Volvo Cars has made a strategic investment in dcbel, a promising startup specializing in bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) charging. Volvo Cars will support dcbel's research and development initiatives and help bring their innovative solutions to market through the Volvo Cars Tech Fund.

As we witness the growing demand for electric vehicles, the role of Home Energy Management Systems becomes increasingly vital. Alexander Petrofski, the CEO of Volvo Cars Tech Fund, emphasized the significance of bidirectionality in EVs, stating, "Home Energy Management Systems will play a vital role as we move towards bi-directionality of electric vehicles." He further explained that rising energy prices and frequent blackouts pose challenges for consumers today. By investing in dcbel and their cutting-edge technology, Volvo Cars aims to alleviate these challenges and provide a seamless experience for their customers.

One of dcbel's groundbreaking products is the r16 Home Energy Station, a multifunctional bidirectional EV charger designed for residential use. This innovative device automates the management of next-generation whole-home energy by converting electricity generated from rooftop photovoltaics and stored in home batteries. By intelligently utilizing alternative energy sources, the Home Energy Station effectively reduces environmental and financial costs for homeowners, while also minimizing the overall environmental impact of energy consumption.

The r16 Home Energy Station offers a feature that relieves strain on the electric grid. When connected to a compatible smart charger like dcbel r16, bidirectional cars and other energy storage systems can form a virtual power plant. This collective energy storage helps regulate energy demand and enables users to sell surplus energy back to the grid. Homeowners also reap the benefits of bidirectional charging, as they can leverage EV energy to power their homes during peak utility pricing or in the event of a power outage. Moreover, they have the opportunity to be compensated for selling excess energy back to the grid.

Customers who opt for a dcbel Home Energy Station will enjoy a seamless and integrated experience. They will have the option to customize and purchase their vehicle and renewable home energy bundle online. Once installed, the Home Energy Station will autonomously manage all energy-related decisions concerning the EV, including automated charging to eliminate range anxiety, vehicle-to-home (V2H) peak shaving during high utility rates, blackout protection immediately following a power outage, optimized vehicle-to-grid (V2G) export based on demand, and protection against battery degradation.

With its all-in-one operating system, Orchestrate OS, dcbel's Home Energy Station synchronizes with a home's solar power generation and stationary battery storage. Through proprietary apps, homeowners maintain complete visibility and control over their energy usage via their smartphones and other connected devices.

According to Marc-Andre Forget, CEO of dcbel, Home Energy Station places homeowners and their families at the core of the home energy ecosystem, setting them apart from the competition. By providing seamless integration between EVs, renewable energy sources, and home energy management, dcbel empowers homeowners to embrace a sustainable and efficient lifestyle.

Source: dcbel

Tags: Volvo
Евгений Ушаков
Evgenii Ushakov
15 years driving