Wallbox Chargers, a company based in Barcelona, and Kia America are partnering to enable bidirectional charging for customers driving a Kia EV9.
This way, drivers can use this electric vehicle to supply energy to the grid, with the possibility of powering their homes, thus reducing their electricity bill.
Starting in the first half of 2024, Wallbox will offer its second-generation bidirectional DC charger, named Quasar 2.
In case of a power outage, the “Power Recovery” mode of the charger activates automatically, converting the Kia EV9 into an energy source.
This Kia model features a battery capacity of 76 to 100 kWh, while, according to Wallbox, a standard home storage system can only hold 13.5 kWh.
Consequently, the vehicle could “power the typical energy consumption of a home for up to four entire days, eliminating the need for expensive home energy storage systems.”
Furthermore, Wallbox estimates that customers could save over £1,000 annually in energy costs if bidirectional charging is combined with time-of-use utility rates or Demand Response programs.
The Kia EV9 could be charged when electricity is cheaper and used as an energy source when energy is more expensive.
Enric Asunción, CEO and co-founder of Wallbox, says, “We’re excited to collaborate with Kia America towards our shared vision of accelerating electrification and transforming how we harness and interact with energy.”
He adds, “Bidirectional charging can offer long-term benefits for users, grid operators, and utility companies, and will expedite the transition to renewable energy sources. When combined with an electric vehicle capable of bidirectional charging, like Kia’s advanced EV9, the Quasar 2 offers one of the most practical and affordable home energy management solutions in the market.”
It’s important to note that the Quasar, the predecessor of the Quasar 2, was first introduced at CES in January 2020 in Las Vegas.
About Wallbox
Wallbox is a company that was founded in the year 2015.
While its headquarters are in Barcelona, Spain, it has offices spread across Europe, Asia, and America.
The company also serves as a home charging partner for Fisker and Nissan in the United States.
