Volkswagen Group Brand Elli Launches its First Smart EV Charger in Europe

Volkswagen Group's Elli has launched its first smart electric vehicle (EV) charger for homes in Europe. The Elli Charger 2 integrates via solar surplus charging with a home’s solar power system and can use price optimised charging to automatically charge when electricity market prices are lowest.

Customers can now also purchase and install a solar power system from Norwegian solar power marketplace Otovo together with the smart charger.

The new Elli Charger 2 is available in four versions for 28 European markets and is suitable for any EV with a Type 2 charging port. 

The partnership between Elli and Otovo will initially be rolled out in Germany at selected Volkswagen dealers as a pilot project and is intended to be established across Europe in the long term.

Giovanni Palazzo, CEO of Elli & SVP of Volkswagen Charging & Energy, says: "At Elli, we see smart charging as the interface between electric mobility and the energy transition at home. Our smart charging products, especially our new charger, represent a significant innovation step for our customers. The Elli Charger 2 helps make charging electric cars even more environmentally friendly by ensuring that EVs are charged when green electricity is readily available and cheap. This in turns increases the efficiency of renewable energy use. In addition, we are creating a framework for the future with our smart charging portfolio to use EVs as energy storage and help stabilize the power grid.”

Her adds: “The Elli Charger 2 helps make charging electric cars even more environmentally friendly by ensuring that EVs are charged when green electricity is readily available and cheap. This in turns increases the efficiency of renewable energy use. In addition, we are creating a framework for the future with our smart charging portfolio to use EVs as energy storage and help stabilize the power grid.” 

Elli is a provider of energy and charging solutions.