Ioniq 5 EVs with V2G to create world-first “bi-directional” energy system

South Korean automaker Hyundai is partnering with Dutch mobility provider We Drive Solar to deploy up to 150 of its award winning Ioniq 5 electric SUVs to create what is being billed as the world’s first bi-directional energy system.

The Dutch city of Utrecht is home to the new-build neighbourhood of Cartesius, which will include 2,530 sustainable homes alongside a huge central park, a shared vegetable garden, walking and cycling routes and access to share cars such as the Ioniq 5 from We Drive Solar via a handy app.

It also wants to create the world’s first future energy system using bi-directional charging. The Ioniq 5s, already recognized for their vehicle-to-load capacity, will be used to provide vehicle-to-grid capabilities through special bi-directional charging stations.

Some 25 Ioniq 5s will be deployed at first, growing to 150 within a year.

Utrecht has already deployed omore than 1,000 bi-directional charging points over the last three years which can not only be used to charge electric vehicles, but can also discharge power back into the grid when necessary.

Utrecht is the first city in the world to deploy V2G technology on such a large scale, and Cartesius is set to become the city’s first bi-directional neighbourhood.

“With unique Vehicle-to-Grid technology, We Drive Solar can use vehicles to store sustainable energy on a large scale, moving in the course of this year from 25 to 150 Ioniq 5 units,” said Robin Berg, director of We Drive Solar.

“Together with Hyundai, we will make Utrecht the first city and region in the world with a bi-directional energy ecosystem.”

“At Hyundai, we believe that bi-directional charging in combination with V2G technology can turn battery electric vehicles into flexible resources,” said Michael Cole, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe.

“Ioniq 5 and V2G technology not only offer an alternative solution for customers looking to move away from traditional combustion engines, but also helps to increase the viability of renewable energy generation within the grid.”