BMW iX3 and BMW Wallbox Professional. Image courtesy BMW
BMW Group and E.ON are launching what they say will be Germany’s first commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) solution for private customers.
The new V2G solution enables customers to use bidirectional charging, enabling the high-voltage battery of the BMW iX3 to flexibly supply energy back to the grid via the BMW Wallbox Professional.
Intelligent energy management is provided in collaboration with E.ON, supported by a specially designed V2G electricity tariff that facilitates the flow of energy in both directions.
According to the partners, the solution marks a first for Germany in enabling electric vehicles to be used as flexible energy storage units in everyday life.
BMW Group and E.ON jointly developed the underlying software.
With the solution, the high-voltage batteries of the vehicles will support the energy system during periods of surplus power or generation shortfalls.
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Additionally, there will be no impairment of battery quality as intelligent functions ensure that the high-voltage battery is always kept at an optimum level for its lifetime.
Financially, says the company, customers who make their vehicle battery available for smart charging and discharging can earn an annual bonus of up to €720 ($845). This enables them to drive up to 14,000km per year at no charging cost while actively supporting the energy transition.
Commenting in a release was Marc Spieker, member of the board of management of E.ON SE, Commercial: “What our customers need is a reliably charged vehicle—simple, convenient, and at attractive costs. That’s exactly what we provide, and more.
“Together with BMW, E.ON is bringing Vehicle-to-Grid directly to the people…We combine charging convenience with tangible economic benefits. And, as a bonus, every connected vehicle can help lower the overall costs of the energy system—for the benefit of all.”
Said Dr. Joachim Post, member of the board of management of BMW AG, Development: “With the Neue Klasse, BMW makes the car an active part of the energy system, creating tangible customer value. Vehicle-to-Grid reduces the mobility costs of the customer through new revenue opportunities – while driving the future of electric mobility.”
The technology for bidirectional charging will first be available on the market with the BMW iX3 and will gradually be introduced across additional BMW model ranges, thereby contributing to the scaling of V2G and its benefits for customers.
In the long term, the product is planned to be integrated into a comprehensive energy platform that intelligently connects charging infrastructure, photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, and smart home systems.
The strategic partnership between BMW and E.ON aims to lay the foundation for such an open, interoperable, and customer-centric ecosystem.
