Volvo EX90 owners in the United States can now use their electric SUV as a vehicle-to-home (V2H) power source, thanks to new bi-directional charging support integrated with the dcbel Ara Home Energy Station.
The system allows the EX90’s battery to send power back into a home’s electrical panel, offering backup power during outages, energy-cost balancing during peak-rate periods and a more flexible way to manage charging. The feature reflects Volvo’s broader shift toward energy-ecosystem tech, the same shift driving the rapid scaling of its returning XC70.
How the System Works
The EX90 is Volvo’s first model equipped with the full hardware and software suite required for bi-directional DC charging, allowing the same connection to both charge the vehicle and export energy back into the home. When paired with the Ara Home Energy Station, owners can draw power directly from the SUV’s battery to support household circuits during outages or heavy-load periods.
The Ara system provides both AC and DC charging options for two electric vehicles simultaneously, whether you prefer to install it indoors or outdoors. It also features real-time load balancing and AI-driven energy management to ensure efficient use of power. Volvo envisions a future where these capabilities are integrated into a broader smart-energy ecosystem, potentially incorporating vehicle-to-grid services.
This approach aligns with Volvo’s evolving EV strategy, including affordability-focused future models such as the EX60, which will also play a role in the brand’s energy-enabled product family.
Why Bi-Directional Charging Matters
The EX90’s ability to act as a power source addresses rising consumer interest in resilience and cost-saving energy tech. As EV battery capacities grow, using them to support home energy or offset grid pricing becomes more practical than ever.
V2H lets owners reduce energy bills, smooth out demand spikes and maintain essential household functions during blackouts. It also reinforces Volvo’s position as a brand integrating transport and energy, a trend that spans its wider range of electrified models, including the XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid.
A First Step Toward a Larger Energy Ecosystem
Volvo’s V2H initiative marks the beginning of a significant transformation in how vehicles interact with homes and the power grid. With the introduction of bi-directional charging in the EX90, this SUV is evolving into a versatile energy resource.
Volvo envisions expanding this approach as smart infrastructure and home-energy technology continue to develop and mature, paving the way for a future where vehicles play an integral role in energy management at home.
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