BMW Group has taken a significant leap forward in bidirectional charging technology with its next-generation electric vehicle lineup, featuring the ‘Neue Klasse’ platform. The automaker has officially launched vehicle-to-grid (V2G) commercial services in Germany, marking a new era in automotive energy management.
In a groundbreaking move, BMW Group has partnered with energy giant E.ON to introduce the first commercial V2G product package for private customers in the German market.
This comprehensive service bundle includes the cutting-edge BMW Wallbox Professional, E.ON’s specialized V2G electricity rate plan, and a smart meter. Neue Klasse EV owners can now leverage their vehicle’s high-voltage battery for bidirectional energy exchange with their homes (V2H), external power devices (V2L), and the power grid (V2G).
V2G capability debuts with the Neue Klasse electric vehicles, which incorporate BMW’s advanced sixth-generation eDrive technology. The all-new BMW iX3 leads the charge as the first model to feature this innovative system.
The program offers substantial financial incentives, with customers able to earn up to 720 EUR (approximately 851 USD) annually based on the time their vehicle is connected to the bidirectional wallbox. This translates to roughly 14,000 km of essentially free driving. Grid feedback is rewarded at a rate of 0.40 EUR (about 0.47 USD) per kWh.
A sophisticated algorithm, co-developed by BMW and E.ON, manages the charging and discharging processes automatically. The user-friendly My BMW app provides real-time updates on charge levels, target charge status, and accumulated bonuses. Built-in safeguards ensure optimal battery performance and longevity.
To sweeten the deal for early adopters, BMW is offering a 700 EUR (roughly 827 USD) discount on the BMW Wallbox Professional to the first 100 BMW iX3 customers who opt for the E.ON V2G rate plan. This state-of-the-art wallbox supports 11 kW charging output and features a range of smart charging modes.
BMW Group is also rolling out a ‘cost-optimized charging’ solution for its entire BMW and MINI electric lineup. This intelligent system automatically initiates charging during off-peak hours, factoring in scheduled departure times and desired charge levels. German customers using the E.ON rate plan can potentially save up to 240 EUR (about 284 USD) per year, with an additional 50 EUR (approximately 59 USD) bonus.
Philipp Ton, CEO of E.ON Germany, hailed the launch as a pivotal moment, stating, “Germany’s first commercial V2G service marks a turning point in harnessing electric vehicles as key components of future energy systems.” Markus Krick, BMW Group’s head of new business models, added, “With the Neue Klasse, BMW electric vehicles have become active participants in the energy ecosystem, simultaneously reducing customer costs and expanding renewable energy utilization.”
Most Commented