BYD and Octopus Power Up the UK’s First Vehicle-to-Grid Bundle
The world of electric vehicles (EVs) just got a whole lot more exciting with the announcement of the UK’s first-ever vehicle-to-grid (V2G) bundle, set to transform how we think about EVs and their role in the energy ecosystem.
BYD, a global leader in new energy vehicles, has partnered with Octopus Energy, the UK’s largest energy supplier, to launch the Power Pack Bundle—a revolutionary step towards more affordable and sustainable EV driving.
This ground-breaking initiative, unveiled at Octopus Energy’s Energy Tech Summit, promises to reduce fuel bills and boost renewable energy resilience by allowing EV owners to not only charge their vehicles but also send power back to the grid. The Power Pack Bundle, which includes a leased BYD Dolphin, a V2G Zaptec Pro charger, and a smart tariff for free home charging, marks the first commercial use of V2G technology in the UK. Here’s a closer look at the potential of this game-changing partnership.
A Game-Changer for EV Drivers and the Grid
At its core, the Power Pack Bundle combines the convenience of a modern EV with the power of V2G technology, allowing the car to work as both a battery and a power source. This innovative system enables the car to charge during off-peak hours and send excess power back to the grid during peak demand times. This is not only a win for the environment but also a major boost for drivers looking to reduce their energy costs.
By opting into the bundle, typical EV drivers could save up to £620 annually compared to conventional charging tariffs. That’s not all—compared to the cost of fuelling a traditional petrol vehicle, these drivers could save nearly £1000 per year, while simultaneously helping to reduce the need for fossil fuel-based power generation.
Simplifying EV Charging and Energy Management
One of the most impressive aspects of the Power Pack Bundle is its seamless integration with Octopus Energy’s Kraken platform. With the help of this advanced tech, users don’t need to do anything manually—simply plug in their car at night, and let the system do the rest. The fully automated process guarantees free charging at home for all the miles covered by the lease, making it a hassle-free way for drivers to save on energy costs.
In addition to the significant financial benefits, the V2G technology can play a vital role in supporting the grid. When plugged in, EVs effectively become “mini power stations” that can store and supply energy when the grid faces increased demand. This ensures that renewable power sources are utilised more efficiently and can help prevent the need for activating polluting fossil-fuel plants.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Beyond the financial and environmental benefits, this V2G initiative also strives to ensure that these advantages are accessible to all. Through a partnership with Motability Operations, Octopus and BYD are making this V2G technology available to disabled people across the UK, making electric driving more affordable and inclusive.
For many, this could mean significantly lower energy bills and an easier transition to electric vehicles.
Andrew Miller, Chief Executive of Motability Operations, expressed his excitement about the project: “It’s great to see V2G technology becoming available at scale – effectively turning EVs into energy assets that can help power homes and support the grid. For our customers, this could mean significantly lower energy bills and an even more affordable route into electric driving.”
V2G Technology at Scale
This collaboration between BYD and Octopus Energy is just the beginning. With more V2G-ready vehicles on the horizon, the scale of this initiative could grow significantly. As EV adoption continues to rise, we may soon see hundreds of thousands of vehicles acting as both personal transport and valuable energy assets that support the UK’s grid.
Greg Jackson, Founder of Octopus Energy Group, highlighted the scale of the project: “V2G is the game-changer for drivers and the grid. For the first time ever, drivers can effortlessly power their homes and help the grid – and drive for free in return. V2G is here, available at scale, and ready to revolutionise our entire energy system.”
Pioneering the Green Revolution
As a key player in this collaboration, BYD brings its deep expertise in electric mobility to the table. Founded in 2003, BYD has become a trailblazer in the green transportation sector, leading the charge in the development of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Known for innovations such as the Blade Battery and its e-Platform 3.0, BYD’s technology is at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution. In fact, BYD was the first carmaker in the world to cease the production of fossil fuel-powered vehicles, making it a leader in the global push towards sustainability.
Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, shared her excitement about the collaboration: “BYD is fully committed to making intelligent, innovative, sustainable technologies available to our customers, and this project will allow them to unlock the full potential of electric vehicles – not just as transport but as dynamic assets that can play a key role in supporting the grid.”
The Power Pack Bundle’s Availability
The Power Pack Bundle will be available later this year, offering early adopters a chance to be part of this transformative movement. Interested customers can reserve their spot to be among the first to access the technology via Octopus EV.
As V2G technology becomes more mainstream, it has the potential to reshape the way we think about energy consumption, driving, and the future of transportation. With the combined efforts of BYD, Octopus Energy, and Motability Operations, this initiative is set to bring affordable and sustainable EV solutions to a wider audience, accelerating the green transition and powering the future.
The Future Is Electric, and It’s Looking Bright
With this innovative collaboration, the road to a greener, more sustainable future is clearer than ever. BYD and Octopus Energy have shown that by combining cutting-edge technology with a shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions, we can achieve a future where electric vehicles are not just environmentally friendly but also economically beneficial.
The Power Pack Bundle is a step forward in this journey, paving the way for a new era of energy-efficient driving that benefits both drivers and the planet.
