Volvo said it is still determining in which markets it will be able to offer bi-directional charging. There are several legislative hurdles that need to be overcome, but Stigler said the feature should be available to EX90 owners “long before 2025.”
Bi-directional charging is nothing new.
Nissan has been running tests using the technology in the Leaf electric hatchback for years. A Nissan spokesperson said the automaker has also found that while bi-directional capability can provide savings, many charger points are not able to accept power from an EV and transmit it to other devices at home or back in the grid.
Other vehicles that are capable of bi-directional charging include the Volkswagen ID 4 and ID 5, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Honda E. Tesla models do not currently offer the capability.
Volvo said it will also offer the hardware that customers need to ensure their home charging systems are bi-directional. It will also ensure that accessories such as adapter plugs for appliances and cables are available to charge other cars.
“Our long-term intention is to reduce the number of charging cables a customer needs,” Steigler said. Ideally he envisions a time when an EV owner would just need a Mode 3 charging cable and a few adapters to eliminate the need for a Mode 2 cable, which is the standard emergency cable that most batteries currently use. Delivered with driven cars.
Volvo has been releasing details on the EX90 since September 21, when it revealed the name of the car and highlighted some of its key safe features.
Last week Volvo said the EX90 would come standard with technology aimed at preventing hot car deaths.
The EX90 is the biggest all-new product for Volvo since the arrival of the XC40 in 2017.
Deliveries of Volvo’s top-of-the-line EV, which will replace the XC90 as Volvo’s flagship as it transitions to an electric-only brand, will begin in early 2023.
The rival to the Tesla Model X and BMW IX is expected to have a range of 500 to 600 km (310 to 370 mi).