UK energy provider, Octopus Energy, and BYD have unveiled an all-inclusive vehicle-to-grid (V2G) bundle that includes car leasing, a bi-directional charger, and a smart tariff. In one of the first commercially available deals of its kind in the UK and Europe. This is a step towards increasing adoption of V2G, but obstacles remain ahead of its large-scale rollout.

How does the V2G tariff work?

Starting at a monthly price of GBP300 (USD408) the “Power Pack Bundle” includes a “leased V2G-ready BYD Dolphin, a bi-directional Zaptec Pro charger and access to a smart tariff” that offers free home charging for the first 210kWh in a month.

Once the BYD Dolphin vehicle is plugged in, Octopus Energy remotely controls the charging and discharging of the vehicle’s battery to help manage grid demand. Power will flow first to meet demand in the owner’s home with the surplus going to the grid. Under the tariff customers will need to be able to have their vehicle plugged in for 12 hours a day, for a minimum of 20 days a month.

What does the V2G landscape look like in across Europe?

This is one of the first commercially available V2G offerings in Europe, joining a few other projects. In 2024, The Mobility House unveiled a system with Renault Group, allowing Renault 5 owners to access V2G charging in France. Elsewhere VW is running a small pilot project in Sweden, with plans to launch commercially there this year and to enter the Swiss market from late 2025.

Challenges to large scale V2G adoption

The technology is still in its early stages, with only a small number of electric vehicles and chargers currently capable of supporting it. Additionally, the recently introduced ISO 15118-20 international communication charging standard does enable two-way energy flow between EVs and the grid, but its adoption is still not yet widespread. The industry faces limitations due to a lack of the required hardware, software, and infrastructure to support a wider scale rollout

The partnership with BYD is telling of the company’s increasing dominance in the UK

BYD is by no means the biggest EV seller in the UK, however it is fast becoming an established player in the market. According to Rho Motion’s EV & Battery Database, in the first four months of 2025, BYD’s EV sales increased 563% compared to the same period in 2024, making it the fastest growing EV player in the UK. While its sales still do not match the likes of VW or Tesla, to name a few, an offering such as this will add to the brand’s popularity and presence in the UK.

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