Volkswagen launch energy company

Carmaker Volkswagen is setting up their own energy company called Elli.

The subsidiary, which will be based in Berlin, will offer green power for private households, smart chargers for EV drivers, and an EV energy storage system that can store power generated by customers’ photovoltaic systems in the car for use it later in the household – or to feed it to the power grid in order to earn revenue.

Elli is also in discussions to installation of charging stations at customer car parks of major chains.

Thorsten Nicklaß, designated CEO of Elli said: ‘Our mission is to take e-mobility out of its niche and to place it firmly in the mainstream.

‘The name “Elli” stands for “electric life”, because we intend to enable a lifestyle that fully integrates the electric car in people’s everyday lives. This approach could be compared with the use of a mobile phone, which is taken for granted nowadays.’

Elli will also support the expansion of charging stations at Volkswagen’s own employee car parks from 1,000 today to more than 5,000 by 2020 and the equipment of all 4,000 dealers and service partners in the EU, also by 2020.

‘We will be creating a seamless, sustainable ecosystem that addresses the main applications and provides answers to all the energy questions raised by electric car users and fleet operators.’ added Mr Nicklaß.

VW say details of the first tariff models will be announced soon, and 100% of the power generated will be from renewable sources such as hydropower.