Octopus Energy, the UK’s largest energy supplier, has taken a major step into the electric vehicle (EV) space with the launch of its first home EV charger, aptly named Octopus Charge. This smart device is not just a new product, but a strategic addition to Octopus’s growing ecosystem of green technology solutions aimed at accelerating the UK's transition to net-zero.
Initially available to customers of Octopus’s EV leasing service, the charger is expected to roll out to all Octopus Energy customers by August. This move positions the company as a serious contender in the home EV charging market, which is rapidly growing in response to the UK’s electrification goals and expanding EV ownership.
Smarter, Cheaper, Greener Charging at Home
What sets the Octopus Charge apart is its seamless integration with Kraken, Octopus Energy’s advanced smart energy platform. This integration allows the charger to automatically detect when electricity is cheapest and greenest, shifting charging times accordingly — a huge win for cost-conscious and environmentally-aware EV owners.
The charger is also fully compatible with Intelligent Octopus Go, a smart EV tariff that enables automated off-peak charging, and Drive Pack, a recently launched plan offering unlimited EV charging at home for just £30 per month. Together, these features are designed to significantly reduce the cost of EV ownership by optimising charging habits and energy usage.
5,000 Free Miles for Early Adopters
To build buzz around the launch, Octopus is offering an exciting incentive: the first 100 customers to install the charger will receive up to 5,000 miles of free EV charging. That’s enough to travel from Land’s End to John o’ Groats and back — and then some.
This promotional offer is not just generous; it also signals Octopus Energy’s commitment to helping customers make the switch to electric vehicles more affordably. As EVs become more mainstream, reducing upfront and ongoing costs remains a key barrier for many consumers.
A Growing Ecosystem of Green Hardware
This isn’t Octopus Energy’s first foray into smart home technology. Back in September 2023, the company introduced the Cosy 6 heat pump at the Energy Tech Summit in London, aimed at reducing heating costs and emissions in UK homes. Following that, Octopus launched the Cosy Octopus heat pump tariff in June 2024, offering lower rates for those using energy-efficient heating solutions.
The introduction of the Octopus Charge fits perfectly into this broader strategy of providing consumers with integrated, low-carbon technologies that work in tandem to reduce emissions and save money.
Why Home Charging Matters More Than Ever
As the number of EVs on UK roads continues to rise, so too does the need for accessible and affordable charging options. According to data from Cornwall Insight, charging at home using an off-peak tariff can save EV drivers as much as £1,500 a year compared to public charging stations.
However, while 80% of EV drivers benefit from home charging, there remains a large infrastructure gap: around 75% of UK households lack access to a driveway or off-street parking, making home charging difficult or impossible. This has been a major hurdle for those interested in going electric but unable to install a charger due to space or regulatory constraints.
Government Policy Eases Planning Restrictions
Recognising this barrier, the UK government recently announced a significant policy change: homeowners and businesses will no longer need planning permission to install EV chargers. The Department for Transport (DfT) estimates this change could save prospective EV owners an average of £1,100 — making the installation of EV chargers more accessible and affordable.
Combined with smart solutions like Octopus Charge, this policy update may significantly improve home charging adoption rates, making EV ownership a realistic option for more people across the UK.
A Simplified, Smarter Future for EV Drivers
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product Officer at Octopus Energy, summed up the launch perfectly, stating:
“Charging at home is already better than queueing up at the petrol station – and now we’ve made it even simpler.”
With the ability to integrate intelligent energy management, smart tariffs, and user-friendly pricing, Octopus Charge is set to be a game-changer in the home EV charging landscape. It not only empowers users to save money but also contributes to broader sustainability goals by promoting greener energy consumption habits.
What’s Next for Octopus Energy?
As EV adoption surges and climate targets loom, energy providers are under pressure to deliver smart, scalable solutions. Octopus Energy is proving it’s more than ready to meet this challenge by building a cohesive ecosystem of green products — from heat pumps to EV chargers — all backed by its powerful Kraken technology.
By simplifying and lowering the cost of home charging, the company is removing one of the biggest barriers to EV ownership, paving the way for a more sustainable and customer-friendly future.
In Conclusion:
With the launch of Octopus Charge, Octopus Energy has cemented its role as an innovator in the UK’s energy transformation. Offering smart technology, generous incentives, and seamless integration with existing energy plans, this new charger isn’t just a product — it’s a critical piece of the UK’s clean energy future.
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