Bidirectional charging technology tested in real-life conditions

Since 2016, Hager Group has been engaged in intensive research on bidirectional charging technology. Now, we are putting the results to the test under real-life conditions: Hager Group is launching a field test with ten prototypic Audi e-trons in Germany (watch the video here). The focus of this research project is on vehicle to home (V2H) technology, with different scenarios being tested. “The field test allows for us to collect a large amount of data from the car and the home energy infrastructure, it is designed to really understand customer needs and habits as well as the full potential of this technology.“, explains Ulrich Reiner, Innovation Manager E-mobility & Energy at Hager Group.

Great potential

How can we increase self-sufficiency, extend battery life and make the user experience super intuitive? How can we optimise all the processes and what do customers really need from us? These are some of the questions Hager Group and Audi want answers to from this research project.

“The potential for bidirectional charging is immense. We only use about 25% of the potential of our car batteries. Why not put the remaining 75% to use … and earn money with it?” adds Dr. Andreas Piepenbrink, Head of the Hager Energy Business Unit at Hager Group that covers solutions like storage systems or car charging solutions.

BiDi in brief

Car batteries hold about 10 times as much charge as a home storage system. Those who have a house which is fitted with solar panels can live more independently from the grid by using their car battery as additional storage, feeding the energy back into the home when needed.. Hence “bidirectional charging”.

A commercial V2H offer

A few months ago, Hager Group brand E3/DC introduced the first TÜV-certified bidirectional charging solution to the German-speaking market, which works in combination with a home storage solution. Initially, a small series of the DC-charging station will be sold by trained specialist partners. Volkswagen is accompanying the market entry by authorising bidirectional DC-charging for a selection of its ID. models. Read more here.

Together with Audi, we are now collecting the data we need to further advance our algorithms, improve user experience and make the bidirectional charging technology attractive for a wider market.