Volkswagen subsidiary Elli has unveiled the Elli Charger 2, a new smart wallbox for the European market designed to integrate with home photovoltaic (PV) systems for surplus energy charging.
The Elli Charger 2 also supports dynamic electricity tariffs, offering customers the ability to optimize charging costs by selecting the cheapest energy periods. The charger is part of Volkswagen’s broader ‘Smart Charging’ initiative, which was first introduced in June 2024.
Available in four versions—’Connect 11,’ ‘Connect 22,’ ‘Pro 22,’ and ‘Pro 22 (legally compliant)’—the Elli Charger 2 is compatible with any electric vehicle featuring a Type 2 charging connector. It provides charging capabilities ranging from 11 kW to 22 kW, depending on the model, and offers network interfaces via WiFi and ethernet, with prices starting at €759 and reaching up to €1,499.
The wallbox stands out with its ability to facilitate surplus PV energy charging, potentially reducing charging costs by up to 40% for those using solar power.
The Charger 2 can automatically adjust to dynamic tariffs, ensuring EVs are charged during periods of lower energy prices and high renewable electricity availability. This contributes to more eco-friendly and cost-efficient EV charging, aligning with Volkswagen’s vision of smart energy use.
In addition to the wallbox, Volkswagen is now offering a photovoltaic system from Norwegian PV retailer Otovo. Initially launched as a pilot project in Germany, the PV system will be available at select Volkswagen dealerships in cities like Hamburg, Ulm, and Augsburg, with plans to expand across Europe.
