German legacy automaker Volkswagen announced the integration of bidirectional charging technology into its electric ID models in the European market on Wednesday, December 6.
“We are actively shaping the energy transition with products and services centered around the electric car: With the bidirectional charging function that is now available, we have tailored a new service offering to the needs of our customers. Not only can they save energy costs, but they are also making an important contribution to the sustainable use of energy.”
Imelda Labbé, Volkswagen Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales
Scope
According to the press release, the vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology has exclusively debuted on Volkswagen’s first ID electric vehicles in Europe.
To be specific, all ID models with a usable 77 kWh battery pack and at least 3.5 ID Software can activate the newly launched V2H function.
Qualified models include the facelifts from ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, and ID.Buzz. Early customers who have already received delivery can also benefit from the innovative technology through the ID Software 3.5 update.
How does it work?
Compatible VW models mentioned above can now leverage their batteries to power a household through the V2H technology.
The owners’ home power station draws energy from the ID vehicle when the home storage system demands additional power.
Once recharged, the ID model will automatically activate standby mode to avoid draining the battery.
The V2H system has the capacity to power a household for about “two full days” with an average consumption of 30 kWh.
In addition, Electrek reported that VW partnered with HagerEnergy GmbH in Sweden for the pilot project that enabled its ID models to accumulate energy from the sun through a home power station and integrated Home Energy Management System (HEMS).
Potential US expansion
VW asserts that it is among the first bidirectional charging tech providers using the CCS (Combined Charging System) DC charging standard that currently prevails in the European market. Some of the pioneering companies include Japan’s Nissan, South Korea’s Hyundai, Kia and Genesis, and China’s BYD and MG.
Excitingly, VW is also open to the possibility of expanding the technology’s reach to its customers in the US.
“We are investigating this for the US.”
VW spokesperson (via InsideEVs)
In hindsight, VW originally intended to launch bidirectional charging in 2022. However, the automaker failed to stand by the set timeline due to multiple software issues. Finally, its ID models can now serve as a rolling energy storage bank that owners can use in times of emergencies. The system can also lessen the pressure on the electric grid amid the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.
However, the automaker has yet to announce the system’s specific discharge speed. It also remains vague if it can support systems like Wallbox Quasar.
