Volvo has invested in bidirectional EV charging startup dcbel. The automaker’s venture capital firm, Volvo Cars Tech Fund, will support dcbel’s R&D and commercialization efforts for its home energy system.
dcbel’s r16 Home Energy Station will be a “renewable energy ecosystem” that features bidirectional EV charging capabilities and a smart home energy management system. The system can be integrated with rooftop photovoltaic panels, and supports charging two EVs simultaneously.
Energy from an EV’s battery can be used to power a home during an outage, to save on utility costs during peak hours, or (theoretically) to earn money from the local utility for providing grid services.
dcbel’s operating system, Orchestrate OS, “synchronizes with a home’s solar power generation and stationary battery storage, and calculates the best ways to use, store or sell home energy every five minutes. Homeowners maintain complete visibility and control over their energy through their smartphone and other connected devices.”
“Home energy management systems will play a vital role as we move towards bi-directionality of electric vehicles,” said Alexander Petrofski, CEO of Volvo Cars Tech Fund. “Rising energy prices coupled with frequent blackouts are challenges faced by consumers today, and our investment in dcbel and their technology can help alleviate those challenges for our customers.”
Volvo has said that its upcoming EX90 will be the brand’s first EV with bidirectional charging capability.
