Energy supplier Octopus Energy has partnered with electric car maker BYD to launch its V2G Power Pack Bundle.
Launched at Octopus’ Energy Tech Summit, the bundle will include a leased V2G-ready BYD Dolphin, a bi-directional Zaptec Pro charger, and access to a smart tariff that offers free home charging.
With free charging, typical EV drivers can slash their annual bills by £620 compared to charging on a standard tariff – and save nearly £1000 compared to fuelling a petrol car at present prices, it claims.
V2G allows drivers to charge when electricity is cheap and send it back to the grid at peak times when electricity is expensive. This reduces the grid’s reliance on fossil fuel plants, without hampering the car’s main job of getting from A to B.
Powered by Octopus Energy Group’s tech platform, Kraken, drivers plug in overnight and let the technology provide a fully automated process, which guarantees free charging at home for every mile driven during the lease.
The technology is one of the first times V2G technology is built into the car itself, eliminating the need for a costly first-generation V2G charger.
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.
The bundle will be available later this year. Interested customers can be the first to get their hands on the technology by placing a reservation with Octopus Electric Vehicles.
Greg Jackson, Founder of Octopus Energy Group, said:
“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, said:
“We’re thrilled to officially launch our V2G project with Octopus Energy and Kraken.
“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.
|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.”
Andrew Miller, Chief Executive of Motability Operations, said:
“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.”
“We’re proud to be part of a partnership that’s not only breaking new ground in energy, but also ensuring the benefits are accessible to disabled people across the UK.”
Image courtesy of Octopus Energy
