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Wallbox has announced the successful completion of the first U.S. residential installations of its Quasar 2 bidirectional charger. This development allows American households to power their homes directly from a compatible electric vehicle, such as the Kia EV9, transforming the car into a reliable and sustainable energy source.
Key Highlights
- Wallbox has deployed its first residential Quasar 2 bidirectional chargers in Menifee, California.
- The project is a collaboration with Kia America and the University of California, Irvine (UCI).
- The vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology enables compatible EVs to discharge energy back into a home.
- This innovation aims to lower electricity bills, provide energy independence, and enhance grid stability.
Pioneering Vehicle-to-Home Technology
The Quasar 2 charger enables a compatible EV not only to charge but also to discharge energy. This V2H capability allows homeowners to lower their electricity bills by using stored energy from their vehicle when utility rates are highest. It also contributes to grid stability by reducing strain during periods of peak demand.
Douglas Alfaro, Chief Business Development Officer at Wallbox, stated that this is a glimpse into a future where every EV serves as an energy asset. According to Alfaro, Quasar 2 puts homeowners in control of their energy, helping them achieve greater resilience and independence.
A Collaborative Effort for Sustainability
The initial six Quasar 2 units were installed in a newly built all-electric neighborhood as part of a project to explore the integration of EVs, homes, and smart energy systems. The initiative demonstrates how clean energy technologies can support individual homeowners and the wider electrical grid.
Sujith Somasekharan, Director of Connected Car & Mobility at Kia America, noted that projects like this help showcase how EVs can deliver value beyond simple mobility. The V2H feature is part of the Kia Connect suite of services and will soon be available for eligible EV9 vehicles.
Professor Scott Samuelsen of UCI emphasized the importance of collaboration between research institutions and industry. He explained that real-world deployment of bidirectional charging is essential for gathering the data and insights needed to scale V2H technology across the grid.
Redefining the Role of the EV
The Quasar 2 represents a significant step in redefining the role of the electric vehicle in everyday life. With these first installations now operational, Wallbox is preparing for broader U.S. availability. The company’s goal is to enable drivers to unlock the full potential of the energy stored in their EVs and support the development of a cleaner, more resilient grid.
About Wallbox
Wallbox is a global technology company dedicated to changing the way the world uses energy. It creates advanced electric vehicle charging and energy management systems that redefine the relationship between users and the network. Wallbox offers a complete portfolio of charging and energy management solutions for residential, semi-public, and public use in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.wallbox.com.
About The UCI Advanced Power and Energy Program (APEP)
Established in 2000 at the University of California, Irvine, APEP addresses the paradigm shift toward renewable electric power, the electrification of buildings and vehicles, and the merging of mobility with the grid. APEP seeks to develop and deploy more efficient and environmentally sustainable power production and energy conversion.
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