Electric Cars

Volvo is on the cusp of significantly advancing its electric vehicle battery capabilities with the introduction of the EX60 electric SUV. This upcoming model, expected to launch in 2025, will feature innovative battery options, marking a pivotal moment in Volvo's electrification journey. The EX60's strategy includes offering different battery chemistries and adopting prismatic cell technology, which is poised to deliver enhanced performance, cost-efficiency, and structural benefits.

The Volvo EX60, a mid-size electric SUV, is scheduled for release in the U.S. and other international markets next year. According to Anders Bell, Volvo's Chief Technology Officer, the vehicle will provide battery choices featuring two distinct chemical compositions. While specific details were not fully disclosed, Bell strongly indicated that lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are a definite possibility for the next-generation SPA3 platform underpinning the EX60.

Volvo's primary battery providers include China's CATL and Korea's LG Energy Solution. CATL produces both LFP and nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries, whereas LGES primarily focuses on high-nickel cells. The Volvo EX30, for example, already offers two battery variants in Europe: a 51-kilowatt-hour LFP pack and a 69-kWh NMC option, with only the latter currently available in the U.S. It is anticipated that the EX60 will adopt a similar dual-chemistry approach.

A notable innovation for the EX60 is the transition to prismatic cells. Bell elaborated that standardizing on a large prismatic cell form factor allows for greater flexibility in integrating various battery chemistries. Prismatic cells, which are gaining traction in the Western automotive industry after being widely adopted in China, are also being embraced by other major manufacturers. Volkswagen, for instance, plans to implement prismatic cells in its more affordable EVs starting next year. General Motors will also utilize large-format prismatic batteries in its full-size SUVs and trucks from 2028, incorporating lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) batteries.

The advantages of prismatic cells extend beyond just chemical versatility. Bell highlighted that these cells contribute to cost and weight reductions while simultaneously increasing the vehicle's structural rigidity. Furthermore, the EX60 will employ a cell-to-body integration approach, meaning the battery pack will serve as an integral structural component of the SPA3 platform rather than being a separate, bolted-on addition. This design simplifies battery integration and allows for greater energy density within the vehicle.

In addition to advanced battery technology, the EX60 will boast other significant upgrades. These include Nvidia's Drive Thor computer, capable of an astounding 1,000 trillion operations per second, enhancing its computational power for various vehicle functions. The SUV will also feature Volvo's third-generation drive units, achieving an impressive 93% efficiency, as revealed during the automaker's Capital Markets Day in Sweden last year.

Manufactured at Volvo's main plant in Gothenburg, Sweden, the EX60 is set to compete with established electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX3, and the new electric Mercedes GLC. This array of features and strategic advancements positions the Volvo EX60 as potentially the most crucial electric vehicle in the brand's history, poised to redefine its standing in the competitive EV market by offering advanced battery solutions and cutting-edge technology.

Unlock Your Home's Potential: EVs as Your Dynamic Power Source

The Promise of Electric Vehicles as Home Power Solutions

Electric vehicles are increasingly seen as more than just a mode of transport; their substantial battery capacities present a compelling solution for home energy needs. Imagine an EV not only taking you from point A to point B but also serving as a crucial energy reserve during blackouts or a strategic tool to minimize electricity expenses during peak hours. This innovative application hinges on what is known as vehicle-to-home (V2H) or bidirectional charging technology. While the theoretical potential is vast, the practical implementation currently relies on specific EV models equipped with the necessary hardware and software to facilitate this two-way energy flow.

Acura RSX (2026): Honda's Vision for Integrated EV Power

Honda is set to integrate advanced bidirectional charging capabilities, including V2H and vehicle-to-grid (V2G), into its forthcoming Acura RSX model, expected in 2026. This initiative signals a broader strategy to embed these functionalities across all new EVs built on Honda's global platform. The unveiling at RE+ 2025 highlighted a future where Honda vehicles seamlessly interact with home and grid energy systems, offering a glimpse into widespread V2X adoption. For those anticipating the RSX or other electric offerings from Honda, the wait for these energy-management features is nearing an end.

Ford F-150 Lightning: A Pioneer in Home Energy Backup

The Ford F-150 Lightning has already demonstrated its efficacy as a robust power source during critical events, such as winter storms and hurricanes. This electric truck can deliver up to 9.6 kW of power to a residence, ensuring essential appliances and lighting remain operational. To harness this capability, owners must install Ford's Charge Station Pro, a Home Integration System (HIS) with an inverter, transfer switch, and a compact battery for system activation. The associated hardware investment, excluding installation, is approximately $5,000, with the Charge Station Pro 80A bidirectional charger being complimentary with the Extended Range F-150 Lightning variant.

Kia EV9: Sustaining Your Home with Advanced Charging

The Kia EV9, a popular seven-passenger electric SUV, boasts impressive range and rapid charging. Recently, it enhanced its utility with vehicle-to-home charging capabilities. When paired with Wallbox's Quasar 2 bidirectional charger and its Power Recovery Unit (PRU), a fully charged EV9 can sustain a typical suburban home for up to three days, or even longer with conservative energy use. The Quasar 2 system, which begins at $6,440 (plus installation), includes a wall-mounted 12 kW L2 charger with 12.8 kW discharge power for split-phase systems.

General Motors' Ultium Platform: A Unified Energy Ecosystem

Most General Motors electric vehicles, built on the Ultium platform, excluding certain specialized models, are designed to supply power back to homes through the GM Energy Ultium Home System. This comprehensive system is considered one of the most integrated EV, battery backup, and solar solutions available, rivaling even Tesla's offerings. The new 19.2 kW Powershift Charger from GM Energy provides superior charging efficiency, and bidirectional functionality requires its pairing with a compatible GM EV and the GM Energy V2H Enablement Kit. The complete system retails for $12,699, plus installation, with financing options available through GM Financial. Note that some 2024 models might require a software update to activate V2H features.

Taiga Orca WX3: Powering Adventures and Off-Grid Living

Canadian innovator Taiga has been at the forefront of electric watercraft development for several years. Their 2026 third-generation models will feature automotive-grade fast charging, allowing compatibility with public EV charging networks. Beyond rapid charging, Taiga is integrating bidirectional charging into all its electric watercraft. This innovation transforms these personal watercraft into mobile energy resources, capable of recharging dockside equipment, supplying power to yachts, or providing electricity to remote cabins or campsites, extending the utility of electric propulsion to various environments.

Tesla Cybertruck: Versatile Home Power Options

Owners of the Tesla Cybertruck have two distinct approaches to powering their homes with their vehicles. For those already equipped with a Tesla Powerwall, no additional setup is required. Alternatively, owners can install a Universal Wall Connector charger, a Powershare Gateway, and a Tesla Backup Switch. This second option incurs an approximate cost of $3,500, not including installation. These solutions underscore Tesla's commitment to integrating its vehicles into broader energy ecosystems, offering flexibility for home energy management.

Expanding V2H Capabilities: Solutions for Other EV Models

While only a select number of EVs inherently support V2H technology, solutions are emerging for other electric vehicle owners. For instance, despite the Tesla Cybertruck being the only official Tesla model with bidirectional charging, innovative products like the Sigenergy V2X system now enable V2H charging for popular Tesla Model 3 and Y vehicles. This system also extends compatibility to other EVs, including the Kia EV6 and Volvo EX30, utilizing protocols like DIN70121 and ISO15118-2 for various VW, Audi, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz models. These third-party solutions are rapidly broadening the scope of V2H functionality, offering more EV owners the ability to use their vehicles as home power backups.