Octopus Energy and BYD launch UK’s first V2G bundle

Octopus Energy and Chinese EV giant BYD have unveiled the UK’s first comprehensive vehicle-to-grid (V2G) offer. Branded the ‘Power Pack Bundle’, the new product combines a leased BYD Dolphin, a bidirectional Zaptec Pro charger and access to Octopus’ smart energy tariff. It even promises free charging at home for every mile driven – granted, that offer only applies to customers who “plug in their vehicle at least 20 times per month for at least 12 hours each time.” Moreover, it only covers “charging to the milage agreed in your lease.”

From a technical perspective, this is made possible by the BYD Dolphin’s bidirectional charging capability. The car not only draws power from the grid, but also feeds it back in when needed. Octopus Energy uses this technology to balance peak loads in the power grid. This offers users several advantages: they have predictable monthly costs, benefit from discounted or even free charging, and actively contribute to stabilising the power grid.

The bundle, launched at Octopus Energy’s Energy Tech Summit in London, marks a milestone in V2G rollout. For just under than £300 per month, customers receive a V2G-enabled electric vehicle, charger installation and seamless access to Kraken, Octopus’s energy platform.

“Bidirectional charging is the game-changer for drivers and the grid,” said Greg Jackson, CEO and founder of Octopus Energy Group. “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.”

However, the Power Pack tariff is not available to everyone. The terms and conditions clearly state that “at the moment, this product will only be available for people who do not already export to the grid.” Meaning, customers with battery storage or solar panels that feed excess energy into the grid are not eligible to sign up. Moreover, the company emphasises that customers also need permission from their Distribution Network Operator to export power to the grid. Obtaining the so-called G99 license can take up to 12 weeks, says Octopus, and that “not all customers will be successful, based on local grid stability or capacity, or the safety of your home system.”

Nevertheless, for BYD, this is a clever move to position itself in the British market – especially since the Dolphin scores particularly well in urban environments thanks to its compact design and efficiency. For Octopus Energy, on the other hand, the model not only offers customer satisfaction, but also an effective means of driving forward the energy transition.

The BYD Dolphin is the first vehicle in the UK market with native V2G compatibility, removing the need for costly early-generation V2G chargers and enabling smoother adoption. According to Octopus, typical drivers can save over £620 annually compared to a standard EV tariff – and nearly £1,000 compared to fuelling a petrol car.

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, commented: “We’re thrilled to officially launch our V2G project with Octopus Energy and Kraken […] 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 bundle is also offered to disabled drivers through a partnership with Motability Operations. Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability, 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.”

With the UK targeting a zero-carbon electricity system by 2035, scaling V2G technology will be essential. Octopus Electric Vehicles is now taking reservations for its ‘Power Pack Bundle’, with deliveries expected to begin later this year.

bydukmedia.com, octopus.energy, octopusev.com (terms)