Octopus Energy Revolutionizes Home EV Charging
Octopus Energy has launched its first home electric vehicle charger, marking a significant step in making electric vehicle (EV) ownership more accessible and affordable. The new Octopus Charge device promises to deliver electricity costs as low as 2p per mile when connected to the company’s Intelligent Octopus Go tariff.
Smart Charging Technology
The Octopus Charge is a smart charger that automatically schedules charging sessions during periods when electricity is cheapest and greenest. It integrates seamlessly with the Octopus Energy app and the company’s Kraken technology platform, allowing drivers to set their preferred charging times and amounts while the intelligent software handles the rest. For households with solar panels, the charger can utilize surplus solar electricity, effectively turning excess renewable energy into free driving miles.
Innovative Features and Tariffs
The charger’s design includes built-in 4G connectivity and a specially engineered cable holster, making it suitable for installation in confined spaces such as driveways, garages, or street-side positions. Octopus Energy has also introduced its Drive Pack tariff, offering unlimited charging for a fixed monthly fee of £30.
Incentives for Early Adopters
Early customers will benefit from a substantial incentive package, receiving 5,000 miles of complimentary charging. This bonus is equivalent to driving from Land’s End to John o’ Groats and back with distance to spare. The Octopus Charge will initially be available exclusively to customers of Octopus Electric Vehicles, with wider availability scheduled for August.
Industry Context
The launch comes as the UK Government has recently cut red tape for installing EV chargers, potentially turbocharging the rollout of home charging infrastructure. With nearly 81,000 public charging devices currently available across the UK, the introduction of more efficient home charging solutions is expected to further accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, chief product officer at Octopus Energy, commented: “Charging at home is already better than queueing up at the petrol station, and now we’ve made it even simpler.” The company plans to expand compatibility with additional smart tariffs in future updates, further enhancing the charger’s functionality.
