most people know that Intelligent Octopus Go gives you super low electricity rates, but there’s a clever trick that can get you 7p/kWh electricity during the day too – not just overnight.


🧠 The Trick? Use a Slow Charger

When you plug your car in using a slow EV charger like the 2.5kW Tesla granny charger, it takes longer to charge. That means Octopus may schedule your charging outside of the typical overnight hours, including:

  • Early evenings
  • Afternoons
  • Midday slots

And the best part? While your EV is smart charging, your entire home gets the 7p/kWh rate – not just your car.


🧼 What Can You Do with That Cheap Energy?

You can take full advantage of the discounted rate to run energy-hungry appliances:

  • 🧺 Washing machine
  • 🍽️ Dishwasher
  • 🪫 Power tools or battery backups
  • 🖥️ Download servers or home office gear

All at 7p/kWh, instead of the standard 29p/kWh – that’s more than a 75% saving!


💡 Bonus: 6 Hours of Cheap Power Guaranteed

With Intelligent Octopus Go, you get 6 hours of guaranteed cheap energy in any 24-hour period, even if your scheduled charging extends into the daytime.


💡 I Use This Trick Every Single Day

This is not a hypothetical tip. I charge my 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor using the official Tesla granny cable at 2.5kW, and my sessions regularly spill into the afternoon. Octopus schedules the car when electricity is cheapest, and the whole house benefits from the 7p/kWh rate at the same time. When I spot a charging slot running into the afternoon, I put the dishwasher and washing machine on. I've been on Intelligent Octopus Go since April 2025 and pay roughly £20 a month for around 300kWh of home charging. Coming from an Audi Q7 4.2L diesel, the shift in running costs is hard to overstate.

Steven | Tesla Model 3 LR | Intelligent Octopus Go customer since April 2025 | 2.5kW granny charger user

🎁 Ready to Try It?

👉 Join Octopus Energy and get £50-£100 credit

See also  Can You Sleep Overnight in a Tesla in the UK? A Practical Guide for Campers

You’ll get:

  • 6 hours of smart-scheduled energy at 7p/kWh
  • Potential extra hours during the day
  • Lower costs for your EV charging and everyday appliances