Munich’s automotive giant, BMW, is setting a new standard in electric vehicle technology with the introduction of its Neue Klasse models, slated for a 2025 debut. These vehicles are not just designed for mobility but also double as dynamic energy storage systems, capable of bidirectional charging. This revolutionary feature allows the cars to both absorb and distribute electricity, turning them into mobile power sources.
The unveiling of BMW’s latest design studies, including the BMW Vision Neue Klasse sedan and the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X SAV, has given the world a glimpse into the future of electric mobility. These models embody a suite of technological advancements, heralding a new era for the iconic brand. Among these innovations, the capacity for bidirectional charging stands out, offering a novel way to use electric vehicles (EVs) as energy storage devices. This functionality enables the redirection of stored electricity back to household supplies or the power grid, facilitating a more sustainable and efficient energy ecosystem.
BMW’s stride towards integrating vehicles into the energy transition is marked by the introduction of features like “Vehicle to Home” (V2H), “Vehicle to Grid” (V2G), and “Vehicle to Load” (V2L). These capabilities are a first for BMW customers, emphasizing the company’s commitment to expanding its charging solutions under the BMW Group Charging initiative.
Frank Weber, BMW AG Board Member for Development, emphasized the company’s effort to enhance its charging solutions, including a collaboration with energy provider E.ON. This partnership aims to optimize charging costs and introduce the groundbreaking bidirectional charging feature with the Neue Klasse, seamlessly integrated into the BMW Connected Home Charging ecosystem.
Bidirectional charging will allow BMW owners to use their EV’s battery as a stationary power source, storing energy from renewable sources like solar panels and later supplying electricity to their homes or back into the grid. This not only promises independence from external power supplies but also offers a new way to engage with energy markets through services offered by partners like E.ON.
Moreover, the Neue Klasse models will serve as portable power banks, capable of powering external devices, further demonstrating BMW’s vision of holistic electric mobility. This innovation ensures that the primary function of mobility is not compromised, with the My BMW App facilitating easy management of the entire ecosystem.
This leap in technology by BMW marks a significant contribution to the energy transition, enabling electric vehicles to play a crucial role in balancing supply and demand for green electricity. By harnessing the storage capabilities of EV batteries, BMW is paving the way for a future where electric mobility and renewable energy generation work hand in hand to reduce CO2 emissions and promote a more sustainable world.
