Octopus Go Intelligent Tariff - recent changes

JKenH

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81895396#Comment_81895396

Thank you for clarifying that. Nothing new then that I’ve missed. Other than the BYD Dolphin and old tech Nissan/Mitsubishi Chademo models, no other EVs can export to the grid.

QrizB

Are you sure about that?

I'd ignored that part until now 😄

ISO 15118-20 (which includes V2G as part of the spec) is coming to the EU in 2027. See here:

https://www.bender.de/en/know-how/applications/emobility/alternative-fuels-infrastructure-regulation-afir-2025/

It's not clear whether domestic wallbxes will have to offer V2G, or whether they'll just need the communications capabilities from ISO 15118-20.

I can't find anything about a UK mandate; the best I can find in 5 minutes of searching is a vague suggestion that OFGEM is considering how it could be implemented.

Edit to add: The Humax MX7 appears to be available now at a reasonable price and is "V2G Ready" but requires a compatible vehicle. I think that means the inverters onbard the car, rather than built into the wallbox, but I can't be sure.

See the footnote on the official Humax product page:

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality is not controlled by the EV charger itself. While the MX7 is V2G-harware ready—meaning it includes the necessary PLC module and supports the ISO 15118 protocol. The actual ability to use V2G or V2H depends primarily on your vehicle manufacturer enabling this feature.

V2G capability also requires collaboration between your vehicle, energy tariff provider, and local grid operator. Availability can vary depending on your region, vehicle compatibility, and local infrastructure. In some cases, selling power back to the grid may also require a software subscription.

We recommend checking your vehicle model and make and energy provider for the most up-to-date information on V2G readiness and support.

So the box is comms-capable but the car does all the work. This might be the common approach for home wallboxes.

pensionpawn

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81895080#Comment_81895080

Thanks for the tip, however I couldn't find any well known independent solar industry reviews of Solis and Fogstar. Also, there is more to Powerwall 3 than just its total energy, for example consistently high power delivery, industry commended software and island / home gateway mode. Also, as I would be using an EV5 in vehicle mode, as well as an energy store, I don't believe your £479 / kWhr calculation is a balanced one. If I wasn't interested in acquiring a new car / first EV too, do you really think I would buy one just to power the house / time shift energy?

The point I am trying to make is that if you're in the market for a new car, and the car isn't going to be parked at work the majority of the week, a bi directional EV, for many, is a sound proposition. To be perfectly honest, with the way export rates are going, buying just batteries to time shift, is becoming less and less economically attractive.

pensionpawn

This is a very valid point that until reading your post I had completely forgot about. I had asked my local dealership for the difference in price of the current equivalent model to my top of the range Sportage, and the top of the range EV5. It's around £4k.

pensionpawn

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81895315#Comment_81895315

Yes, see this Wallbox Kia EV9 (not the EV for me) Quasar 2 press release from almost a year ago. The latest Kia EV models include the same charging tech. There are other charger companies too, and yes they need DNO approval (as "generators"). There is some "red tape" holding up the tech, however from what I read, bi directional should be starting to take off Q3 / Q4 this year.

As I've said in my previous posts, how the energy companies "design" an export tariff for a combined home / EV battery has yet to be reported on.

pensionpawn

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81895444#Comment_81895444

The research that I performed last week said it was mandatory, however just cross referencing again I have now found this link on 15118-20 compliance which suggests my original understanding was the EU only (thanks Gemini…) however the UK is likely to follow. Regardless of the actual date, there seems to be a clear direction of travel. I'm happy to sit this out until I know for sure. No bi directional, no EV for me.

pensionpawn

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81895460#Comment_81895460

Interesting video…

Qyburn

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81895396#Comment_81895396

Surely the charger will be connected to the customer's AC system, in parallel with the incoming grid and in parallel with any existing solar inverter. That would mean it adds to the total system size, so would require G.99 approval as an increase to the existing installation.

Not sure what "export unit" refers to, maybe that's specific to certain systems. My Solaredge system has an import/export meter which is used to control battery charge/discharge and balance house loads. Although it would see and measure total export the system can't control export from anything else.

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81895456#Comment_81895456

@Reed_Richards

Here is the answer to not spending big £££

Old Nissan Leaf, bought just to connect for this scheme. You can get a 24kWh or 30kWh leaf (At least 30 0f them) for sub £2.5K (Autotrader) SORN - no need to worry about VED or insurance.

Could you get a home battery for that size & cost?

Magnitio

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81895507#Comment_81895507

Also of interest:

https://www.sigenergy.com/en/products/dc-charger