Volvo’s upcoming fully electric EX90, due to be revealed on Nov. 9, will be the brand’s first car to be hardware-ready for bi-directional charging capabilities.
Initially becoming available in selected markets, bi-directional charging has the potential to make energy utilisation cheaper, more efficient, and more sustainable. The vehicle will allow drivers to charge their car when demand from the grid and prices are low – usually meaning there are more renewable sources in the energy mix – and save that stored energy to be used later. The bi-directional charging could enable customers to power their home, as well as other electric devices.
“You could use its battery in many ways, from topping up your electric bike when you’re out and about, to hooking up an outdoor cooking appliance for your weekend camping trip,” said Olivier Loedel, Head of Electrification Ecosystem at Volvo Cars. “It could even power your house during the expensive peak hours of the day.”
The car will ultimately have the capability to lend a helping hand and give some of its charge to other compatible Volvos. Where available, the entire charging process will be automatic and managed entirely by the smart charging functionality in the Volvo Cars app, the company said. The underlying algorithm also makes sure that you charge and discharge the battery in a limited way, reducing the risk of avoidable battery degradation.
Depending on rules specific to each energy market, bi-directional charging could also allow customers to support the grid in different ways. This could include taking in more energy during times when there’s a surplus of renewable energy, or selling energy back during peak usage hours when there is more demand. If most cars have this functionality in the future, then the grid could be balanced more often. That could increase the overall sustainability of the grid by reducing potential energy waste from renewable sources at times when production outperforms demand.
“We believe in a future where our customers can support the grid using this technology, enabling a more efficient and sustainable use of electricity in everyday life,” said Loedel.
The bi-directional charging offer will initially be launched in selected markets. Volvo is investigating which use cases they will be able to offer in different countries.