Tariffs & Benefits of Octopus Energy EV Chargers

January 10th, 2025
Tariffs & Benefits of Octopus Energy EV Chargers

What Are Octopus EV Charger Installations?

Octopus Energy helps electric vehicle (EV) owners with easy and professional EV charger installation for homes in the UK. They offer different chargers made to work well for electric cars, making sure the solution fits each person’s needs. After the installation, Octopus Energy will send you an email confirming your service and providing details on your energy plan. Their services work with Octopus’s energy plans, including Intelligent Octopus Go, to help lower charging costs while focusing on greener energy sources.

Octopus EV chargers meet different needs. You can choose a simple home setup or connect with renewable energy systems, such as solar panels. Their aim is to make owning an EV easier and more sustainable. This matches the UK’s larger effort for greener energy solutions.

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Why Choose Octopus Energy for Your EV Charger?

Professional Installation by Qualified Electricians

Octopus Energy makes sure that certified electricians do all the installations. These experts take care of everything, starting from checking your home’s electrical supply to finishing any civil work needed. This way, you can feel safe and relaxed, knowing that everything meets the rules.

Their professional service includes:

  • A thorough check of the site to make sure it is suitable.
  • Making sure your installation follows UK rules.
  • Testing after setup to confirm safety and proper working.

Wide Range of EV Chargers

Octopus Energy has a range of chargers designed for different needs:

  • Ohme Home Pro EV Charger: Small and flexible for daily use, it works well with most electric vehicles.
  • myenergi zappi: Great for using solar energy while charging, it allows you to charge your vehicle with extra solar power.
  • Wallbox Pulsar Plus: Recognized for its stylish design, smart features, and simple setup.

These chargers work with the newest electric vehicles. You can choose between cables that are attached or not attached, based on what you prefer.

Tailored Energy Tariffs

Octopus offers EV tariffs that make charging an electric vehicle easier on your wallet. For example, Intelligent Octopus Go gives you lower rates at off-peak times. This helps you save more on your energy use. The Intelligent Octopus tariff takes it a step further by automatically charging your vehicle when electricity is at its cheapest and cleanest, and is rated 5 stars for customer service.

How Does the Installation Process Work?

Step 1: Initial Assessment

An electrician checks your home’s electrical supply. This includes looking at your electricity meter and the grid connection. They do this to see what is needed for the installation. This step makes sure your electrical system can safely support authorisation for an EV charger. If you live in a rented property, you usually need your landlord’s permission before you move forward.

Step 2: Installation Quote

Octopus Energy gives a clear quote for the cost of the charger and standard installation. There could be extra costs for additional tasks. These tasks may include upgrading the electrical supply, adding a surge protection device (SPD), or doing civil work like digging trenches for outdoor setups.

Step 3: Installation Day

On the day planned, the installer will set up your home charger for your EV. This process includes:

  • Put the charger in a good spot.
  • Hide the cables under the floorboards, along the walls, or in outside pipes.
  • Connect the charger to your home’s electrical supply.
  • Test the system to make sure it works safely.

The whole setup usually takes about 3 to 5 hours. This timing can change based on how complicated the job is.

Step 4: Post-Installation Support

After you install, Octopus Energy is there to help you. They offer support to solve any problems or questions you might have. They include warranty coverage. This helps you feel secure about your charger for a long time. Their team can also help you connect your charger with smart tariffs and apps. This makes using it even better.

Installation Process Work of Octopus Energy

How Much Does an EV Charger Installation Cost?

The total cost to install an EV charger depends on a few things. These include the type of charger you choose and any extra work needed. Here are the typical costs:

  • Standard Installation: Starts at £899. This includes the charger and basic installation.
  • Additional Costs: You might need to pay extra for things like:
    • Electrical upgrades for higher loads.
    • Installing a surge protection device.
    • Civil work, like trenching or drilling walls.

Government grants, like the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), can help lower costs for eligible customers. These grants might pay for a big part of the installation fees. This makes it easier for homeowners to afford the process.

Integration with Renewable Energy

Solar Power Compatibility

For homes with solar panels, EV chargers like the myenergi zappi work well with renewable energy. These chargers use extra solar power to charge your vehicle. This way, you depend less on the grid and save on energy costs. Using solar power also helps the UK move towards greener energy sources.

Intelligent Charging with Octopus Tariffs

Octopus Energy’s Intelligent Octopus tariff helps your EV charger choose when to charge based on demand from the power grid. By charging your vehicle during off-peak times, you can save money and help the grid work better. This smart method makes sure your car is charged in a way that is better for the environment.

Benefits of Installing an EV Charger at Home

  • Convenience: You can charge your electric car at home. There is no need to go to public charging stations.
  • Cost Savings: You can save money by using off-peak rates. Look for EV-specific tariffs to lower your charging costs.
  • Eco-Friendly: Charging your vehicle with renewable energy, like solar power, helps reduce your carbon footprint.
  • Increased Property Value: Homes that have EV chargers are more appealing to buyers. This is because electric vehicles are getting more popular.

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Common Challenges in EV Charger Installation

Electrical Supply Issues

Older homes might need electrical upgrades to handle the extra demand from an EV charger. This could mean adding a new circuit or upgrading the main fuse.

Landlord Permissions

  • Tenants might experience delays in getting the landlord’s approval for installations.
  • Good communication is key.
  • Showing the possible benefits, such as higher property value, can help get the necessary permission.

Installation Complexity

Some jobs might need a lot of civil work. This could include running cables over long distances or through thick walls. These challenges can make the costs go up and take more time to finish the installation.

How to Maximise Your EV Charging Experience

  • Choose the Right Charger: Pick a charger that works with your vehicle and your energy needs. Think about options like tethered or untethered cables, and make sure it can work with renewable energy systems.
  • Opt for Smart Charging Times: Use smart tariffs like Intelligent Octopus to charge your vehicle during cheaper hours. This way, you can save on your costs.
  • Care for Your Charger: Taking care of your charger helps it work well for a long time. Keep it clean and check for any signs of wear or damage regularly.
  • Keep Track of Your Energy Use: Use apps from Octopus Energy to monitor your energy usage and charging costs. This will help you stick to your budget and find ways to save more.

How does Octopus Energy’s pricing for EV charging compare to other providers?

Octopus Energy has great prices for EV charging. They often provide flexible tariffs and lower rates during off-peak hours. This can lead to big savings. Their Agile Octopus tariff is unique. It is based on wholesale energy prices. This way, EV owners can get cheaper rates when demand is low.

Correct as of 31 December 2024

FAQs About Octopus Energy EV Chargers

Do I need landlord permission for EV charger installation?

Yes, if you rent a place, you need to get your landlord’s permission before you can start the installation.

How long does the installation process take?

Standard installations usually need about 3 to 5 hours. If there is additional work, like civil work or electrical upgrades, it can take longer.

Are government grants available for EV charger installations?

Yes, some government grants can help reduce installation costs. To qualify, it depends on things like your vehicle and how your home is set up.

What is the Intelligent Octopus tariff?

This tariff provides cheap charging during times when demand is low. This helps you save on your EV charging costs and supports the efficiency of the grid.

Can I integrate my EV charger with solar panels?

Yes, chargers like the myenergi zappi can be used with solar systems. This helps you use extra solar energy to charge your electric vehicle.

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