Cooperation of giants from two sectors in the field of vehicle-grid energy storage
German Volkswagen and the Belgian energy giant have established cooperation to integrate electric vehicles with the energy grid. Where did this idea for cooperation come from, and what can EV users gain after implementing the plans? Here are the details of this cooperation.
How is Volkswagen influencing the vehicle-to-grid energy storage market? Find out the details of its cooperation with the Belgian giant.
Vehicle-to-grid energy storage – what does it mean?
Vehicle-to-grid is an initiative that allows electric vehicle owners to transfer energy stored in their car’s battery back to the electrical grid. This increases energy availability and allows it to be used for various purposes. Volkswagen aims to boost interest in electric cars and encourage drivers to support the electric system by transferring energy from EV batteries.
The process strengthens the cooperation between the automotive and electricity production sectors, which is essential for improving conditions for EV users.
The rapid increase in the number of electric vehicles reinforces the need for cooperation between the electricity and mobility sectors. We want to enable the growing number of EV users to charge their electric vehicles while maintaining balance in the electricity system.
Chris Peeters, CEO of Elia Group
Volkswagen focuses on development in the field of EV – plans of the German corporation
Every year, more electric cars are hitting the roads as people become more aware of the need to protect the environment. To support this shift, the automotive giant has formed numerous partnerships to promote electric car production.
At the end of September 2022, Volkswagen entered into a new partnership with the Belgian power grid operator. This agreement, signed by Volkswagen’s Elli charging unit and the Belgian startup Elia re.alto, aims to integrate electric vehicles with the existing power system. The partnership will address technical barriers that currently hinder this integration and aims to stabilize the rising costs of electricity.
Volkswagen sees a future in electric cars
The Elli company, part of the Volkswagen Group, manages automotive projects related to charging electric cars and energy. Elli oversees the Flexpole fast charging network, which operates in Europe. Established in 2018, Elli has been actively promoting EVs since then. Additionally, in July 2022, Volkswagen launched PowerCo, a company responsible for the production and recycling of Volkswagen car batteries.
Volkswagen plans to build six battery production factories by the end of 2030, with an estimated investment of $20 million. These efforts demonstrate Volkswagen’s commitment to influencing the evolving car market. The company aims to meet consumer needs by popularizing electric cars and actively participating in this process.
Sources:
Volkswagen and Belgian utility giant partner on vehicle-to-grid energy storage , techcrunch.com