Octopus Electric Vehicles has announced that it is to buy 5,000 new EVs from BYD for UK customers over the next three years. This figure has been said to be just a benchmark as uptake will be monitored with the figure set to increase.
BYD has named Octopus EV as their preferred salary sacrifice provider, with their full package offering to save drivers 30% or more off the upfront cost of the car. This will be the cheapest way to lease BYD’s EVs.
This will mark BYD largest sale to date with the first suggesting that the partnership could be expanded if the interest is high.
The initial order will include the BYD ATTO 3, an all-electric SUV, making its debut in the UK in March.
Michael Shu, general manager and managing director, BYD Europe and International Cooperation Division, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for BYD as we bring our latest products and leading technologies to customers in the UK, as shown in our innovative range of electric passenger cars, starting with the BYD Atto 3. BYD staunchly believes in partnerships with like-minded organisations, and our shared commitment to eMobility and sustainable innovation for a greener future, endorses our mutual aims.”
The ATTO 3 is the latest EV model to be offered by Octopus EV, which now has 85 cars available to customers. The car has a 60.5kWh battery and delivers an official 260-mile range while the 204hp electric motor offers 0-62mph time in just over seven seconds.
Oliver Boots, chief commercial officer at Octopus Electric Vehicles, said: “When Octopus Electric Vehicles launched, there were only a handful of EVs on the market – we’re now at more than 85 and the figure is rising all the time.
Octopus Electric Vehicles sits within the wider Octopus Energy Group, which is expanding rapidly having received $900m in funding over the last two years, giving it a valuation of $5bn.
