Octopus and BYD Launch Vehicle-to-Grid Charging Package in UK

Image Credit: Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy has teamed up with Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD to introduce the UK’s first all-in-one vehicle-to-grid (V2G) package, and it's set to turn heads. The new “Power Pack Bundle” includes a V2G-enabled BYD Dolphin, a bidirectional Zaptec Pro charger, and a smart energy tariff designed to make home charging free for qualifying drivers.

Yes, free, but there’s a catch. Customers need to plug in their vehicle at least 20 times a month for 12 hours or more each time, and the free charging only covers the mileage included in their lease.

At the heart of the offering is the BYD Dolphin’s bidirectional charging capability. Unlike traditional EVs, it can not only draw power from the grid but also return it, helping to balance demand during peak hours. Octopus Energy taps into this flexibility through its Kraken platform, turning the car into a grid-stabilising asset while saving drivers money.

The launch was announced at the Energy Tech Summit hosted by Octopus in London, positioning the bundle as a significant leap forward in making V2G a reality for everyday users. For around £300 a month, customers get access to the full suite: the vehicle, the charger, professional installation, and integration with Octopus’ energy software.

“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.”

There are some limitations. Homeowners who already export energy to the grid, for example, those with rooftop solar or home batteries, are currently excluded from the offer. That said, it’s a savvy move from BYD, especially as it seeks to establish a firm presence in the UK. The Dolphin’s compact size and strong efficiency make it well-suited for city life.

For Octopus, the benefits are twofold. Not only does the company offer its customers something genuinely new, but it also gains another tool to accelerate the clean energy transition. The BYD Dolphin is the first car on the UK market to support V2G charging natively, which means it works without the expensive and often bulky chargers that early adopters had to use.

And the savings? Octopus estimates that most drivers could slash their charging costs by over £620 each year compared to a typical EV tariff. Compared to petrol, the annual savings could hit nearly £1,000.

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, commented: “We’re thrilled to launch our V2G project with Octopus Energy and Kraken officially […] 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 aiming to achieve a zero-carbon electricity grid by 2035, this type of flexible, consumer-friendly technology is set to play a crucial role. Octopus Electric Vehicles is now accepting reservations for the Power Pack Bundle, with the first deliveries expected to roll out later this year.