Electric vehicle manufacturer BYD and energy supplier Octopus Energy have announced a new partnership to launch the United Kingdom’s first commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) bundle. Revealed at the Energy Tech Summit, the collaboration introduces the Power Pack Bundle, a comprehensive package designed to lower driving costs and enhance the stability of the power grid.
Key Highlights
- The partnership introduces the Power Pack Bundle, the UK’s first commercially available V2G package.
- The bundle includes a leased BYD Dolphin EV, a V2G charger, and a smart tariff that offers completely free home charging.
- By using V2G technology, drivers can save an estimated £620 annually compared to standard tariffs.
- The initiative includes a partnership with Motability Operations to ensure the technology is accessible to disabled individuals.
A New Era for Electric Vehicles
The Power Pack Bundle provides customers with a leased V2G-compatible BYD Dolphin, a Zaptec Pro V2G charger, and a specialized smart tariff. This combination allows EV owners to eliminate their home charging expenses entirely. According to the companies, this can save a typical driver around £620 per year versus a standard variable tariff and nearly £1,000 when compared to fueling a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle.
The offering is the first time V2G technology has been made commercially available in the UK. The system’s automation simplifies the process for drivers, who only need to plug in their vehicle regularly to benefit. To qualify for the free charging, drivers must plug in their car at least 20 times per month for a minimum of 12 hours each time and stay within a charging limit corresponding to their lease miles.
How Vehicle-to-Grid Works
Vehicle-to-grid technology transforms EVs into mobile power sources, or “batteries on wheels.” These vehicles can draw energy from the grid to charge and can also send excess power back to the grid, especially during peak demand hours. This bidirectional flow helps balance the energy network and reduces the need to activate fossil fuel power plants.
The entire process is managed by Kraken, Octopus Energy Group’s proprietary technology platform. The fully automated system guarantees free home charging for all the miles included in the driver’s lease, making the experience seamless for the user.
A Partnership for an Accessible, Green Future
This collaboration between BYD and Octopus aims to scale up V2G technology, positioning EVs as integral components of a resilient renewable energy system. Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, noted that the project allows customers to use their vehicles not just for transportation but as dynamic assets that support the grid. Greg Jackson, founder of Octopus Energy Group, described V2G as a “game-changer” that allows drivers to power their homes and assist the grid while driving for free.
To ensure the benefits of V2G are widely available, the companies have also partnered with Motability Operations. Andrew Miller, Chief Executive of Motability Operations, stated that the technology could lead to significantly lower energy bills and a more affordable path to electric driving for their customers.
The Power Pack Bundle is scheduled for release later this year. Interested customers can join a reservation list through Octopus EV to be among the first to access the technology.
About the Companies
BYD Auto, founded in 2003, is the automotive division of BYD, a multinational high-tech company focused on sustainable innovations. The company specializes in pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and has mastered core technologies across the EV industrial chain. For more information, visit www.byd.com/uk.
Octopus Energy Group is a global clean energy technology business serving 9 million households. Operating in 32 countries, the group manages a £7 billion portfolio of renewable energy projects and licenses its Kraken platform to over 60 million customer accounts worldwide. For more details, visit their website.
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