Behind the scenes at the Octopus Energy Tech Summit

Held on June 23, 2025, kicking off London Climate Action Week, the summit brought together energy and tech leaders to spark conversation and accelerate the shift towards a sustainable, affordable, net-zero future.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

Octopus launches the world's first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) bundle

In 2023, we launched ‘Cosy Octopus,’ the UK’s first heating eco-system. In 2024, we unveiled ‘Project Mercury,’ a global vision for a smart energy tech ecosystem.

Expectations were high for what revolutionary new tech Octopus would introduce, and the world's first V2G bundle certainly delivered. Joining forces with BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, we announced the Power Pack Bundle – an offer that includes a leased V2G-ready BYD Dolphin, a bi-directional Zaptec Pro charger, and access to a smart tariff that offers free home charging.

V2G transforms EVs into ‘batteries on wheels,’ allowing them to charge when electricity is cheap and send power back to the grid during peak times. In true Octopus style, the announcement was driven right onto the stage in a BYD Dolphin EV by Formula One legend Damon Hill.

While we can’t currently offer this plan in New Zealand, we’re excited about the possibilities that V2G technology can offer Aotearoa’s energy future and we’re exploring what solutions we can bring here.

Lessons from Space and controlling an alien intelligence?

Keynote speaker Astronaut Chris Hadfield kicked off the summit with a talk about technology's power and global energy use.

With AI becoming an independent force that we cannot predict nor fully understand, Professor Yuval Noah Harari and Sir Stephen Fry led a thought-provoking and illuminating conversation about how we can develop AI together in a way that doesn’t undermine humanity.

Tech adoption doesn't happen overnight

Rory Sutherland, vice chairman of Ogilvy & Mather, and British authority on all things advertising, talked about how we can change the public perception of the sustainable energy transition. The shift to a renewable energy future isn’t driven by tech alone but the storytelling we weave to bring people along for the journey. Plus, did you know the Edwardians had electric cars?

You can check out our full range of videos from the day here

The Octopus Energy Tech Summit wasn’t just a highlight of Climate Week; it was a glimpse of what comes next: a future where energy is sustainable, affordable, and driven by people everywhere.

We’ll see you next year.