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    Power Outage? This Kia Has You Covered

    Blue electric Kia EV9 displayed in a showroom.
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    With its futuristic design, spacious interior, and advanced technology, the Kia EV9 is already making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market. But now, thanks to the Wallbox Quasar 2, this all-electric SUV is getting an exciting new capability: it can power your home during outages and help you save on energy costs.

    Starting this summer, Kia EV9 owners in select U.S. states will be able to get their hands on the first-ever bidirectional charger that works with their vehicle. The Quasar 2, developed by Wallbox, allows the EV9’s battery to send power back into your home, acting as a generator when needed.

    This new technology is a game-changer for EV owners, allowing them to reduce electricity bills and keep the lights on when the grid goes down.

    Wallbox Quasar 2
    Credits: Time

    How the Wallbox Quasar 2 Works With Kia EV9

    The Wallbox Quasar 2 is a bidirectional charger that can charge your Kia EV9 and pull power from it when needed. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:

    • You plug your Kia EV9 into the Quasar 2 charger at home.
    • The charger can draw power from the grid, solar panels, or the car’s battery.
    • Power can flow back from the car to your home when needed, keeping appliances and essential devices running.
    • You can schedule charging sessions when electricity rates are low and use the car’s battery to power your home when rates are high.

    This technology, called Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) integration, allows you to use your Kia EV9 as a backup power source.

    What You Need to Use the Quasar 2 With Your EV9

    While this feature sounds amazing, it’s not as simple as plugging a cable into your EV9. Here’s what you need:

    1. Wallbox Quasar 2 Bidirectional Charger – This device manages the flow of electricity between your car and home.
    2. Power Recovery Unit – This additional unit connects to your home’s power panel and allows electricity from the EV9 to power your house.
    3. 200-Amp Electrical Service – Not all homes can support this system. You need a 200-amp electrical panel or higher to install the Quasar 2.
    4. Utility Company Approval – Some states or local power companies may require approval before using bidirectional charging.

    If your home meets these requirements, you can enjoy the full benefits of this technology.

    Kia EV9 Owners Will Soon Be Able To Power Their Homes With Their SUV. Electric cars are evolving beyond just transportation — they’re becoming home energy solutions.
    byu/mafco inelectricvehicles

    How the Kia EV9 and Quasar 2 Can Save You Money

    Aside from providing backup power during an outage, the Kia EV9 and Quasar 2 charger can help cut energy costs. Here’s how:

    1. Take Advantage of Time-of-Use (TOU) Energy Pricing

    Many utility companies charge different rates for electricity depending on the time of day. Electricity is cheaper at night and more expensive during peak hours.

    • You can charge your EV9 battery overnight when rates are low.
    • Then, use that stored power to run your home during peak hours when electricity is expensive.
    • This reduces your overall energy bill without additional solar panels or battery storage.

    2. Sell Excess Power Back to the Grid

    In some states, you can sell stored energy from your Kia EV9 back to the power grid. This process, called Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) integration, lets you make money from your EV’s battery when electricity demand is high.

    3. Solar Panel Integration

    The Quasar 2 charger works with solar panels, allowing you to store solar energy in your car’s battery and use it later.

    • You can charge your EV9 with solar energy during the day if you have solar panels.
    • Then, you can use that stored energy to power your home at night or during a blackout.
    • This helps you maximize your solar energy use and reduce reliance on the grid.
    Kia EV9
    Credits: MikeMareen/Depositphotos

    How Long Can the Kia EV9 Power Your Home?

    The Kia EV9 comes with two battery pack options:

    Battery SizeTotal EnergyEstimated Backup Power Duration
    76.1 kWhSmaller batteryUp to 3 days (based on 25 kWh/day)
    99.8 kWhLarger batteryUp to 4 days (based on 25 kWh/day)

    If you experience a power outage, a fully charged Kia EV9 could power an average home for several days. This makes it a reliable emergency power source in case of blackouts caused by storms, grid failures, or other disruptions.

    How Much Does the Wallbox Quasar 2 Cost?

    The Wallbox Quasar 2 isn’t cheap but could pay for itself over time through energy savings.

    • Base Price: $6,440 (includes the Quasar 2 and Power Recovery Unit)
    • Installation Costs: Varies by home but can add $1,000+
    • Potential Tax Credit: Up to $1,000 (depending on eligibility)
    • Potential savings on electricity bills, depending on utility rates, consumption, and other factors.

    While the upfront cost is high, the long-term savings on energy bills and backup power benefits make this an attractive option for Kia EV9 owners.

    Where Can You Buy the Quasar 2?

    As of now, pre-orders for the Quasar 2 are limited to a few states, including:

    • California
    • Texas
    • Florida
    • New York
    • Washington
    • New Jersey
    • Illinois

    A nationwide rollout is expected later, but only residents in these states can place a $100 deposit to reserve their unit. Pre-order customers will receive their chargers when they start shipping in June 2025.

    Power Out? No Problem, Your Kia EV9’s Got You Covered!

    Conclusion: Why the Kia EV9 and Quasar 2 Are a Game-Changer

    The Kia EV9 and Wallbox Quasar 2 charger combination is a big step forward for EV owners who want to save money and be prepared for power outages. Here’s why:

    • Backup Power for Your Home – The Kia EV9 can keep your home running for up to 4 days during a blackout.
    • Lower Energy Bills – Save money by charging at night and using stored energy when rates are high.
    • Sell Energy Back to the Grid – Some states allow you to make money by selling power from your EV9’s battery.
    • Solar Panel Compatibility – The Quasar 2 can store and use solar energy when needed.
    • First of Its Kind in the U.S. – This is the only bidirectional charger currently available for the Kia EV9 in the United States.

    With pre-orders now open and a nationwide release on the way, the Kia EV9 is not just an electric SUV; it’s a power solution for your home. If you own or lease an EV9, now might be the perfect time to invest in this cutting-edge technology.

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