Turning EVs into Mobile Power Plants
The core of this new offer is the new generation of BMW vehicles, starting with the BMW iX3. Through the strategic partnership with E.ON, private customers can now order a complete V2G package that includes the BMW Wallbox Professional, a specialized E.ON electricity tariff, and a smart meter.
Benefits for Consumers:
Passive Income: Customers can earn an annual bonus of up to €720 simply by keeping their vehicle plugged in and activated in V2G mode.
Lower or No Cost: According to BMW’s calculations, the accumulated bonuses and feed-in credits can cover up to 14,000 kilometers of driving per year for free.
Feed-in Compensation: Every kWh discharged from the vehicle’s battery back into the grid is compensated at 40 Euro-Cents.
Integration and Battery Safety
One of the most common concerns regarding V2G is the impact on battery health. BMW and E.ON have addressed this through a jointly developed algorithm that manages charging and discharging cycles automatically. The system ensures the high-voltage battery always operates within its optimal range, protecting its lifespan while ensuring the vehicle is charged to the user’s required level for their next trip.
A Blueprint for the Energy Transition
This commercial rollout demonstrates that the technicalities and regulatories for V2G are finally being paved. By utilizing EVs as flexible storage units, the grid can better handle surpluses of renewable energy and stabilize during peak demand.
As Filip Thon, CEO of E.ON Germany, stated: “This marks a groundbreaking milestone, enabling private customers for the first time to tap into the potential of electric vehicles as flexible power storage for tomorrow’s energy world.”
Global Impact?
The German launch provides a clear signal to other markets, including the Central European region and our project as well. It proves that:
The Technology is ready: High-tech hardware and software are now capable of safe, bidirectional operation at scale.
Standardization is maturing: The implementation of advanced communication protocols (ISO 15118-20) is becoming a commercial reality. The direction is clear and we are moving the right way.
The Business case is valid: V2G offers a win-win scenario where the grid gains stability and the car owner significantly reduces the total cost of ownership.