BMW and E.ON will launch a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) program in 2026: the new iX3 will feed electricity back into the grid, saving owners up to €720 annually. Here's how the program works and what to look out for.
Plug in and earn
BMW and E.ON will launch the first commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) service for private customers in Germany in March 2026, starting with the new iX3. The iX3 will then become an active participant in the energy market, feeding power from the vehicle battery back into the grid when needed.
Customers who participate in the smart charging program can receive annual incentives of up to €720, allowing for up to 14,000 kilometers of free driving per year. Participation requires a BMW wallbox and E.ON's V2G electricity tariff.
No wear-out technology
According to BMW and E.ON, the incentives will be 24 cents per hour, up to €60 per month, or €720 per year. To qualify for the incentive, the vehicle must be charged for 250 hours per month (eight hours per day).
There is no minimum connection time, and bidirectional charging does not affect the vehicle's charging destination. Both companies emphasize that the new technology will not negatively impact battery life. BMW states that the additional discharge process will not affect the vehicle's battery lifespan.
Intelligent protection functions are designed to ensure that the high-voltage battery is always maintained at optimal levels, extending its service life.
In addition to the additional incentive, a feed-in tariff (FIT) is available for each kilowatt-hour of electricity discharged to the grid. Information on this is not yet available. According to the manufacturer's configurator, the required BMW Wallbox Professional costs €2,094 and enables bidirectional charging of up to 11 kW. It supports both vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging.
Bidirectional charging will initially be available in the iX3, with BMW planning to offer the technology in other models over the long term. These models will be integrated into an energy platform that combines charging infrastructure, photovoltaic power generation, heat pumps, and a smart home system.
Competition is coming.
BMW and E.ON aren't the only suppliers relying on bidirectional charging. Mercedes-Benz also announced a bidirectional charging initiative at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich. The all-new all-electric Mercedes GLC 400 EQ will debut in 2026, with other models under its MB.Charge Home brand to follow, enabling the transfer of electricity to the home grid.
Volkswagen subsidiary Elli also demonstrated a V2H pilot project at the IAA and unveiled a new DC wallbox that meets legal requirements.
What do you think of this new vehicle-to-grid technology? Would you use your electric vehicle as an energy storage device? Share your experiences in the comments.
