Summary
- Kia EV9 owners in the US can use their SUV’s battery to power their homes during outages
- A bidirectional charger from Wallbox is required for this feature to work
- The charger has several features including vehicle-to-home, vehicle-to-grid, and solar charging
- Pre-orders for the charger are available now with deliveries starting in June
- The product allows owners to control energy usage, charge the EV, and provide backup power during outages
Article
Utilizing Kia EV9 High-Voltage Battery Pack for Home Power
Kia EV9 owners in the United States will soon have the ability to power their homes using the SUV’s high-voltage battery pack. This groundbreaking feature allows owners to use their EVs during power outages or take advantage of low energy rates by powering their homes from the car’s battery when rates are high and replenishing the battery when energy costs are lower. Solar integration is also possible with this innovative technology. However, to access these features, a bidirectional charger is required, with the Wallbox Quasar 2 being the only compatible unit available in the United States currently.
Wallbox Quasar 2 Features and Pre-Order Information
Wallbox is now accepting pre-orders for the Quasar 2 charger, with deliveries scheduled to commence in June. The charger offers various features, including vehicle-to-home, vehicle-to-grid, solar charging, and dynamic load management. With a CCS1 connector, the Quasar 2 supports both AC and DC charging, providing up to 12.48 kilowatts on AC and 12.8 kW on DC. The bidirectional charger’s capabilities were showcased a year ago, and the product will be available for broader use this summer.
CEO Enric Asunción Excited for Quasar 2 Charger Availability
Enric Asunción, CEO of Wallbox, expressed excitement over the availability of the Quasar 2 charger for eligible Kia EV9 drivers. He emphasized the cutting-edge technology’s ability to empower drivers to control their energy usage and costs while also offering backup power during outages. The Kia EV9 comes with a 76.1 or 99.8-kilowatt-hour battery, allowing the small pack to sustain a house for three days and the larger pack for almost four days when fully charged.
Wallbox Bundle and Tax Credit Eligibility
The Wallbox bundle includes the Quasar 2 bidirectional charger and a Power Recovery Unit, which is eligible for a tax credit of up to $1,000. Pre-orders are restricted to residents of California, Texas, Florida, New York, Washington, New Jersey, and Illinois, with plans for a nationwide rollout in the future. This bundle offers Kia EV9 owners the opportunity to not only optimize their energy usage but also obtain backup power solutions for their homes during emergencies.
Conclusion
The integration of the Kia EV9’s high-voltage battery pack for home power usage marks a significant advancement in electric vehicle technology. With the introduction of the Wallbox Quasar 2 bidirectional charger, owners can benefit from a range of features, including vehicle-to-home functionality, solar integration, and dynamic load management. This innovative solution offers a more sustainable and cost-effective energy option for EV owners, further enhancing the appeal and utility of electric vehicles in the United States.
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