BMW has announced that its upcoming Neue Klasse models, set to launch in 2025, will incorporate bidirectional charging technology. This innovative feature will allow the vehicles to not only recharge their batteries but also to provide electricity back to the power grid or directly to devices.
The bidirectional charging technology includes several functionalities such as “Vehicle to Home,” “Vehicle to Grid,” and “Vehicle to Load.” These features aim to enhance the utility of electric vehicles as energy providers while ensuring that mobility needs remain a priority.
In the initial phase, the bidirectional charging technology will enable users to convert their vehicle’s high-voltage battery into a fixed energy storage unit. This will allow the eco-friendly electricity generated by the user’s solar panels to be temporarily stored in the vehicle’s battery via the BMW DC Wallbox Professional.
In the next phase, customers will have the option to share a portion of their battery’s storage capacity with external sources. This capacity could be used to both draw from and supply to the power grid. BMW’s collaboration with E.ON will facilitate entry into the energy market, requiring customers to opt for E.ON’s dynamic electricity tariff. E.ON, in conjunction with BMW’s backend systems, will manage the charging and discharging processes, enabling customers to profit from the energy exchange. The availability of this feature across different markets depends on the implementation of necessary regulatory frameworks.
The Vehicle to Load function allows energy stored in the vehicle to be used for powering external electrical equipment. This means the Neue Klasse can serve as a mobile power bank for charging an e-bike, for example, or supplying energy to electrical equipment while camping.
Other automobile manufacturers, including Volvo and Porsche, are currently evaluating this feature. Tesla has announced that by 2025, all its vehicles will be capable of bidirectional charging. General Motors is also planning to include Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) charging as a standard feature, starting with some 2024 models.
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