Octopus Go: the consolation prize you're paying too much for
Octopus Intelligent Go is a genuinely great tariff — but it requires a compatible electric vehicle or smart charger to join. If yours isn't on the list, Octopus places you on standard Octopus Go instead. That means a fixed 5-hour cheap window (00:30–05:30), a higher off-peak rate, no smart dispatch, and no way to get extra slots on surplus renewable days.
It's the consolation prize. And you're paying for it — both in a higher unit rate and in a shorter window that may not fully charge a large battery before your ready-by time.
⚠️ Octopus Go off-peak rate: ~9.5p/kWh for just 5 hours (00:30–05:30). EDF Go Electric offers 6.99p/kWh for 7 hours (23:00–06:00) — with no compatibility requirements to access it. That's a meaningful difference if you're charging a 60–100kWh battery every night.
This page compares Octopus Go with EDF Go Electric directly, with rates taken from both suppliers' APIs. EDF Go Electric is the clear winner for anyone who can't access Intelligent Go.
On Intelligent Go and looking for alternatives? See our Best Octopus Intelligent Go Alternatives page instead.
Octopus Go vs EDF Go Electric: head to head
Standing charges and peak rates vary by region. Enter your postcode for accurate figures — otherwise the table shows the regional range from each supplier's API.
| Feature | 🐙 Octopus Go | ⚡ EDF Go Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Tariff type | 12-month fixed | 12-month fixed |
| Off-peak rate | ~9.5p / kWh | 6.99p / kWh ✓ Cheaper |
| Peak / day rate | 31–35p / kWh (regional — enter postcode) | 29–32p / kWh (regional — enter postcode) ✓ Lower |
| Off-peak window | 00:30–05:30 (5 hours) | 23:00–06:00 (7 hours) ✓ 2 hrs longer |
| Whole-home off-peak rate | ✅ Yes — entire home benefits 00:30–05:30 | ✅ Yes — entire home benefits 23:00–06:00 7 hrs |
| Smart dispatch | ❌ None — timer only | ✅ Optional Smart Charging add-on (free, pays £5/month) |
| Compatibility required | None to join — any EV or charger | None to join — any EV or charger ✓ Open to all |
| Standing charge | 42–68p/day (regional — enter postcode) | 48–74p/day (regional — enter postcode) |
| Switching bonus | £50 (via referral link) | £50 (via referral link) |
| Contract length | 12 months — no exit fee | 12 months — £75 exit fee if you leave early |
* Octopus Go rates from API: GO-FIX-12M-26-04-18 (May 2026). EDF rates from API: EDF_EV_FIX_GOELEC_12M_HH (May 2026). Rates baked in at time of writing — always verify on each supplier's website before switching. Standing charges and peak rates vary by region; use the postcode lookup above.
Switch to EDF and get a £50 switching bonus
Use my referral link to switch to EDF Go Electric. You'll receive a £50 switching bonus after your first bill payment. I receive a separate referral credit.
Go Electric
12-month fixed · 6.99p/kWh · 7-hour window · Any EV or charger
⚡ Get £50 switching bonus →Octopus Go
12-month fixed · ~9.5p/kWh · 5-hour window · No exit fee
🐙 Get £50 switching bonus →The switching process
Switching to EDF Go Electric is a two-step process — you can't jump straight onto the off-peak tariff until EDF can see half-hourly smart meter readings from your meter.
Switch to EDF's standard variable tariff first. Use the referral link above. You'll land on the standard variable tariff initially — this is normal.
Wait for half-hourly smart meter confirmation. Once EDF confirms they can see 30-minute readings from your meter, you're ready to switch to Go Electric.
Switch to Go Electric. Log into your EDF account or use the EDF app and switch to the Go Electric tariff. Your 23:00–06:00 off-peak window activates immediately.
Set a timer on your car or charger to begin charging after 23:00. Everything in your home used between 23:00 and 06:00 also runs at the 6.99p/kWh rate.
Having trouble switching online? If you have Solar or Export tariffs and the EDF website doesn't recognise your address, call EDF on 0333 006 9950. You can still get the £50 switching bonus — once processed, email hello@edfenergy.com with your new account number and the referral link you intended to use.
Smart Charging: the optional add-on that pays you back
Unlike Octopus Go, which offers no smart dispatch at all, EDF Go Electric comes with an optional Smart Charging feature. You don't need it to benefit from the off-peak window — but if your vehicle or charger is compatible, it's worth enabling.
EDF pays you £5/month in bill credit simply for letting Smart Charging control when your vehicle charges. It's completely free to enable — no subscription, no fee. Compatible vehicles and chargers get automatic overnight scheduling on top of the standard 23:00–06:00 window.
Compatible vehicles
Tesla, VW Group (ID.3/4/5/7), Audi, Skoda, Cupra, BMW, Mini, Ford (Mustang Mach-E, Explorer, Puma Gen-E), Porsche, Nissan Ariya. Full list on EDF's site.
Compatible chargers
Indra, Hypervolt, Zappi, Andersen, NexBlue, and others. Note: Ohme is not currently supported. Any charger can use the standard off-peak window — Smart Charging is the add-on that needs compatibility.
Automatic scheduling
Set a ready-by time and charge target. EDF handles the scheduling automatically, charging when electricity is cheapest and greenest within and beyond the standard window.
Boost charge
Need an immediate top-up? Use the boost charge function in the EDF app at any time — billed at the standard day rate.
If your EV or charger isn't compatible with Smart Charging, you still get the full benefit of EDF Go Electric's standard 23:00–06:00 off-peak window at 6.99p/kWh — which is already a better deal than Octopus Go.
Get a £50 switching bonus — use a referral link
Whether you go with EDF or stick with Octopus, using a referral link costs you nothing. You'll receive a £50 switching bonus after your first bill payment — I receive a referral credit.