Volkswagen UK, OVO Energy, and platform provider Kaluza have formed a consortium called INFLEXION. The partnership aims to launch vehicle-to-everything (V2X) solutions that could save drivers over £420 ($563) per year.
INFLEXION is described as “the world’s first and largest deployment of domestic vehicle-to-grid (V2G) solutions” and will rely on the Combined Charging System (CCS). Drivers participating in the program may earn around £420 per year by selling the energy stored in their cars back to the grid.
The ultimate goal of the program is to help users lower the total cost of EV ownership and maximize the impact on grid balancing and decarbonization. Volkswagen UK will provide the vehicles, and OVO will provide the energy.
The consortium plans to prioritize engagement with Volkswagen Group brands and OVO Energy customers. The trial will begin in phase 2 later this year, and drivers can register their interest on OVO’s website. INFLEXION is funded through the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and delivered by Innovate UK.
Scott Neuman, CEO at Kaluza commented:
“V2X will have a transformative effect on decarbonising our energy system but only if we make it accessible and affordable for all. INFLEXION is an exciting step for the industry to engage and learn from real EV drivers and bring this game changing technology closer to true, commercial scale. Kaluza is ideally positioned to lead this work with our advanced software and extensive ecosystem of partners.”
Alistair Shields, Group Commercial Services Director at Volkswagen Group UK commented:
“In line with our target of a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions per vehicle in Europe by 2030 and our goal to be a net carbon neutral organisation by 2050, we are committed to reducing the barriers to EV adoption among consumers, and developing commercially viable, decarbonisation-focussed solutions that accelerate progress towards net zero. At a time of increased focus on energy security, we are excited to be working with Kaluza and other market leaders on this trial programme to test the acceptance and benefits for both our customer and the overall UK energy system.”
Alex Thwaites, Head of Zero Carbon Living at OVO Energy commented:
“OVO has been leading the way in supporting customers to transition to electric vehicles and bring them on the journey to zero carbon living through exciting new products and offerings. This is not just about driving renewable energy solutions forward, it’s about demonstrating how customers can actually reduce their energy bills by making the switch to an EV. With OVO’s V2G tariff trial we saw some EV drivers save up to £800 a year on their bills. ”
Mike Schooling, Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Indra commented:
“As pioneers in bidirectional charging technology, Indra is excited to be part of INFLEXION and help develop V2X capabilities even further. The consortium comprises a team of leading brands in this space, and Indra will use its knowledge and expertise to support the technical integration of CCS compatible vehicle charging.”
