Mercedes-Benz has launched a bidirectional charging service in Germany, allowing EV owners to earn payments by supplying power to the grid. The offering initially targets households without rooftop PV systems, with plans to expand to more vehicle models and markets.
Like BMW, Ford, Audi, and other automakers, Mercedes-Benz is now offering bidirectional charging to electric vehicle (EV) customers in Germany. The company uses vehicle batteries to participate in the electricity market through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. In return, customers receive a payment of €0.1175 ($0.13) for every hour their vehicle remains connected to the wallbox. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating on the initiative with Munich-based e-mobility service provider The Mobility House.
The package, called MB.Charge Home Pro Intelligent, includes the ChargeLine BiDi, an 11 kW bidirectional DC wallbox. The unit was developed by The Mobility House in partnership with Munich-based charging technology specialist EcoG and Chinese manufacturer Zhejiang EV-Tech. It uses nonproprietary technology designed to ensure a high level of interoperability.
The wallbox costs €2,990. The first 500 customers will receive a €1,000 discount, available until the end of March 2027, as well as a €250 voucher for public charging through MB.Charge Public.
Initially, the offer is available only to households without rooftop PV systems. Households with PV installations could otherwise lose their feed-in tariff payments under Germany’s Renewable Energy Act (EEG), as it has not yet been possible to clearly distinguish whether EV batteries are charged with solar power or grid electricity. However, this is expected to change following the German Federal Network Agency’s MiSpeL decision. Grid operators have until the end of September 2027 to implement the new rules.
Expansion to other countries planned
The bidirectional charging offer initially covers the all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC and the new C-Class. The automaker plans to extend the feature to additional models, including the VLE, GLA, EQS, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, and GLB. Depending on the model, bidirectional charging will be activated via an over-the-air update following its market launch. Mercedes-Benz also plans to introduce its V2G offering in other countries.
“For us, bidirectional charging is the next logical step in electric mobility,” said Jörg Bartels, head of powertrain systems at Mercedes-Benz AG. “We are transforming the vehicle from a mere consumer into an active component of the energy system. In doing so, we combine innovative vehicle technology with the more efficient use of renewable energy, creating sustainable added value—for our customers and for the energy infrastructure alike.”
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