EVs to return power to grid with ABB intelligent charging

ABB Vehicle-to-Grid technology will set global benchmark for bi-directional charging with brand-new 11 kW station

ABB’s global e-mobility leadership has once again been underlined by the supply of its bi-directional charging technology to a Vehicle-To-Grid (V2G) partnership project.

As part of a contract with France’s DREEV, a joint venture between Électricité de France (EDF) and Nuvve, which specializes in intelligent charging for EVs, ABB will supply its brand-new 11 kW bi-directional charging technology, specially designed for V2G.

ABB’s solution integrated with DREEV software technology will enable EV drivers to export surplus power back to the grid. With potential to generate up to 20€/EV/month, V2G thereby reduces the total cost of ownership and further boosts the adoption of EVs. Bi-directional chargers also help smooth the flow of uneven generation of electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind.

Frank Muehlon, Head of ABB’s global business for E-mobility Infrastructure Solutions said: “ABB is a global market leader in fast charging solutions. We are delighted to have the opportunity to support DREEV in its mission to actively participate in making the grid more resilient with V2G technology. Our cooperation with DREEV is one of the leading efforts worldwide to deploy real V2G technology to the field.”

Under the partnership, ABB will supply V2G bi-directional kiosks in France, followed by installations in the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium and Germany.

The light and compact 11 kW charger delivers a quick and flexible charge and is fully compatible with current and future EVs. It meets the most stringent grid compliance requirements and is designed to be the global benchmark for V2G charging.

Muehlon added: “The development of this intelligent bi-directional charging solution will be key in enabling the next step in the evolution of our e-mobility ecosystem and represents a key milestone in ABB’s sustainability strategy.”

Eric Mevellec, DREEV CEO, added: “V2G is a technology that requires both innovation and industrial capabilities. This cooperation with ABB is key to bring our solutions to the next level. We are now ready to accelerate commercial development.”

Few electric cars currently support V2G, but it is expected to become a dominant technology within the next five years. And with the number of EVs on the road predicted to rise to 559 million by 2040 and 33 percent of the global fleet to be powered by electricity (1), the world’s energy ecosystem needs to evolve to support this transition.

ABB V2G technology is designed to be a crucial enabler and is a natural fit for ABB. Beyond its leading position in EV charging, ABB is also a major player in the service of utilities. V2G combines these two technological areas of expertise and provides a concrete answer to the energy challenges faced by network operators.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 110,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com