Octopus Energy has joined forces with electric car maker BYD to launch the Power Pack Bundle – described as the UK’s first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) bundle.
The Power Pack Bundle - priced at under £300 a month – will include a leased V2G-ready BYD Dolphin, a bi-directional Zaptec Pro charger and access to a smart tariff that offers completely free home charging.
With free charging, Octopus Energy says typical EV drivers can slash their annual bills by £620 compared to charging on a standard tariff – and save nearly £1,000 compared to fuelling a petrol car.
V2G transforms EVs into ‘batteries on wheels’, allowing them to charge when electricity is cheap and send it back to the grid at peak times when electricity is expensive.
Powered by Octopus Energy Group’s tech platform, Kraken, the Power Pack Bundle is designed to make these savings ‘effortless’ for customers. Drivers simply plug in overnight and let the tech do the rest. The fully automated process guarantees free charging at home for every mile driven during the lease.
This is said to be the first time V2G technology is built into the car itself, eliminating the need for a costly first-generation V2G charger.
Octopus says it is uniquely placed to lease the cars, having launched its own EV business, Octopus EV, in 2021.
Octopus and BYD have also partnered with Motability Operations, the UK’s largest leasing company, to make the V2G technology available to disabled people across the country, ensuring low-cost electric driving is accessible to all.
Greg Jackson, founder of Octopus Energy Group, says: “Bi-directional charging is the game-changer for drivers and the grid. By using some of the battery’s spare capacity to help balance the grid, we can offer free driving. V2G is going to revolutionise our energy system and help drive costs down.”
Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD, says: “Together with Octopus Energy, we’re enabling EV owners to play an active role in the energy ecosystem, reducing costs and increasing the resilience of renewable power systems.”
The Power Pack Bundle will be available later this year; Octopus is requesting anyone interested in the package to contact Octopus EV.
