Octopus Energy and Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD have introduced the UK’s first fully integrated vehicle-to-grid (V2G) bundle, offering customers a bidirectional BYD Dolphin electric car, smart charging hardware, and a dynamic energy tariff. The package, launched under the name ‘Power Pack Bundle’, is priced at just under £300 per month and aims to transform electric vehicles into flexible energy assets for the power grid.
The bundle includes a leased BYD Dolphin, Zaptec Pro bidirectional charger installation, and access to Octopus Energy’s smart V2G tariff via its Kraken energy platform. When used as recommended — plugged in at least 20 times per month for 12 hours each time — drivers can effectively charge their vehicles at home for free, limited to mileage agreed upon in the lease.
“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.”
Technologically, the BYD Dolphin is the first EV available in the UK with native V2G compatibility, allowing it to discharge energy back into the grid. Octopus Energy uses this feature to help stabilise the energy system during peak periods, while customers benefit from lower energy costs and predictable monthly expenses. Octopus estimates that customers could save more than £620 per year compared to a standard EV tariff — and nearly £1,000 when compared to running a petrol car.
However, the offer is subject to several conditions. Customers with existing solar panels or battery storage systems that export energy to the grid are currently excluded. Additionally, eligible users must obtain a G99 export license from their local Distribution Network Operator (DNO), a process that can take up to 12 weeks and is not guaranteed.
“This project will allow [drivers] 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,” said Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD.
The bundle is also being made available to disabled drivers through a collaboration with Motability Operations. “It’s great to see V2G technology becoming available at scale,” said Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability. “For our customers, this could mean significantly lower energy bills and an even more affordable route into electric driving.”
Deliveries for the ‘Power Pack Bundle’ are expected to begin later this year, as Octopus Electric Vehicles starts accepting customer reservations.