Intelligent Octopus Go: 6-Hour Smart Charging Cap & Charge Cap Explained
Octopus originally planned a 6-hour smart charging cap and a new Charge Cap control for March 2026. Those changes have now been implemented for enabled accounts: the tariff currently provides up to six hours of smart charging at the off-peak rate each day, while the whole home retains its fixed 23:30–05:30 cheap window. Here is what was announced, what changed, and how the current arrangement works.
Reviewed and updated: 26 August 2026
The six-hour smart-charging allowance is now part of the current tariff. Charge Cap can stop charging before higher-rate time begins where the integration supports it.
Use the EV tariff comparison table to check the current cheapest options for your mileage.
Are Intelligent Octopus Go rates increasing?
The original customer communication said prices would rise for new joiners while existing rates would be held temporarily. That was a point-in-time announcement, not a permanent price guarantee. The current advertised off-peak rate is 8p/kWh; peak rates and standing charges vary by region, tariff version and quote.
What happens to existing customers?
Octopus originally said it was holding existing customers' rates for the time being. That historical assurance should not be read as the current rate for every existing account.
Existing customers should check their own account, renewal notice or tariff information because tariff versions and regional prices can differ.
What is the new 6-hour smart charging cap?
Octopus previously announced a 6-hour smart charging cap, delayed it during internal testing, and later rolled out the new four-rate arrangement. Under the current rules, the car receives up to six hours of Octopus-scheduled charging at the off-peak rate per day, measured from midday to midday. Charging beyond six hours, or Boost charging, is billed at the applicable peak rate—even if the car is charging while the home is inside its normal overnight cheap window.
What the cap is trying to do
- Encourage charging during the cheapest, lowest-demand hours.
- Reduce demand spikes that can push costs up for everyone.
- Keep the tariff fair for households with different usage patterns.
Who might notice it
- Drivers who often arrive home with a very low battery.
- Higher-mileage drivers needing big overnight top-ups.
- Homes with more than one EV charging overnight.
What is "Charge Cap"?
Charge Cap is now described by Octopus as an app setting that stops the car charging before it moves onto the higher rate. It appears in device settings when enabled for the account. Integration details differ: Ohme users choose between Prioritise Savings and Prioritise Target in the Ohme app, while BMW, Mini and Polestar integrations rely on notifications and manual target changes rather than a built-in stopping control.
Option A: "6 cheapest hours"
If you plug in regularly, Octopus says many drivers shouldn't see a change — charging is capped to the 6 cheapest hours.
- Best for: predictable overnight charging.
- Goal: maximise cheap-rate charging.
Option B: "Hit my target"
Your car can still reach your target even if it needs some charging outside the 6 cheapest hours — which could cost more.
- Best for: higher mileage, tighter turnaround.
- Goal: prioritise readiness over lowest cost.
Will this change your charging costs?
For most people charging overnight, costs may be similar — especially if you choose the "6 cheapest hours" mode and plug in regularly. The main cost risk is when you need more than 6 hours and choose the option that prioritises hitting a charge target.
What should you do next?
If you're already on Intelligent Go
Check the Devices tab and notifications for Charge Cap or integration-specific controls, and review your own tariff rates.
If you're thinking of switching
Check a current postcode quote. The advertised off-peak rate is 8p/kWh, while peak and standing charges vary.
Compare your real costs
Use our tools to estimate monthly cost based on mileage, off-peak window, and standing charge.
Want to see which EV tariff is cheapest for you?
Compare tariffs by off-peak price, windows and standing charges — then estimate your real monthly charging cost.
Compare EV tariffs →FAQ (Intelligent Octopus Go changes)
Are existing Intelligent Octopus Go customers getting a price rise?
That was the original announcement. It was temporary wording, not a continuing guarantee. Existing customers should check the tariff version and rates shown in their account.
When does the 6-hour smart charging cap start?
The March 2026 date was the revised plan. Octopus now documents the six-hour allowance as part of the live four-rate arrangement, although feature enablement and controls can differ by account and integration.
What is "Charge Cap" on Intelligent Octopus Go?
A setting that lets you choose between capping charging to the 6 cheapest hours (lowest-cost approach) or prioritising hitting your charge target even if it needs extra charging outside those hours.
Will the 6-hour cap increase my EV charging costs?
Not necessarily. If you plug in regularly and charge overnight, you may stay within the cheapest hours. Costs may rise on nights where you need extra charging outside the cheapest window and you choose to prioritise your target.
Tariff terms can change. Always check the supplier's latest terms and unit rates before switching. Historical statements above are identified as such. Current arrangement details were reviewed against Octopus' tariff page, smart-tariff terms and its Charge Cap explainer on 26 August 2026.