Wallbox, a provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has opened pre-orders for the Quasar 2 charger. As the first bi-directional charger compatible with the Kia EV9, it allows owners to manage energy use efficiently, the company said. Wallbox is offering the Quasar 2 and its Power Recovery Unit on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Those interested can register for the waitlist on Wallbox’s website.

Vehicle-to-Home Capabilities

The Quasar 2 charger enables the Kia EV9 to function as an energy storage system. The EV9 can send power back to the home during outages, severe weather, or other critical moments.

“We’re excited to open pre-orders for the innovative Quasar 2 charger, bringing advanced energy capabilities to eligible Kia EV9 drivers,” said Enric Asunción, CEO of Wallbox. “This technology allows eligible EV9 owners and lessees to take control of their energy consumption and costs, and provides the possibility of power backup during electrical outages.”

Key Benefits of the Quasar 2 Charger

The Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) feature offers Kia EV9 owners significant benefits, Wallbox said. It can help power a home during blackouts and potentially lower electricity costs by utilizing stored grid energy or excess solar power during peak hours. The V2H system also allows users to schedule vehicle charging and home energy use for maximum efficiency.

Pricing and Availability of the Quasar 2 Charger

The Quasar 2 charger delivers up to 12 kW of power for charging and discharging. Wallbox has set the retail price at $6,440, excluding taxes and installation fees. The initial release will be available in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Washington, New Jersey, and Illinois, with a nationwide rollout coming soon.

Kia EV9 Fast Charging and Advanced Features

The Kia EV9 supports ultrafast charging, reaching 10% to 80% charge in under 25 minutes on high-speed DC chargers.

Since its launch, the Kia EV9 has earned multiple awards, including:

• 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year;
• 2024 World Car of the Year & World Electric Vehicle;
• Car and Driver’s 2024 10Best Trucks and SUVs.