Volkswagen has partnered with EDF to enhance electric vehicle (EV) appeal by offering innovative, cost-effective solutions. Key initiatives include intelligent charging via the Sowee app, providing potential savings of 1,000 km worth of electricity annually. Additionally, Volkswagen is involved in a project to establish bidirectional charging stations, enabling cars to power homes or sell electricity back to the grid. The partnership also emphasizes decarbonizing dealership networks through solar panel installations, aligning with Volkswagen’s GoToZero plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The development of electric vehicles is crucial for automotive manufacturers, especially in light of potential sanctions from the European Union for high-emission ranges. To entice consumers to embrace electric vehicles, it’s not just about engine performance or battery capacity; there must be tangible benefits to driving an electric car. In an effort to provide these advantages, Volkswagen has partnered with EDF in France to create innovative and cost-effective solutions.
Volkswagen’s press release outlines three key initiatives arising from this collaboration.
Smart Charging Solutions for Cost Efficiency
This partnership allows Volkswagen to implement a smart charging solution aimed at minimizing charging expenses. The cost of charging an electric vehicle varies due to several factors, most notably the type of electricity being utilized. Typically, renewable and decarbonized energy corresponds with off-peak hours, which are often less expensive; however, it can be challenging for drivers to always charge their vehicles during these favorable times.
EDF’s Sowee Smart Charge program empowers customers to manage their electric vehicle charging through a mobile app, enabling them to take advantage of the hours when electricity is most affordable and environmentally friendly. While the electricity rates are fixed throughout the day, users can opt for a peak/off-peak pricing model, leading to significant savings via a designated kitty.
According to Volkswagen’s announcement, with effective charging management, drivers could enjoy benefits equivalent to 1,000 free kilometers over the course of a year. This figure represents savings from electricity costs—factoring in off-peak usage and a fixed pricing model over two years—as well as rewards from each kilowatt-hour charged intelligently through the Sowee app. These rewards can be applied to offset electricity bills.
However, potential savings may be modest. On the Sowee website, it is noted that a Volkswagen ID.3 owner could reduce their annual bill by approximately 50 euros with the kitty and an additional 120 euros through off-peak charging. Specifically, the kitty increases by 1.9 cents for each kWh charged.
Exploring Bidirectional Charging
Volkswagen is also participating in a two-way charging initiative under EDF’s leadership, which aims to establish 800 V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) bidirectional charging stations across France. This project underscores the commitment to lowering CO2 emissions.
Understanding bidirectional charging is key; this technology allows vehicles to both draw power from the grid and return it. One of the main benefits of this capability is providing backup power to your home during outages. For instance, in the winter of 2022/2023, the ability to draw from your car’s battery could have been a valuable resource amid energy shortages.
The V2G system enables vehicles to send electricity back to the grid, providing a means to sell surplus energy to your provider and alleviating strain on the grid during peak winter months.
While the concept of bidirectional charging is promising, it is not entirely new. Renault has previously implemented the V2G system, particularly with the Renault 5, while Tesla has introduced V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) technology in its vehicles.
Greening the Distribution Network in France
As part of the Volkswagen and EDF partnership, another focus area is the installation of solar panels at Volkswagen dealerships. This effort aims to decrease the carbon footprint associated with the company’s distribution network. Volkswagen’s GoToZero initiative targets a total reduction of its carbon footprint by 2050, which encompasses goals for its dealership network as well.