Questions & Answers
Battery electric storage system, often shorten BESS supports the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, maximizing the use of clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. By stabilizing the grid and facilitating efficient energy management, BESS plays a vital role in paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
Vehicle-to-Grid, often abbreviated as V2G, is a technology that enables battery-powered electric vehicles to communicate with the power grid through a bidirectional charger. With V2G, electric vehicles can both receive and send electricity to the grid. The purpose is to support the power grid by contributing energy when demand is high and taking advantage of surplus renewable energy. In this way, electric vehicles function as mobile energy storage units, contributing to better grid balance and more efficient use of renewable energy.
The vehicle-to-building technology, commonly referred to as V2B, enables the use of electric vehicles as a flexible energy source for buildings through a bidirectional charger that can both receive and send electricity. With vehicle-to-building, battery-powered electric vehicles become more than just a means of transportation. The electric vehicle also acts as an energy resource, providing electricity back to the home when needed, such as during power outages or high electricity prices.
By charging the electric vehicle when electricity prices are low or when there is a surplus of green energy, such as solar or wind power, households can save money while consuming cleaner energy. This technology also helps reduce the load on the electricity grid, contributing to more sustainable energy use by optimizing how and when energy is consumed.
By using energy storage solutions, battery electric vehicles and stationary batteries can contribute to smarter and more sustainable energy usage. Together, these technologies, BESS, V2G and V2B, enable us to use energy more efficiently, both at building and within the community, supporting a transition to more environmentally friendly energy consumption.
Bidirectional charging means more charging and discharging cycles. However, research shows that an input and output of 11 kW positively impacts the battery's lifespan. The technology in our software is designed to minimize wear by optimizing charging patterns and keeping the battery within a healthy charging range of 20% to 80%. Over an entire year, the grid support services use no more electricity than a fully charged battery. According to the study, battery-powered electric vehicles lose approximately 1.8% of their battery capacity per year.
Source: https://www.geotab.com/uk/press-release/2024-battery-degradation/
You can schedule your electric vehicle's charging through the car's app. For example, if your car needs to be 70% charged by 8:00 AM on a Tuesday, we optimize energy use based on your schedule in the car's app. Just plug it in; we’ll take care of the rest and ensure that the battery is used in a way that’s best for both your finances and the power grid.
The cars currently compatible with Energy Bank's services are Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Cupra, and Seat. They need to be manufactured after week 17 of 2023, have software version 3.5 or newer, and a 77 kWh battery.
We can help you find out if your car is compatible with Energy Bank by entering your registration number on the homepage.
For Energy Bank to optimize your energy consumption effectively, you need a personal internet connection and an hourly rate contract with your electricity provider. An hourly rate contract allows us to manage your electricity consumption efficiently by using energy from the battery when electricity prices are high and optimizing usage when prices are low. With an hourly rate contract, you pay based on your exact consumption pattern. Prices can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, and an hourly rate contract enables us to maximize your energy savings.
Your reward is based on the total time your car is connected to the bidirectional charger throughout the month. In our app, you can easily track your reward and view a history of how long the car has been connected to the charger.
No, you don't need your own energy sources. It’s enough to have an Energy Bank-compatible stationary battery and/or car and the bidirectional charger to use our service.
With Energy Bank's services, your car's battery will never be completely drained. We always maintain a minimum charge level of 20%, or a level you have chosen. If you're planning a trip, schedule it in the car's app, and we will ensure the battery is charged according to your preferences. Our various services impact the battery’s inflow and outflow differently; grid support services use brief seconds of the battery’s capacity, while energy usage optimization may involve more significant charging and discharging.