Wallbox and Kia Introduce Quasar 2 Bidirectional EV Charge

Wallbox is partnering with the automotive super brand Kia to revolutionize the way people use energy at home. Starting today, Kia EV9 drivers in certain states can pre-order a bidirectional charger that, along with the Wallbox Power Recovery Unit, will enable them to provide power to their homes, even during power outages.

Empowering Homeowners:

The Quasar 2 charger is a next-generation bidirectional DC charger available to Kia EV9 drivers. 

Wallbox’s innovative technology is designed to help EV9 owners take control of their energy usage and costs and can provide crucial Backup Power during power outages. With the Quasar 2 bidirectional charger, homeowners can pull energy from their car’s battery to provide power to their homes, even during blackouts, when equipped with the Power Recovery Unit. When the power goes out, the Quasar 2 can keep homes powered for up to 3 days*.

“We’re thrilled to offer pre-order availability of the innovative Quasar 2 charger to Kia EV9 drivers,” said Enric Asunción, CEO of Wallbox. “This cutting-edge technology can help EV9 owners to take control of their energy usage and costs.”

Advanced Features:

The Quasar 2 boasts a range of advanced features to enhance the charging experience for Kia EV9 owners. With a power output of up to 12.8 kW, the charger enables fast EV charging and discharging, with the capability of bidirectionality. Its compact and lightweight design makes installation easy, offering convenience and flexibility for homeowners. Additionally, the installation of the Quasar 2 is overseen by Wallbox’s authorized installer COIL, ensuring a stress-free experience. From assessing your home to scheduling and the actual installation of the Quasar 2, COIL manages every step of the installation process.

Quasar 2 features at a glance:

• 12.8kW of power for faster EV charging and discharging.
• A compact, lightweight design for easy installation.
• Backup Power: Provides power to your home during power outages.
• Vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality: Empowers self-consumption by enabling your electric car to provide power to your home.
• Solar charging compatibility: Harnesses solar energy for EV charging.

Versatile Functionality:

Quasar 2 boasts versatile functionalities, including the ability to provide Backup Power and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality, enabling your EV to provide power to your home. V2H enhances self-consumption, particularly by utilizing the EV’s energy during peak hours. Additionally, the Quasar 2 is compatible with Solar Charging, enabling homeowners to utilize the solar energy on their roof for both vehicle and home use.**

Pre-Order Availability:

Kia EV9 owners can now pre-order the Quasar 2 by making a $100 deposit. Limited quantities of the Quasar 2 are available for pre-order on a first-come, first-served, while supplies last basis. Pre-order customers will have priority access to the initial limited release of the charger and can be among the first to enjoy its innovative features Final payment of the pre-order units will be invoiced to customers upon availability of Quasar 2, which is expected to take place by the end of 2024. Final price invoiced does not include installation fees, as installation is scheduled separately. Orders for the Quasar 2 bidirectional charger and its Power Recovery Unit will be initially limited to the following states: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Washington, New Jersey and Illinois, with a nationwide rollout expected by the end of the year.

Installation by Experts:

To ensure the highest standards of security and quality in electrical installation, the installation of the Quasar 2 is handled by Wallbox’s official installer, COIL. Customers can choose between indoor and outdoor installations, depending on their preferences and requirements. Quasar 2 bidirectional charger and the Power Recovery Unit must be installed through COIL or another Wallbox certified third-party installer, otherwise Quasar 2 and the Power Recovery Unit cannot be used.

 Customers interested in taking advantage can pre-order the Quasar 2 by visiting https://wallbox.com/en_us/quasar-2-v2h-bidirectional-ev-charger.

* Wallbox Power Recovery Unit is required for Backup Power functionality. Backup Power feature is projected to provide up to 3 days of power, based on an average 25 kWh daily usage and 99.8 kWh battery with 100% charge at start, when home is properly equipped. Results, including time it takes to charge, may vary depending on your actual consumption, vehicle usage and maintenance, charging practice, weather, temperature, size of home or area, battery’s state of charge and age, and other factors. The EV9’s bidirectional power transfer ends at a minimum of 20% state of charge, with the user-selectable option to end at a higher state of charge. Quasar 2 and Power Recovery Unit may not be compatible with all devices and homes. Certain jurisdictions may not allow installation of bidirectional charging or may require a permit to upgrade electrical panel and approval from utility company. Quasar 2 must be used in accordance with proper procedure to avoid serious injury. Contact a professional to assess your home’s electrical system and any applicable permits and permissions. Refer to the Quasar 2 charging materials for warnings and instructions at https://support.wallbox.com. 

**Solar Charging requires purchase and separate installation of the Wallbox Power Meter for Energy Management Solutions.