Kaluza, Volkswagen, OVO Energy and Indra have launched a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) bidirectional charging programme aiming to further develop business models.
The INFLEXION consortium will see the organisations look to develop V2X business models and reward customers with propositions that could increase EV adoption and affordability.
INFLEXION will utilise bi-directional charging using combined charging system (CCS) technology in what would be its first real-world use, the firms said. This will enable V2X technology to be compatible with modern EV models.
The UK Government is also providing funding to support the project.
“We want to make smart charging an easier choice for drivers of electric vehicles, whether that is charging on the driveway, at the workplace, or parked on the street. To do that we need to build new network infrastructure at pace, using the latest available technologies,” said Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart.
“Today’s plan sets out how we will work with Ofgem and industry to kickstart the market for smart charging, which we are backing it up with £16 million in innovation funding. This will let people take control of their energy usage, in the most convenient and low-cost way.”
V2X is able to be utilised in a range of manners by consumers. By having the correct prerequisites, the technology can fully power a home during power outages and additionally sell surplus energy back to the grid. This could create additional revenue streams for customers to reduce energy and mobility costs as a whole. It can also reduce the carbon footprint of one’s home.
Additionally, V2X could present a new opportunity as well for energy suppliers and utilities to engage drivers in the energy transition through various services and manage the impacts of EV adoption at scale alongside increasing renewable generation.
With Volkswagen’s involvement within the consortium, the technology will be used with its latest range of CCS vehicles and additionally prioritise engagement with Volkswagen Group brands and OVO Energy customers.
“V2X will have a transformative effect on decarbonising our energy system but only if we make it accessible and affordable for all,” said Scott Neuman, CEO at Kaluza.
“INFLEXION is an exciting step for the industry to engage and learn from real EV drivers and bring this game changing technology closer to true, commercial scale. Kaluza is ideally positioned to lead this work with our advanced software and extensive ecosystem of partners.”
The consortium will build on the world’s “first and largest” deployment of domestic vehicle-to-grid (V2G) powered by Kaluza’s software and Indra’s hardware that enabled drivers to earn around £420 a year with some having earned up to £800 for selling an EV’s energy back to the grid.
