What’s Happening
Wallbox, a global provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging and energy management solutions, has been recognized in Fast Company’s 2023 World Changing Ideas Awards. The company received an “Honorable Mention” in the “Rapid Response” category for its Quasar 2, the newest generation of its bidirectional home charger tailored for the North American market.
Why It Matters
The award acknowledges Wallbox’s commitment to promoting a greener and more sustainable future through innovative EV and grid management solutions. The Quasar 2 charger is designed to enable EV owners to charge and discharge their vehicles for home or grid use, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and enabling self-sufficiency during blackouts.
Key Points
- Quasar 2 features a first-of-its-kind “Blackout mode” that allows EV owners to use their vehicles as emergency generators during power outages, potentially powering a home for over three days based on average household critical consumption.
- The charger also enables vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality, allowing users to save on home energy costs by scheduling charging sessions during low-rate periods and discharging their vehicles when rates are high.
- Users with solar panel installations can store excess energy in their EV during low usage periods, harnessing it during peak times to reduce grid dependency.
Bottom Line
The recognition of Wallbox’s Quasar 2 in Fast Company’s 2023 World Changing Ideas Awards highlights the potential of innovative EV charging solutions to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable energy management. By empowering EV owners to become more self-sufficient and utilize their vehicles as backup power sources, Quasar 2 is changing the way people interact with and rely on traditional energy systems.
Fast Company’s Spring 2023 issue, available on newsstands May 9, 2023, will feature various world-changing ideas from inventive entrepreneurs and forward-thinking companies tackling global challenges in areas such as water reuse, modular housing, and trans-friendly salons. The awards showcase 45 winners, 216 finalists, and over 300 honorable mentions in categories ranging from health and climate to AI and urban design, with entries from around the world, including Italy, Singapore, and New Zealand.
