WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen is introducing bidirectional charging with a "Vehicle to Home" function in a number of its ID. electric vehicles.
With a home power station and the integrated Home Energy Management System (HEMS) from Volkswagen partner HagerEnergy GmbH, customers can cover as much of their household consumption as possible with their photovoltaic system.
In a pilot project in Sweden, a housing estate is supplied with vehicles and corresponding charging infrastructure, showcasing the bidirectional charging's potential.
ID. models with a 77 kWh (net) battery can use bidirectional charging to store electricity at home.
The function, available through a software update, enables homes to be powered by stored solar energy during cloudy days or evenings. Customers can decide when to draw energy from the grid or use stored electricity.
Volkswagen's bidirectional charging is in line with the CCS DC charging standard, making it a pioneer in the technology.
Assuming an average consumption of a house of about 30 kWh, it can be supplied with electricity for around two full days. The high-voltage battery cannot be discharged below 20% state of charge to ensure readiness for mobility.
The ID. models' compatibility is currently limited to HagerEnergy's S10 E Compact series, with plans to enable other home power stations in the future.
The initiative supports sustainable energy use and offers potential grid stabilisation through vehicle-to-home capabilities.
