Wallbox has completed its first installation of its Quasar 2 bidirectional EV charger in the United States. American households can power their homes directly from their Kia EV9, turning the car into a reliable and sustainable source of energy.
Six Quasar 2 units were deployed in Menifee, California, through a collaboration with Kia America and the University of California, Irvine (UCI). The project brought vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology into real residential settings.
Quasar 2 enables compatible electric vehicles not only to charge but also to discharge energy back into the home. This allows homeowners to lower electricity bills by using stored energy when rates are highest and contribute to grid stability during peak demand.
“This is more than a technology milestone. It is a glimpse of a future where every EV is an energy asset,” said Douglas Alfaro, Chief Business Development Officer at Wallbox. “Quasar 2 puts homeowners in control of their energy, helping them achieve resilience, independence, and sustainability in their daily lives.”
The project is part of a broader effort to explore how EVs, homes and smart energy systems can work together to create more sustainable, resilient communities. Set in a newly built all-electric neighborhood, it demonstrates how integrated clean energy technologies can support both individual homeowners and the wider grid.
V2H is part of the Kia Connect1 suite of services and will soon be available for eligible EV9 vehicles. “As we continue to expand our lineup of electric vehicles, projects like this help us showcase how EVs can deliver value beyond mobility, playing a central role in energy management and sustainability at home,” said Sujith Somasekharan, Director of Connected Car & Mobility at Kia America. “Partnering with Wallbox and UCI allows us to show how our vehicles can power homes, reduce costs, and create meaningful environmental impact for families.”
With these first installations now live, Wallbox is preparing for broader U.S. availability. The company’s goal is to enable drivers to unlock the full potential of the energy in their EVs and support a cleaner, more resilient grid.
News item from Wallbox
