Elli Unveils Innovative Smart Charger 2 to Transform Electric Vehicle Charging Across Europe

Elli Unveils Innovative Smart Charger 2 to Transform Electric Vehicle Charging Across Europe

(IN BRIEF) Volkswagen Group’s electric mobility brand, Elli, has launched the Elli Charger 2, a smart charging solution aimed at the European market. This new charger can reduce charging costs by up to 40% by utilizing solar surplus charging and price-optimized charging strategies. The Elli ecosystem includes electric vehicles, proprietary chargers, green electricity tariffs, a partnership with Otovo for solar systems, and access to over 770,000 public charging points. The Charger 2 integrates with home solar power systems and can automatically schedule charging during off-peak hours when electricity prices are lower. It features remote software updates, a user-friendly app interface, and is compatible with various electric vehicles. With a charging capacity of up to 22 kW, the Elli Charger 2 aims to make electric vehicle charging more efficient and sustainable.

(PRESS RELEASE) WOLFSBURG, 9-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In a significant move towards enhancing electric mobility, Volkswagen Group’s Elli has unveiled its latest smart charging solution, the Elli Charger 2, designed specifically for the European market. This advanced charger promises to reduce charging costs by up to 40% through smart charging technology that optimizes electricity consumption.

Elli’s comprehensive ecosystem includes electric vehicles, proprietary smart chargers, green electricity tariffs, a partnership with Otovo for solar power systems, and access to a public charging network featuring over 770,000 charging points across Europe. At the center of this ecosystem is the new Volkswagen Naturstrom Flex, which allows users to charge their vehicles during off-peak hours when electricity prices are lower. In 2023, Elli commenced trading on the German electricity market via the EPEX Spot exchange, facilitating better pricing strategies for customers.

The Elli Charger 2 is designed to integrate seamlessly with home solar power systems, enabling solar surplus charging to maximize the use of renewable energy. As part of this initiative, customers can also purchase and install solar power systems from Otovo, starting with pilot projects in select Volkswagen dealerships in Germany, including cities like Hamburg, Ulm, and Augsburg.

Giovanni Palazzo, CEO of Elli and Senior Vice President of Volkswagen Charging & Energy, expressed enthusiasm for the new charger, stating, “At Elli, we view smart charging as a crucial connection between electric mobility and the energy transition at home. The Elli Charger 2 represents a major step forward in making electric vehicle charging more sustainable and efficient, ensuring that cars are charged with green electricity when it is both abundant and affordable. Moreover, we are laying the groundwork for a future where electric vehicles can serve as energy storage solutions, thereby contributing to the stability of the power grid.”

Key Features of the Innovative Elli Charger 2:

• Smart Charging: Enables customers to save up to 40% on charging costs by utilizing solar surplus and price-optimized charging strategies.
• Solar Surplus Charging: Directly harnesses excess energy from solar power systems to charge the EV, reducing reliance on grid energy.
• Price-Optimized Charging: Automatically schedules charging during the most economical times, leveraging market fluctuations to minimize costs.
• Versatility: Available in four versions across 28 European markets, compatible with any EV equipped with a Type 2 charging port.
• Future-Proof and User-Friendly: Features remote software updates and a user-friendly app interface for easy control.
• Seamless Integration: Offers optimal synchronization with Volkswagen, CUPRA, and Škoda EVs, enhancing the overall charging experience.

With a maximum charging capacity of 22 kW, the Elli Charger 2 is designed for speed and flexibility, allowing configuration to meet specific household electricity setups, such as adjusting to 11 kW as needed.

For further details on the new Elli Charger 2, visit www.elli.eco.

About the Volkswagen Group:
The Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s leading car makers, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. It operates globally, with 114 production facilities in 17 European countries and 10 countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa. With around 684,000 employees worldwide. The Group’s vehicles are sold in over 150 countries.

With an unrivalled portfolio of strong global brands, leading technologies at scale, innovative ideas to tap into future profit pools and an entrepreneurial leadership team, the Volkswagen Group is committed to shaping the future of mobility through investments in electric and autonomous driving vehicles, digitalization and sustainability.

In 2023, the total number of vehicles delivered to customers by the Group globally was 9.2 million (2022: 8.3 million). Group sales revenue in 2023 totaled EUR 322.3 billion (2022: EUR 279.1 billion). The operating result before special items in 2023 amounted to EUR 22.6 billion (2022: EUR 22.5 billion).

About Elli:
The Elli brand, with around 370 employees, takes care of customers’ needs at the interface between energy and mobility. Elli, as part of the Volkswagen Group, offers a broad range of energy and charging solutions in Europe and acts as a mobility service provider. The current product portfolio includes charging solutions for private customers and companies – from the company’s own home chargers and the flexible fast-charging stations (Flexpoles) to charging services and innovative smart green electricity tariffs. For charging in public spaces, Elli provides digital solutions and services for a seamless charging experience. Elli, which was founded in 2018, has offices in Berlin, Wolfsburg and Munich.

About Otovo:
Otovo is a Europe-wide marketplace for solar systems and batteries for rent or purchase. Since 2016, Otovo has been pursuing the mission to offer every homeowner a simple, affordable and reliable path to a sustainable, solar-powered home. The solar platform’s digital-first approach enables customers to quickly find the best offer for them. Using proprietary technology, Otovo analyzes roofs, connects to local installers in Germany and automatically searches for the best deal. As a result, Otovo guarantees flexible and transparent pricing and thus drives the energy transition in Europe.

Media Contact:

Julia Pirlich
Head of Corporate Communications Volkswagen Group Charging (Elli)
+49 (0) 175 3713564
julia.pirlich@elli.eco | www.elli.eco | www.volkswagen-group.com

SOURCE: Volkswagen AG