While the move aims to better manage electricity demand, it has raised concerns for many drivers already facing the financial pressure of rising household bills and new vehicle taxes. Octopus Energy insists the change is in line with existing terms and conditions, but many users have voiced frustration, questioning whether staying with the provider still makes sense given the escalating costs.
A Growing EV Market Faces Rising Costs
Electric vehicle adoption in the UK has surged in recent years, with 26% of all new car sales in the country now being electric, according to data from New AutoMotive. The increase in EV sales reflects a broader European shift toward zero-emission vehicles. However, despite the growth in the market, the financial burden on EV owners is increasing. The transition to electric mobility, while beneficial for the environment, has also brought rising costs for drivers in terms of both vehicle taxes and charging expenses.
In 2023, the UK government phased out road tax exemptions for EVs, and luxury car tax now applies to high-end electric models. In the latest budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed plans to introduce a 3p per mile charge for EV drivers by 2028, which is expected to add around £255 to the average driver’s annual costs.
These changes come at a time when the cost of electricity remains high, placing added pressure on drivers who are already facing significant financial challenges. For many, the Intelligent Go tariff from Octopus Energy has been a crucial way to reduce the cost of keeping their vehicles charged. Now, with the upcoming restrictions on discounted charging hours, some drivers fear that their monthly bills will rise sharply.
The Impact of Limited Charging Hours
Under the new structure, Octopus Energy will limit the number of hours in which customers can access the cheaper charging rates to just six hours a day. While the reduced tariff itself will remain unchanged, the shorter time frame means that drivers will now face peak rates, four times higher than the discounted rate, if they require longer charging times. This will have a particularly significant impact on owners of large-battery vehicles, like the Tesla Model Y, which can take over 10 hours to fully charge.
A spokesperson for Octopus Energy stated that these changes were designed to “make sure the tariff continues to offer great value for everyone”, and that the company was simply enforcing its existing terms and conditions. The company also argued that the adjustments would encourage drivers to charge their vehicles in shorter bursts, better managing electricity demand. According to Octopus, 80% of charging sessions already fall within the six-hour window, suggesting that many customers already charge in shorter periods.
However, critics argue that the change unfairly disadvantages EV owners who rely on longer charging times, especially those with larger vehicles or households that require more energy. In addition, with more drivers likely to be charging their cars during peak hours, concerns about strain on the national grid could rise, potentially leading to further challenges in balancing electricity demand across the country.
