Electric BMW iX3 now capable of providing grid power and offering a yearly income of €720
The automotive industry is taking a significant step forward in the energy transition with the introduction of BMW's Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) system for its iX3 model. This groundbreaking technology, developed in collaboration with E.ON, allows the iX3 to function as a mobile energy storage unit, marking a new era in the integration of mobility and everyday energy use.
Set to be available to German customers in March 2026, the iX3 will be the first car to launch with a commercial V2G system for private households. The BMW iX3, powered by the sixth-generation eDrive platform, is designed with bidirectional charging capabilities, making it possible for the car to both draw energy from the grid and feed it back in when needed.
Control of charging remains in the driver's hands through the My BMW app, allowing them to set minimum charge levels. This means that drivers can earn money while their car is parked and plugged in, with E.ON offering 24 cents per hour for every hour the car is connected, capped at €60 per month.
The immediate appeal for drivers is clear, but the benefits extend beyond personal financial gain. For the grid, the V2G system offers thousands of small but powerful storage units distributed across the country. During peak demand or periods of low renewable generation, the iX3's V2G system can support grid stability, helping to balance the energy supply and demand equation.
BMW's executive, Joachim Post, emphasizes the goal of making cars do more than just move people from A to B. "We want to make cars an active part of the energy transition," he says. E.ON's executive, Marc Spieker, sees the V2G system as "Neue Klasse meets new energy."
Beyond just feeding energy back to the grid, BMW and E.ON plan to expand the V2G system to connect home solar panels, heat pumps, and other systems into a unified energy platform. This roadmap ties mobility to everyday energy use, creating a more sustainable and efficient energy ecosystem.
The iX3 is the first piece in a larger puzzle, signifying a shift towards a future where cars are not just consumers of energy, but active participants in the energy transition. With the V2G system, BMW and E.ON are demonstrating that cars can be more than just vehicles; they can be mobile energy storage units, helping to power our homes and communities.
Over a year, the V2G tariff can cover roughly 12,000 to 14,000 kilometers of driving, depending on usage. This means that, in addition to reducing carbon emissions, the V2G system offers a practical solution for increasing the range of electric vehicles, making them a more viable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered cars.
As we look towards a future of renewable energy, the V2G system for the BMW iX3 represents a significant step forward in the integration of mobility and energy. With the iX3, BMW and E.ON are demonstrating that cars can be more than just vehicles; they can be active participants in the energy transition, helping to power our homes and communities while reducing our carbon footprint.
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