In this episode of Insiders Guide to Energy EV Series, hosts Chris Sass and Niall Riddell from Paua, speak with Nathan Wyeth and Chris George from Octopus Electric Vehicles USA.  They discuss the company’s innovative approach to EV leasing, smart energy integration, and the broader vision for a clean energy future in Texas.

Octopus EV focuses on making EV ownership accessible and affordable through a unique leasing model that bundles together key services. Their offering includes not just a used EV (like a Tesla Model 3 starting at around $300/month), but also home charging, vehicle maintenance, warranty, and access to smart charging rates. The only extra cost for the customer is personal car insurance. This streamlined experience is designed to reduce the complexity and hesitation often associated with EV adoption.

A central theme in the discussion is vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. Octopus envisions a future where cars don’t just use energy—they give back to the grid. Currently, Octopus manages charging based on real-time pricing, particularly in Texas where the market structure supports demand response programs. Vehicles enrolled in Octopus’s Intelligent Octopus program effectively act as a virtual power plant, and consumers benefit from lower home energy rates as a result. The long-term vision is for this grid integration to drive lease costs even lower, making EVs more affordable while supporting a cleaner grid.

Texas presents unique challenges and opportunities. With its sprawling cities and vast distances, Texans often require long-range vehicles. Public charging infrastructure is improving, aided by federal and state investments targeting travel corridors between major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Octopus carefully considers customer habits—whether they’re short-distance commuters or “super commuters” traveling over 25,000 miles a year—and matches vehicle recommendations accordingly.

Customer experience is a major focus. Octopus offers full flexibility in how users interact with them—via website, text, email, or phone. While some customers lease entirely online, most appreciate speaking to a person to guide them through options. Octopus staff inspect every vehicle before delivery, share photos, and ensure customers understand what they’re getting, especially since many vehicles are pre-owned.

Octopus’s approach reflects its broader mission: to offer energy solutions that are fair, simple, and clean. By bundling everything into a single monthly payment and helping consumers navigate the transition, they remove barriers that might otherwise prevent adoption. Education and transparency are core to building trust and excitement around EVs.

The episode concludes with reflections on the changing landscape of EV ownership and how Octopus is shaping a customer-centric model. Whether it’s helping a consumer choose between short- or long-range models, supporting grid stability, or reducing energy bills, Octopus EV is positioning itself at the intersection of mobility, technology, and clean energy.

Click here for the full episode

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