A long awaited dream of Volkswagen, to introduce bidirectional charging in its EV is finally coming into reality. Volkswagen new eclectic model in the ID. family will be featured with this unprecedented technology. During the launch, Volkswagen sales leader, Imelda Labbe said that, “ We are actively shaping the energy transition. Further the EV owner can save on energy coasts with a newly available bidirectional charging facility.
Volkswagen launched this as a pilot project in Sweden with HagerEnergy GmbH. This new bidirectional charging system works on “Vehicle to Home” function. This will change your electric vehicle into a rolling energy storage bank. WIth a home power station and integrated Home Energy Management System (HEMS), EV owners can cover much of their consumption needs with their photovoltaic system.
“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,” says Imelda Labbé, Volkswagen Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales.
The Volkswagen bidirectional charging solution is based on the CCS (Combined Charging System) DC charging standard. Also the clever electricity tariffs and algorithms, helps to avoid draining the battery on standby mode. According to Volkswagone the system can provide electricity for around “two full days.”
Currently the resident of the Stenberg housing estate in Hudiksvall, Sweden taking the benefit of that new technology. But the new electric ID. models of VW will be able to use this charging function with the 77kWh battery. Another surprising fact is that the company can also install this function in the delivered vehicles as soon as they have also received the ID. Software 3.5 via an update.
Volkswagen also stated that, In the first version, the relevant ID. models are only compatible with the DC home power station of the S10 E COMPACT series from HagerEnergy GmbH. Other home power stations are to be enabled for operation with a bidirectional charging station (wallbox) at a later date.
The new bidirectional charging system also raises the many questions. Like Will it be feasible? What is the speed of discharging? Is it also compatible with the other introduced technologies of Hyundai, Volvo and others?
