In addition to providing DC charging capabilities for EVs, Quasar allows owners to pull energy from their car batteries and export it into the grid, a capability referred to as vehicle-to-grid or V2G, as well as to power their own homes, known as vehicle-to-home or V2H, effectively converting their EVs into a powerful energy storage unit that can replace or add capacity to an energy system.
Enric Asunsión, CEO of Wallbox, explains: "There are three trends accelerating that will cause a paradigm shift in how we produce, store and use energy: rising demand for energy worldwide; electrification of the mobility sector; and the increase in production of renewable energy as a positive response to climate change. The new possibilities that emerge with this scenario will require technology to harness their potential. At Wallbox we are creating the first generation of products that will give consumers the ability to use their EVs as a source of energy for the grid or the home."
Wallbox creates smart charging systems state-of-the-art technology, creates an intelligent ecosystem between car, charger and home. With Quasar, the company is bringing the grid into this ecosystem, giving consumers more control over how and when they use their energy.
Octopus Electric Vehicles offer Powerloop, the complete V2G package to the consumer: a lease on the latest Nissan LEAF, a Quasar charger, a smart metre and a green energy tariff compatible with the charger. Using a dedicated app, the customer can 'set and forget' their charging schedule, and earn up to £30 cashback every month, just for allowing the car battery to be used to help the energy system.
Octopus Electric Vehicles secured £3 million from Innovate UK, funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), to roll out V2G technology to over 130 homes in a consortium alongside their sister company - the green energy supplier Octopus Energy - and others including UK Power Networks (UKPN).
Quasar buyers in the UK are eligible for the OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles) grant, which encourages the adoption of low-emission vehicles and provides a 75% of discount in the cost of purchase and the installation of a domestic charging point, up to £500.
Quasar's disruptive technology won four awards at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the largest consumer technology event in the world in early 2020. Quasar won the Best of CES by Engadget award in the Transportation Technology category.
More: Octopus