EV tarrif, technically without an EV yet...

FFHillbilly

So I've got a new Kia PV5 Cargo on order and it was supposed to arrive last week, but now looking like early January.

My Octopus fixed deal ends 12th November and I was hoping to just go right onto an EV tarrif, but that is seeming unlikely now unless i can figure out if there any loopholes to exploit…

reason I want to switch sooner is because I have Solar & batteries which have served me well all summer but as soon as the clocks go back I will be grid dependant most nights, but if I get an EV tariff I could just charge overnight and I don't think I would ever pay the peak rate through winter

I asked Octopus and they said I can join Intelligent Go upto 7 days before the EV arrives but if no smart charges detected after 7 days I would revert back to "the flexible tariff"

I also attempted to ask Eon as their 6.6p overnight rate and 13p export rates look good but I was unable to get past AI and just got a reply asking me to call this number to sign up, does anybody know how EDF check to see if you have an EV?

I also looked at EON whos overnight rate was 8p and the export a measly 6p, so thats a dealbreaker as I exported 5MWh this summer, so I won't be switching to them anytime soon

The "Non intelligent" Go might be an option, but likley to incurr an exit fee in January

also I am looking to switch my water heating to electric whilst the gas is higher than overnight electric rate, and also if I go with EDF their extra hour between 5-6AM it makes sense to use electic heaters in the morning rather than gas to save money

NedS

If you want to stay with Octopus, could you switch to their regular Go tariff when your fix ends, and then switch to Intelligent Go once you have your EV and your charger is installed. As I understand, Octopus Intelligent Go will attempt to connect to your can via your charger, and from what they have said this needs to happen within the first 7 days.

I do not believe there is any such limitation with their regular Go tariff, with it not being 'intelligent'.

silverwhistle

Any friends with EVs for that vital smart charge..? I don't think they are that rigorous in monitoring on a continuous basis and January is quite soon!

QrizB

Any friends with EVs for that vital smart charge..? I don't think they are that rigorous in monitoring on a continuous basis and January is quite soon!

I think the rule is you have to smart charge at least once a month?

And does the OP have a wallbox installed and ready to go?

Exiled_Tyke

I don't think Kias are compatible with Intelligent Go so the Op will need either an Ohme or Zappi charger for that tariff.

FFHillbilly

@NedS problem with that is the £50 exit fee, and I wouldn't want to stay on Go as the rates aren't as good

@silverwhistle yes a few, but none really local and that I would want to burden with this task, which would likely cost me £3.50 per time and isn't garaunteed to work, I have head stories online of automatic 7 day checks which isn't unfeasible with all the smart tech involved and "back billing" at the SVT…

@QrizB and @Exiled_Tyke Zappi fitted and ready to go

I'm going to call Edf when I get round to it and double check their t's and c's, but i'm thinking it will also be similar to Octopus.
Another option is Ocopus flux in the short term between my deal ending and my new EV coming, it has no exit fee, and I'm sure I can just charge my battereis at 16p overnight and never need to import at the expensive rate