Kia EV9 owners in the United States have exciting news on the horizon – they will soon be able to utilize their SUV’s high-voltage battery pack to power their homes during outages. This innovative feature, known as vehicle-to-home integration, offers a range of benefits for owners, including the ability to take advantage of low energy rates by powering their houses from the car’s battery during peak rate times and replenishing the battery when energy costs are lower. Additionally, owners can integrate solar power into the mix for even greater energy efficiency.
However, unlocking this feature requires more than just a simple cable connection to the EV9’s charging port. To enable all these capabilities, a bidirectional charger is necessary. Currently, the only compatible bidirectional charger available in the United States is the Wallbox Quasar 2. This cutting-edge charger allows for seamless integration between the EV9 and the home, offering features such as vehicle-to-grid functionality, solar charging, and dynamic load management. With a CCS1 connector supporting both AC and DC charging, the Quasar 2 can handle up to 12.48 kilowatts on AC and up to 12.8 kW on DC.
Wallbox has announced that pre-orders for the Quasar 2 charger are now open, with deliveries expected to begin in June. The charger, which includes a Power Recovery Unit, provides eligible Kia EV9 drivers with a comprehensive solution for managing their energy usage and costs, while also offering backup power capabilities during power outages. Enric Asunción, CEO of Wallbox, expressed enthusiasm about the pre-order availability, highlighting the technology’s ability to empower EV9 owners and lessees to take control of their energy consumption.
For those curious about the potential energy savings and backup power capabilities of the Kia EV9, the vehicle comes equipped with either a 76.1 or 99.8-kilowatt-hour battery. With a fully charged battery, the smaller pack could sustain a typical house for up to three days based on a daily energy usage of 25 kWh, while the larger pack could provide power for nearly four days.
In addition to the bidirectional charger, the Wallbox bundle includes a Power Recovery Unit and is eligible for a tax credit of up to $1,000. This innovative solution represents a significant step forward in the realm of energy management and showcases the potential for electric vehicles to play a more integral role in powering our homes and communities. With the Wallbox Quasar 2, Kia EV9 owners can look forward to a future where their SUV not only transports them from point A to point B but also serves as a reliable source of energy for their households.