In what is claimed as a world first, the Inflexion consortium brings together energy, mobility, and technology stakeholders to develop V2X business models and rewarding customer propositions that will increase EV affordability and adoption.
The consortium says that Inflexion marks the first real-world use of bi-directional charging using Combined Charging System (CCS) technology – to enable compatibility with most modern EV models – optimised by leading software such as Kaluza’s. The programme will not only prove the power of the technology with the latest Volkswagen Group CCS vehicles but prioritise engagement with Volkswagen Group brands and OVO Energy customers to ensure the solution delivers for real EV drivers’ needs and lifestyles.
The consortium adds that it will build on the world’s first and largest deployment of domestic vehicle-to-grid (V2G) project powered by Kaluza’s software and Indra’s hardware that enabled UK drivers to earn around £420 a year with some earning up to £800 for selling their EV’s energy back to the grid. V2X will empower future EV drivers to unlock further potential from their vehicles, including to power their homes, and through CCS compatibility, enable millions more drivers to reap the benefits of this, regardless of which EV they own.
As a fast-growing EV market, the UK is a prime testbed for V2X. According to Kaluza’s data, if all vehicles in the UK today were electric and V2X-enabled they could displace 60% of all gas backup generation currently active in the UK.
The programme builds on Kaluza’s advanced managed charging software for V2X and grid services, developed over the last four years. The consumer insights gathered through Inflexion will enable Kaluza and its partners to develop propositions that harness the full potential of V2X charging for customers, helping to lower the total cost of EV ownership and maximise the impact on grid balancing and decarbonisation.
Inflexion, part of the V2X Innovation Programme, will be funded by the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and delivered by Innovate UK. V2X is part of the up to £65m Flexibility Innovation Programme, funded from the £1 billion BEIS Net Zero Innovation Portfolio.
