The Power Pack Bundle was unveiled today at Octopus Energy’s Energy Tech Summit. Priced at under £300 a month, it includes a leased V2G-ready BYD Dolphin, a bi-directional Zaptec Pro charger and access to a smart tariff offering completely free home charging.
With complimentary charging, typical EV drivers could see their annual bills reduced by £620 compared to charging on a standard tariff.
V2G technology turns EVs into ‘batteries on wheels’, enabling them to charge when electricity is cheap and feed it back to the grid during peak times when electricity is costly. This reduces the grid’s dependence on polluting fossil fuel plants, without compromising the car’s primary function of transportation.
The Power Pack Bundle, powered by Octopus Energy Group’s tech platform, Kraken, makes these savings effortless for customers. Drivers plug in overnight and let the technology handle the rest.
The fully automated process guarantees free home charging for every mile driven during the lease.
For the first time, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology is being integrated directly into vehicles, thereby removing the need for expensive external V2G chargers. This innovation could transform hundreds of thousands of electric vehicles (EVs) into miniature power stations on wheels.
Octopus Energy Group, having ventured into the electric vehicle sector with Octopus Electric Vehicles in 2021, is well-positioned to capitalise on this by leasing out these advanced cars. Their EV-only leasing arm has quickly become the leading business of its kind in the UK.
Additionally, Octopus has joined forces with both BYD and Motability Operations, Britain’s premier leasing firm, to extend the benefits of V2G technology to people with disabilities nationwide, promoting cost-effective and accessible electric motoring.
The founder of Octopus Energy Group, Greg Jackson, commented: “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.”
Meanwhile, Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, shared her excitement about the collaboration: “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.”
A new partnership will empower motorists with electric vehicles to actively contribute to the energy system, cutting costs and bolstering the reliability of renewable energy networks.
Andrew Miller, Chief Executive of Motability Operations, commented: “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.”
The Power Pack Bundle will be available later this year. Interested customers can be the first to get their hands on the tech by placing a reservation with Octopus Electric Vehicles.