BYD EVs Powered a World-Record BBQ — Here's Why V2L Matters
BYD EVs ran every electric BBQ at a Guinness World Record barbecue lesson using V2L. Here's what vehicle-to-load tech means for novated lease buyers.
Hundreds of people just broke the Guinness World Record for the world's largest barbecue lesson — and every single BBQ was electric, powered by BYD EVs using Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology. No generator. No extension cord running back to a wall socket. Just the cars themselves acting as mobile power stations. The Driven reported on the event on 17 June 2026.
It's a good stunt. But underneath the PR gloss, it demonstrates something genuinely useful: modern BYD EVs can export meaningful amounts of power to external devices — enough to run appliances you'd normally need a wall outlet or a petrol generator for.
What this means for novated lease customers
If you're weighing up an EV on a novated lease, V2L capability is a real-world feature worth putting on your checklist — not just a spec-sheet talking point. Being able to run a power tool on a job site, keep a fridge cold at a campsite, or yes, fire up an electric BBQ at the park, changes how useful the car actually is day-to-day.
BYD models including the Atto 3, Seal, and Shark ute offer V2L, and several sit under the $91,387 luxury car tax threshold that matters when you're structuring a novated lease. The FBT-exempt EV rules introduced under the Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) Act 2022 mean eligible battery-electric vehicles can still be packaged with significant pre-tax savings — and V2L-capable models are firmly in that eligible category. Talk to us before you decide on a model; the numbers can shift meaningfully depending on your income and the specific vehicle.
Common questions
What is V2L and which BYD models have it?
V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) lets your EV export power through a standard socket — like a portable power outlet on wheels. Several BYD models including the Atto 3, Seal, and Shark include V2L as standard or optional equipment. Check the spec sheet for your specific variant before ordering.
Does V2L affect the FBT exemption on a novated lease?
No. V2L is a feature of the vehicle, not a separate benefit. Provided the car itself qualifies as an eligible zero or low-emissions vehicle under the FBT exemption rules, V2L doesn't change the tax treatment.
Can I get a BYD EV on a novated lease through millarX?
Yes. millarX can structure novated leases across most BYD models available through Australian dealerships. We'll run the full numbers for your income and situation — no obligation.
Is the EV FBT exemption still available in 2026?
As of mid-2026, the FBT exemption for eligible battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles remains in place, subject to the vehicle meeting the relevant cost and emissions criteria. Policy can change, so always confirm current rules with your adviser or refer to the ATO.
Why does the LCT threshold matter for novated leasing?
If a vehicle's drive-away price exceeds the luxury car tax threshold (currently $91,387 for fuel-efficient vehicles in the 2025-26 year), LCT adds to the purchase price and therefore increases your lease repayments. Staying under it keeps the deal cleaner.