As part of their long-term strategic partnership, the BMW Group and the E.ON Group are launching the first commercial Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) solution in Germany for private customers.
Thanks to bidirectional charging, the BMW iX3 becomes an active participant in the energy market, capable of not only consuming electricity but also feeding energy back into the grid when needed. This revolutionary offering represents a major technological and market step, seamlessly integrating electromobility with the energy transition. For the first time in Germany, electric vehicles can be used as flexible energy storage units in everyday life.
Free charging, support for the energy system. How the new V2G solution works
The new Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) solution enables customers to benefit from bidirectional charging: the high-voltage battery of the BMW iX3 can flexibly feed energy back into the grid via the BMW Wallbox Professional. Intelligent energy management is ensured in collaboration with E.ON and is supported by a special V2G electricity tariff, designed to facilitate the flow of energy in both directions.
The basic software was developed jointly by the BMW and E.ON groups. The service is not only easy to use, but also financially attractive: customers who make their car battery available for intelligent charging and discharging can receive an annual bonus of up to 720 euros. This means they can drive up to 14,000 kilometers per year without charging costs, while at the same time contributing to the energy transition.
“Our customers need a reliable vehicle to charge – simply, conveniently and at attractive prices. We offer exactly that and more. Together with BMW, E.ON is bringing Vehicle-to-Grid to everyday life. “Neue Klasse” meets new energy! This is how we unlock the potential of the vehicle for every individual’s personal energy future. We combine the convenience of charging with clear economic benefits. And what’s more, every connected vehicle can help reduce the overall costs of the energy system – to the benefit of everyone,” said Mark Spieker, Member of the Board of Management of E.ON SE, Commercial.
“With the “Neue Klasse”, BMW is making the automobile an active part of the energy system, creating concrete value for customers. Vehicle-to-Grid reduces our customers’ energy costs and at the same time contributes to a stable energy supply,” added Dr. Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development.
The new V2G offering marks a milestone in the connection between the mobility and electricity sectors: the car becomes an integral part of a virtual storage system that can better integrate renewable energies and thus support the energy system.
The high-voltage batteries in the vehicles support the energy system in times of energy surplus or production deficit. V2G promotes the use of renewable energies and reduces the long-term costs of the energy system.
Market launch and further strategic development
The technology for bidirectional charging will be available on the market for the first time with the BMW iX3. It will then be gradually introduced in other BMW model ranges, thus contributing to the expansion of V2G and its benefits for customers.
In the long term, the product is planned to be integrated into a complex energy platform that intelligently connects the charging infrastructure, photovoltaic systems, heat pumps and smart home systems. The strategic partnership between BMW and E.ON lays the foundation for such an open, interoperable and customer-oriented ecosystem.