Power2Drive 2025: Bidirectional Charging Needs Overall System

Compleo and KOSTAL support car manufacturers with complete AC system for bidirectional charging

Dortmund, April 29, 2025 – Power2Drive Europe invites to Munich from May 7 to 9, 2025 to discuss new solutions in the charging infrastructure and e-mobility sector. The focus will not only be on technological innovations, but above all on integrated solutions for the energy transition. Compleo Charging Solutions and its parent company KOSTAL will be focusing on their complete AC system for bidirectional charging for car manufacturers and other industrial companies at stand B6.110. Only in a seamlessly networked system - open to proprietary and cross-manufacturer components - will the vehicle as a mobile storage unit become an active part of the energy transition. Compleo and KOSTAL are positioning themselves as a hub of expertise for bidirectional charging with the first complete system comprising an onboard charger in the vehicle and a matching wallbox, which should be available for the mass market in 2027.

The motto of Power2Drive 2025 is “Charging the Future of Mobility”. For Compleo, vehicle-to-X technologies embedded in a coherent overall system are an essential topic on the agenda. The charging infrastructure specialist will be exhibiting together with the CPO and e-mobility company ChargeOne and the software provider for managing charging stations vaylens. Compleo is currently working with KOSTAL on a technical system for bidirectional charging. In this context, the company will in future offer an initial complete development comprising an AC wallbox and an onboard charger in the vehicle. This is a strategic advantage for interested OEMs, as it enables them to ensure seamless communication between the car, wallbox, other energy devices and consumers. Compleo relies on powerful and reliable charging technology as well as five years of field test experience in bidirectional charging projects. The new technical system also incorporates KOSTAL's extensive expertise - both in the field of onboard chargers and in Europe-wide certified solar power generation and intelligent energy use.

Bidirectional charging, in which electric vehicles not only draw energy from the power grid but can also feed surplus energy back into it, plays a decisive role in the future of electromobility and the energy transition. A study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institutes ISE and ISI on behalf of Transport & Environment shows that the integration of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies could save the German energy system 8.4 billion euros a year by 2040. EU-wide, the savings could even amount to 22 billion euros per year. In addition, electric vehicles could contribute up to 9 percent of Europe's annual electricity supply through bidirectional charging and cover 15 to 20 percent of electricity demand at peak times. Bidirectional charging thus also changes the logic of e-mobility: it is no longer just a matter of taking energy for charging e-vehicles, but also of returning it intelligently.

With the growing importance of this technology, the number of providers presenting solutions for bidirectional charging is also increasing. However, some of these offerings differ considerably in terms of their performance: while vehicle-to-home applications are primarily designed to supply energy to individual households, vehicle-to-grid aims to actively integrate electric vehicles into the power grid. This places additional demands on communication, grid serviceability and system integration. The implementation of a bidirectional overall system is complex at a technical, regulatory and systemic level. As a coherent response, Compleo and KOSTAL are therefore developing an overall bidirectional AC system that also aims to achieve genuine grid serviceability (V2G) and can therefore make a significant contribution to the energy transition. The primary objectives here are maximum compatibility, problem-free integration and open interfaces. In this respect, Power2Drive marks the turning point from vision to reality. "While others are still talking about concepts and ideas, we are creating reality: a Europe-wide certified system consisting of an onboard charger from KOSTAL in combination with the AC bidi wallbox from Compleo, which combines communication, safety and efficiency. This benefits all players in the energy transition equally," explains Dr. Bjoern Dietrich, CEO of Compleo Charging Solutions.

He adds: "If you take bidirectional charging seriously, you need a functioning overall system.  We will be supplying the core of the charger inside and outside the vehicle ready for series production from 2027. We are developing our system in line with existing and evolving standards and regulatory requirements. All components are certified accordingly and therefore offer maximum investment security. Requirements arising from new regulations in the future can be flexibly integrated via software updates. Our aim is to create the conditions for a future-proof charging infrastructure that combines technological excellence with practical implementation. At Power2Drive, we want to enter into discussions with OEMs, charging infrastructure operators and e-mobility providers - to make bidirectional charging a reality and take the future of e-mobility to the next level."

Another technological highlight at Compleo's Power2Drive stand is the HPC charger eTower 200. With particularly quiet operation, a high efficiency of 97.5 percent and a space-saving design, it is ideal for busy charging locations. Its innovative WireHub installation aid significantly simplifies the installation of the charging station. With seven power modules, the eTower 200 dynamically distributes the available charging power to two connected vehicles - ensuring that charging point operators can increase their turnover.

Compleo invites all interested parties to visit stand B6.110 at Power2Drive Europe to find out, among other things, how bidirectional charging goes from concept to reality.

About Compleo

Compleo Charging Solutions is one of the leading providers of charging technology for electric vehicles in Europe. As part of the globally active KOSTAL Group, the company supports its business customers with AC, DC and HPC charging stations. Its customers include well-known charging point operators, electric wholesalers and more than 300 energy suppliers. Compleo's vision is to consistently develop electromobility as the most sustainable and convenient form of transportation - and to make it a tangible experience for people. The company focuses on technological innovation, for example in the areas of high-power charging, bidirectional charging, calibration law and payment solutions. The practical product development creates clear advantages for CPOs and installers - and at the same time ensures a positive charging experience for e-car drivers. More information at: www.compleo-charging.com

Press contact
Katrin Osburg
presse@compleo-cs.com