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Wallbox, a leader in EV charging solutions, along with Bidirectional Energy, a startup specializing in EV energy management, have announced their collaboration’s first phase success in securing a $2.2 million funding from the California Energy Commission (CEC). This funding, part of the CEC’s REDWDS grant, is earmarked for the Bidirectional Residential V2X Demonstration Project, set to introduce the innovative Quasar 2 bidirectional charger across 120 residential locations in California.
Key Highlights:
- $2.2M CEC Funding: Supports the deployment of Quasar 2 chargers in California homes.
- Quasar 2 Charger: A next-generation bidirectional charger facilitating energy management.
- Financial Benefits: Estimated earnings over $1,000 annually for users through smart energy practices.
- Installation by COIL: Targets metropolitan areas with high EV adoption rates.
The project aims not only to provide essential home energy backup and reduce utility bills but also to offer additional financial rewards to users. The Quasar 2 charger, in conjunction with Bidirectional Energy’s virtual power plant platform, could allow users to earn annually by participating in utility Demand Response programs and optimizing time-of-use utility rates. This system promises to enhance the efficacy of V2X technology, enabling users to charge their EVs during low-cost energy windows and supply power to their homes during peak times. Additionally, it facilitates the storage of excess solar energy in EVs for later use, further reducing grid reliance and supporting renewable energy adoption.
Installation responsibilities fall to COIL, a Wallbox company, focusing on regions with significant EV presence, including the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
Patty Monahan, CEC’s Lead Commissioner for Transportation, emphasized the role of vehicle-to-grid innovations in achieving California’s clean energy and emission reduction goals. Erik Folgeberg of Wallbox North America and Angela Zhang of Bidirectional Energy highlighted the potential of bidirectional charging to offer benefits across users, grid operators, and utilities, and its importance in the transition to renewable energy sources.
The Quasar 2 charger represents a significant advancement in EV technology, allowing for both charging and discharging of EV batteries. This capability not only offers a practical solution for home energy needs but also aligns with broader objectives of grid reliability and reduced carbon emissions.
This collaboration and the technology it promotes stand as a testament to the evolving relationship between energy consumption, renewable energy, and the grid, underscoring a move towards more sustainable and economically beneficial energy practices.
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