Electric BMW iX3 model now offers grid support, potentially generating €720 in annual income for its owners
BMW's latest offering, the iX3, set to launch in March 2026, is not just an electric vehicle (EV); it's a mobile energy storage unit that promises to revolutionise the way we think about EVs and their role in the energy sector.
Powered by BMW's sixth-generation eDrive platform, the iX3 supports bidirectional charging, allowing it to both draw energy from the national grid and feed it back in. This innovative feature makes the iX3 a valuable asset for grid stability during peak demand or periods of low renewable generation.
Thousands of these small but powerful storage units, distributed across the country, can help maintain stability in the national grid, transforming the humble EV into a key player in the energy transition.
The iX3 is the first piece in a larger puzzle that ties mobility to everyday energy use. BMW and energy provider E.ON are pioneering this vision, aiming to expand beyond grid energy feeding and connect home solar panels, heat pumps, and other systems into a unified energy platform.
For drivers, the immediate appeal is earning money while their cars are parked and plugged in. E.ON has created a specific tariff for the V2G setup in Germany, offering 24 cents per hour for every hour the car is connected, capped at €60 per month. Over a year, this tariff can cover roughly 12,000 to 14,000 kilometers of driving for the BMW iX3, depending on usage.
The upcoming Neue Klasse models, including the electric BMW i3 (NA0) launching in summer 2026 and the next-generation BMW iX3 expected from late 2025, will also likely support the V2G tariff system. This means that these models can function as mobile energy storage units, potentially covering a significant portion of driving costs for Neue Klasse owners.
Control over charging levels remains with the driver through the My BMW app, ensuring the battery management system keeps the pack within safe operating ranges to avoid long-term degradation.
BMW and E.ON's expansion of V2G technology aims to make cars an active part of the energy transition, emphasising their role in the energy sector beyond simply moving people from A to B. The iX3 is just the beginning, paving the way for a future where EVs are integral to our energy infrastructure.
