Octopus Energy Group has struck a deal with BYD for Octopus EV to purchase 5,000 new electric vehicles (EVs) from the Chinese carmaker over the next three years.

As part of the agreement, Octopus EV will also become BYD’s recommended salary sacrifice partner for their business customers in the UK.

The initial order will include the BYD Atto 3, an all-electric SUV, making its debut in the UK this month (March).

The car has an official range of 260 miles range and is the latest EV model to be offered by Octopus EV, which now has more than 85 cars available to customers.

Oliver Boots, chief commercial officer at Octopus EV, 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.

“Customers have an amazing range of models to choose from, all of which are at the cutting edge of tech and are fun to drive. Being able to partner with BYD as they launch in the UK is a real milestone.

“They’re a global leader and we’re looking forward to being able to offer our 5-star Trustpilot service to customers - accelerating our growth and moving us another step closer to zero emission transport in the UK.”

Michael Shu, general manager and managing director of BYD Europe and International Cooperation Division, added: “We are delighted to enter this cooperation with Octopus EV. 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.”

Octopus Electric Vehicles was launched with a simple mission; to make it easy for drivers to switch to clean, electric transport.

The business sits within the wider Octopus Energy Group, which is expanding rapidly having received $900 million in funding over the past two years, giving it a valuation of $5 billion.

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