Load-shedding difficulties may soon be a thing of the past for South Africans who drive a Volvo. Because select Volvo models will support bi-directional charging, they will be able to power both a home and electric devices. The first of these Volvos, the fully electric EX90, will be unveiled on November 9.
Due to load shedding, bi-directional charging is critical for South Africans, according to Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa. In addition to alleviating this strain while plugged in, electric cars can form a virtual powerhouse when they are joined with many other electric cars.” With the Volvo EX90, motorists will be able to charge their cars when grid demand is low while preserving the energy they save for later use, as Maruszewski explained. The term ‘later’ could certainly refer to when load shedding begins.”
When load shedding is in effect, the Volvo EX90 may be able to power any device in the home, such as a music system or power tools. As bi-directional charging becomes more widely available in selected markets, it has the potential to reduce energy consumption costs, increase efficiency, and promote sustainability.
“With the Volvo EX90, you can power your life,”
states Olivier Loedel, Head of Electrification Ecosystem.
“You could utilize its batteries for a variety of purposes, from charging your electric bike while out and about to hooking up outdoor cooking equipment for your weekend camping vacation.” It might potentially power your home during the day’s most expensive peak hours.”
Where applicable, the entire charging procedure will be automated and handled fully via the Volvo Cars app’s smart charging capabilities. The underlying algorithm also ensures that you charge and discharge the battery in a limited manner, limiting the danger of avoidable battery degradation. Depending on the laws of each energy market, bi-directional charging may also allow users to help the grid in various ways. This could involve using more energy when there is a surplus of renewable energy or selling energy back during peak consumption hours when demand is higher. If most cars have this capability in the future, the grid may be balanced more frequently. In times when renewable energy production exceeds demand, this could improve the grid’s overall sustainability by decreasing potential energy waste.
According to Maruszewski, Volvo intends to provide the gear required to begin employing bi-directional charging features, such as a sophisticated wall box and a home energy management system. “Other accessories, such as appliance adaptor plugs and cables for charging other cars, will also be available.” The bi-directional charging service will first be available in a few markets. When South Africa becomes one of those markets, local customers will be informed,” he concludes.
