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- Introduction.
The class develops the Volkswagen’s Vehicle-to-Grid-V2G charging technology, which allows you to earn income by feeding electricity back into the grid.
- Vehicle-to-Grid technology for financial returns.
Volkswagen, in collaboration with its energy subsidiary Elli, is in the final stages of preparation for the launch of a comprehensive Vehicle-to-Grid technology solution for its customers. The launch in Germany is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, with plans for subsequent expansion into other European markets. This solution will allow electric vehicle users to maximize their benefits.
This technology will enable owners not only to charge their vehicles but also to integrate them into the energy system, turning them into a tool capable of feeding energy back into the power grid. In other words, owners will be able to use this technology to generate income and optimize energy consumption in their homes.
A significant number of brands have decided to invest in Vehicle-to-Grid, which should not be viewed as a standalone service, but rather as a natural evolution of home charging. Integrating the energy management of the home, the vehicle, and the power grid into a single system allows users to actively manage their mobility costs. This is achieved by using the vehicle’s battery as an energy resource that can be tapped into according to the user’s needs.
Volkswagen’s system will allow customers to make their battery storage capacity available to the grid, adapting their charging habits to the needs of the power system. In exchange, they will receive financial compensation, so the cost of electricity at any given time will be a determining factor, as charging will take place during off-peak hours and energy will be fed back into the grid when it commands a higher price.
The main objective of this initiative is to gradually reduce the total cost of ownership of electric vehicles. The German automaker notes that its ultimate goal is to make charging virtually cost-neutral. According to estimates, users could save between 700 and 900 euros annually by using this system.
Martin Sander, Member of the Executive Board of Volkswagen Passenger Cars and responsible for Sales, Marketing, and After-Sales, stated: “Electric mobility can only realize its full potential if it is also cost-effective for our customers. With Vehicle-to-Grid technology, we are taking precisely that step: significantly reducing home charging costs and, in the long term, moving toward virtually free charging. As pioneers in bidirectional charging, our entire ID. range will be ‘bidi-ready’ starting in 2023. In this way, we are bringing Vehicle-to-Grid from innovation into everyday life and making this technology accessible to the general public. That is the ambition of the Volkswagen brand.”
- An automated ecosystem.
The package offered by the manufacturer includes a dynamic electricity rate, a bidirectional DC charger, a smart meter, and a digital app that centralizes management. This approach will automate the process, thereby minimizing the complexity experienced by electric vehicle owners.
The technological foundation enabling this implementation is Volkswagen’s MEB electric platform. With the arrival of ID. Software 6, these capabilities will be extended to a wider range of the brand’s models and more battery configurations. Additionally, the brand guarantees that the implementation of this technology will not have a significant impact on battery lifespan, thanks to specific protection systems.
Giovanni Palazzo, CEO of Elli and SVP of Charging and Energy at Volkswagen Group Components, explains: “The true value of Vehicle-to-Grid is only realized when vehicles, infrastructure, and the energy market are connected. That is precisely why we created Elli as the Group’s energy interface. Today, we have the technological and operational capacity to scale an integrated solution to millions of vehicles and brands.”
- Thank you for your time.
The class has developed the Volkswagen’s Vehicle-to-Grid charging technology, which allows you to earn income by feeding electricity back into the grid, see you soon.
Escrito por José Miguel Fernández Gómez.
