You’ve ordered the car. You’ve obsessively checked the delivery dates. You’ve probably already bought the matte screen protector, the all-weather floor mats, and maybe even a carbon fibre spoiler.
But there is one critical upgrade that most new Tesla owners overlook until their first electricity bill arrives: their energy tariff.
If you are planning to plug your new Model Y or Model 3 into a standard home energy plan, you are effectively throwing money away every single night. The secret to unlocking the true “cheaper than petrol” experience of owning an EV is pairing it with the right energy supplier. In the UK, the gold standard for Tesla owners is Intelligent Octopus Go.
The Math: Why Standard Tariffs Are a Trap
Let’s look at the numbers. Most standard variable tariffs in the UK charge roughly 24p – 28p per kWh.
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The Cost: Charging a Tesla Model Y Long Range (approx. 75kWh battery) from 0% to 100% at this rate costs about £20.00.
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The Reality: While still cheaper than petrol, £20 for a “tank” adds up quickly if you drive daily.
Enter Intelligent Octopus Go: This is a “smart tariff” specifically built for EV drivers. Because Octopus Energy is a tech-led company, their system talks directly to your Tesla.
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The Rate: You get a dedicated window (usually 11:30 PM – 5:30 AM) where electricity costs just 7p/kWh (or even less depending on current offers).
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The Saving: That same full charge now costs just £5.25.
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The Result: That is a 75% saving instantly. Over 10,000 miles, you are looking at saving hundreds of pounds a year just by switching who sends you the bill.
How It Works: “Set It and Forget It”
The beauty of the Octopus + Tesla integration is that it removes “range anxiety” and “charging maths” from your life. You don’t need a complicated smart charger; the smarts are in the cloud.
- Plug In: When you get home, plug your Tesla into your wall charger.
- Set Target: Open your Tesla app (or the Octopus app) and say, “I need 80% charge by 7:00 AM.”
- Sleep: Octopus communicates with your car, waking it up to charge when the grid is greenest and cheapest, and stopping it when rates are high.
- Drive: You wake up to a charged car, having paid pennies for the power.
Maximizing Your Welcome Bonuses
If you are getting ready for your delivery day, you have a unique opportunity to “double dip” on rewards. Make sure you use verified referral codes for both your car and your energy to start your ownership journey in profit.
1. The Energy Bonus (£50 Free Credit) Switching is seamless. You don’t need to call anyone, and your power doesn’t get cut off. Use the code below to get £50 added to your account balance automatically after your first payment.
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Referral Code Words:
sepia-calf-274 -
Direct Link:
Click here to claim your £50 Octopus Credit -
Already signed up? If you forgot to use a link, log in to your Octopus dashboard, find the “Referrals” section, and manually enter the code words sepia, calf, and 274.
2. The Tesla Buyer Perk Never order a Tesla without a referral link. Depending on the current promotion, you could receive cash discounts, credits for Supercharging, or trials of Full Self-Driving.
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My Tesla Referral:
Click here to view my Tesla Referral Offer
Waiting for Delivery? Don’t Go Unprepared
If you are currently planning your order or counting down the days until your collection appointment, there is one more tool you need. While Tesla build quality has improved significantly, minor issues can still slip through. You don’t want to notice a paint scratch or a misaligned door after you get home.
I built a dedicated
Common Myths About Switching
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“It takes too long.” – False. Octopus is famously fast. Switches often complete in 5 days or less.
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“I need to contact my old supplier.” – No. Octopus handles the entire break-up for you. They contact your old provider and move your account over.
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“My lights will go off.” – Impossible. It’s the same wires and the same electricity; only the company billing you changes.
Final Tip for Delivery Day
When you go to collect your new Tesla, open up the checklist app, take your time inspecting the car, and then drive it home knowing that thanks to your smart tariff, your “fuel” is practically free. Enjoy the drive!