New Energy World™
New Energy World™ embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low-carbon technologies.
Three projects in Europe and the US have launched using bi-directional charging for electric vehicles. This enables EVs not only to charge but also to discharge energy, powering a home or exporting energy back to the grid. This can reduce energy bills, support local electricity networks, provide backup power and increase the utilisation of renewable energy.
In the US, vehicle brand Polestar has taken its first step towards enabling bi-directional charging for customers. Together with home energy company dcbel, Polestar is launching a vehicle-to-home (V2H), blackout protection support and smart charging solution for Polestar 3 customers in the US, beginning with California.
Polestar’s initial solution uses direct current (DC) to deliver V2H functionality for Polestar 3 customers on the 400-Volt platform. The offer, targeted at California residents who can benefit from state incentives, includes dcbel’s Ara home energy system. Customers can cut charging costs by up to $1,300/y and power their homes for up to 10 days during outages.
Germany launches first commercial vehicle-to-grid solution
In Germany, carmaker BMW and utility E.On are rolling out the country’s first commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system for private customers, starting with the BMW iX3.
Using a Wallbox vehicle charger and an intelligent energy management system with a dedicated V2G tariff, drivers can participate in smart charging and discharging cycles. Early estimates suggest that making the vehicle battery available for grid services could earn drivers up to €720/y.
The initiative marks the first step in a broader plan to integrate EVs into an energy platform linking EV charging, photovoltaics, heat pumps and smart home systems.
Salford pilots bi-directional EV charging on the Isle of Wight
Researchers at the University of Salford are exploring how parked EVs could provide energy to buildings and support local electricity grids on the Isle of Wight.
As part of the Horizon Europe and UKRI-funded DriVe2X project, a bi-directional charger has been installed at a hotel in Shanklin. The system allows EVs to both draw electricity from the grid and feed stored energy back into the building during periods of peak demand. A smart charging algorithm developed by the University manages these charge and discharge cycles, optimising for energy prices, building requirements and driver preferences.
The pilot demonstrates how EVs can deliver practical benefits beyond transport, helping hotels and other businesses reduce costs, cut emissions and make better use of renewable energy such as solar.
