Volkswagen wants to market e-car batteries

17.04.2026

Source: E & M powernews

Volkswagen is planning to enter the vehicle-to-grid market for private customers from the end of 2026. Electric cars will then participate in the energy market as flexible storage units.

Together with its energy subsidiary Elli, Volkswagen is preparing the market launch of an integrated vehicle-to-grid (V2G) offering for private customers in Germany. From the fourth quarter of 2026, customers' electric vehicles will not only be able to draw electricity, but also be actively integrated into the energy system. Pre-registration is planned from June 2026, with other European markets to follow in stages, according to a statement from the Group.

According to the company, it does not see V2G as a stand-alone product, but as part of a comprehensive energy ecosystem around the electric car. Chief Sales Officer Martin Sander even held out the prospect of virtually free charging in the future. The VW ID vehicle family has already been technically prepared for bidirectional charging since 2023.

As Elli CEO Giovanni Palazzo explained, the added value of V2G comes from the interaction between the vehicle, infrastructure and energy market. The aim is to network batteries and tap into additional value potential through aggregation. In this way, Volkswagen wants to establish a "Managed Battery Network".

Customers should have the opportunity to actively manage their mobility costs. The provision of battery capacities and flexible charging times could lead to savings and additional revenue. On the market side, the potential is estimated at up to 700 to 900 euros per year, according to the press release. In an initial phase, remuneration is planned for the provision of storage capacity, regardless of actual trading success. The amount will be based on the flexibility of charging behavior.

Group subsidiary Elli trades on the Epex Spot

Technically, the offer is based on an integrated system consisting of a dynamic electricity tariff, bidirectional wallbox, smart meter and digital control via app. Electric vehicles take on a dual function as a means of transportation and energy storage. Surplus energy, especially from renewable sources, can be stored in the vehicle and fed back into the grid when needed.

Volkswagen refers to systemic effects in this context: According to studies, the use of vehicle-to-grid in Europe could save around 22 billion euros a year in system costs by 2040. In Germany, around 9.5 billion kWh of renewable electricity was recently curtailed.

Scaling is to take place via a so-called modular e-drive platform (MEB). Around one million vehicles in Europe are already technically prepared. With the planned "ID Software 6", the functionality is to be extended to other battery variants. Volkswagen states that it wants to minimize negative effects on the service life of the battery through appropriate battery and protection systems.

The Group subsidiary Elli acts as an interface between vehicles, customers and the energy market. The company bundles electricity tariffs, charging infrastructure, digital control and access to energy trading. A dedicated team continuously trades electricity on the Epex Spot. Volkswagen is pursuing an integrated platform model in order to keep central value creation steps within its own ecosystem.

A smart metering system is a prerequisite for implementation. Elli refers customers to competitive metering point operators who take care of installation and data provision. According to the company, installation is expected to take eight to ten weeks before the tariff can be used.

Author: Fritz Wilhelm