Volvo Cars has announced that 2025 EX90 owners in the United States can now utilize bi-directional charging capabilities. This function is enabled through the dcbel Ara Home Energy Station, effectively converting the vehicle into a dispatchable energy source.
Highlights
- First Deployment: The EX90 is the first Volvo model featuring native hardware for bi-directional power transfer.
- Energy Management: The dcbel Ara station manages Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) energy flow for grid and backup applications.
- System Capabilities: The platform supports simultaneous dual-EV charging and AI-driven load management.
Vehicle-to-Home Integration
The EX90 serves as Volvo’s flagship electric SUV. It is the manufacturer’s first vehicle equipped with the necessary hardware and software to execute bi-directional charging. This engineering allows the SUV to function as a flexible energy hub.
Owners can transfer power from the vehicle’s high-voltage battery back to their residence. This capability allows the EX90 to power the home during blackout situations, providing critical resiliency during grid failures.
This deployment represents a significant technical milestone in Volvo Cars’ broader electrification strategy. It moves the vehicle beyond transportation, integrating it into the residential energy ecosystem.
dcbel Ara Station Specifications
The Ara Home Energy Station is designed to centralize smart home energy control. The device manages the bidirectional flow of electricity between the home and the electric vehicle.
According to dcbel, the system simplifies supply management through a single unit. Key technical specifications include:
- Bidirectional Flow: Enables Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) capability to mitigate outages.
- Dual Charging: Capable of charging two EVs simultaneously using AC and DC protocols.
- AI Optimization: Built-in artificial intelligence intelligently manages all household energy sources.
- Versatile Installation: Fully rated for both indoor and outdoor implementation.
Grid Impact and Strategic Partnership
Bi-directional charging offers potential benefits for wider grid stability. When plugged in, EVs can reduce strain on the power grid during peak demand times. This smart management optimizes how energy is consumed at the residential level.
Jim Nichols, Head of Product & Technology Consumer Offer for Volvo Cars in the Americas, commented on the integration. He stated that the partnership with dcbel enhances the EX90’s utility by enabling power export.
Nichols noted this is a necessary step in the company’s smart home energy strategy. The goal is to provide owners with smarter energy options and increased security during power loss events.
Availability
Customers interested in the hardware can reserve a system directly from dcbel. For further technical details, please visit volvo.dcbel.energy.
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