Electrify everything with Otovo and Elli

To tackle climate change, we need to electrify everything. From small engines in lawn mowers and mopeds to cars and large engines in factories and power plants - everything should go electric. And crucially, this electricity needs to be clean.

At Otovo, we are deeply committed to this dual cause. This week, I’m excited to share a significant milestone in our journey towards a greener future. Our new partnership with Elli, Volkswagen Group's brand for charging and energy (yes, that Volkswagen Group, the topco of Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Porsche, Cupra to name a few) , is a pivotal step in integrating clean energy solutions in the home with electric mobility.

The Convergence of Electrifications

The essence of this partnership lies in the seamless integration of solar power and electric vehicles (EVs). By combining Otovo's advanced settings for photovoltaic (PV) systems with Elli's innovative charging solutions, we have rigorously tested and set up a cohesive ecosystem that brings together sustainable energy and modern mobility. This collaboration isn't just about technology; it's about rethinking how we power our lives and move through the world.

Solar energy, with its immense potential and affordability, is at the heart of this transformation. When used to charge EVs, it ensures that our transportation is as clean as possible. This integration of solar power into our daily lives is a significant stride towards reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a more sustainable environment.

Practical Benefits - Homeowners and Drivers

Starting this summer, Volkswagen customers will have the opportunity to purchase a PV system alongside the new Elli Charger 2 through Volkswagen Group (brands VW, Cupra and Skoda included first) various dealers and online across Germany; and we hope to soon be able to expand to more brands within the group and more countries across Europe. This offering, installed by Otovo's skilled solar installers, is designed to optimize energy use and reduce costs. 

One of the standout features of this partnership is PV surplus charging, which allows excess solar energy to be directly used for charging EVs. At night, vehicles can be charged with cheaper grid electricity, while solar power stored in home batteries is available for use the next morning. Elli also announced a large storage facility in Northern Germany at our joint event, ensuring more value capture from renewables; a natural extension of its capabilities as an energy provider. This thoughtful approach not only enhances convenience but also ensures that energy use is both efficient and economical.

A Vision for Energy-Independent Homes and Cars

One of the most compelling aspects of this partnership is the potential for substantial financial savings. By generating their own electricity, homeowners can shield themselves from fluctuating energy prices, reducing the total cost of ownership for EVs by up to 40 percent. These savings, combined with the environmental benefits of lower emissions, make the integration of solar energy and electromobility an attractive and practical choice for conscientious consumers.

Looking ahead, we envision a future where homes are mostly or fully energy-independent, generating and storing their own energy while using significantly less overall. At Otovo I experience this sea change every day as our 700 local installer companies across Europe work to install solar systems, home batteries, EV chargers and heat pumps in homes where people are desperate to cut the power bills and make use of increasingly frequent "zero energy cost hours". 

In parallel, living in the suburbs of Oslo, where 90 percent of cars sold are already battery powered, I see a world where cars are predominantly electric, charging at home, work, destinations, or on the go with fast-charging options. Elli is equipped to support this shift, and so are the VW brands’ new models coming out: Increasingly, vehicles will not only consume power, but serve as storage and optimization hubs for home electricity. 

Learning from Leading Markets

This synergy between solar and EV adoption highlights the potential for integrated solutions. Elli and Otovo, emerging from countries that lead the way in solar adoption and EV usage,  are uniquely positioned to leverage our experience from these pioneering markets. By combining our expertise, we have a shared vision of the direction the consumer market is headed, and we are committed to introducing more innovative services to support this transition. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to pioneer innovative solutions that make a meaningful difference.

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