Volvo's Electrifying Innovation: Vehicle-to-Grid Technology

November 10 2023,

Volvo's Electrifying Innovation: Vehicle-to-Grid Technology

In the realm of sustainable advancements, Volvo stands out with its strategic venture, Volvo Cars Energy Solutions. The focus is clear: transforming electric vehicles into dynamic components of the global energy grid. Volvo is pushing boundaries by ensuring its electric cars go beyond transport, becoming integral to our homes and the larger energy network.


Electrifying Synergy: The Volvo EX90 SUV and Bi-Directional Charging

Leading this charge is Volvo's electric marvel, the EX90 SUV, embedded with bi-directional charging capabilities. This feature allows the vehicle to act as a power provider, contributing excess battery power back into the energy grid. The significance? A promising reduction in peak-time energy strain and a pivot away from non-renewable electricity sources.


Piloting the Future: Volvo's V2G in Gothenburg

In collaboration with Göteborg Energi Nät AB, Volvo's pilot V2G program is underway in its Swedish hometown, Gothenburg. This endeavor utilizes a cost-effective AC wallbox, indicating Volvo's commitment to making such revolutionary technology accessible for widespread adoption. The program's ambitions stretch beyond mere testing—it's a platform to demonstrate V2G's real-world efficacy and its potential to revolutionize energy consumption patterns.


Maximizing Battery Potential: A Sustainable Strategy

Looking towards a fully electric fleet by 2030, Volvo foresees an excess in battery capacity. Given that daily drives consume a minimal amount of this capacity, there is an abundance of stored energy that can be repurposed. This is where Volvo’s vision shines, proposing smart charging solutions that could allow EV owners to charge their vehicles during low-demand, low-cost periods and sell energy back to the grid when demand peaks, offering both economic and ecological advantages.


Beyond V2G: Volvo's Holistic Energy Approach

The scope of Volvo Cars Energy Solutions doesn’t end at V2G—it extends to vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionalities. These future-facing services aim to utilize the energy from Volvo’s electric vehicles for household utilities or powering other electric devices. By weaving these services into the fabric of daily life, Volvo isn't just selling cars; it’s providing an energy ecosystem that promises to enhance customer lifestyles and propel environmental stewardship forward.


Volvo’s strategic initiative marks a significant pivot in automotive utility—where vehicles are no longer isolated entities but key players in a greener, more resilient energy landscape.