Volvo’s First Bi-Directional EV Brings the Customer to the Grid

The upcoming fully electric Volvo EX90 will be the first Volvo car to be hardware-ready for bi-directional charging capabilities, alleviating the grid of unnecessary strain through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) action from customers.
Bi-directional charging has been making its name in the energy transition for enabling not only businesses but consumers to coordinate energy efficiency, reduce bills and contribute to grid alleviating initiatives.

According to Volvo, the EX90 will be paired with smart-charging capabilities coming to the Volvo Cars smartphone app.

Consumers will be able to charge 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. This power can be used also to power the home, buildings and other electric devices as well as other compatible Volvos.

Where available, the charging process will be automatic and managed by the smart charging functionality in the Volvo Cars app.

According to the company, the underlying algorithm will make sure that the battery is charged and discharged in a limited way to reduce the risk of battery degradation.

Bi-directional support for the grid

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.

Volvo cites how this type of V2G technology would 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,” stated head of electrification ecosystem Olivier Loedel.

The Volvo EX90 will be revealed on 9 November.