Polestar and Danish charging provider Clever have launched a groundbreaking vehicle-to-everything (V2X) pilot project in Denmark, exploring how electric vehicles can do much more than transport people.
The initiative will test how the battery in the Polestar 4 can power homes, support the electricity grid, and provide backup energy during power outages, marking one of the most comprehensive bidirectional charging projects in Europe.
The pilot brings together Clever’s intelligent charging infrastructure and Polestar’s software-defined vehicle platform to demonstrate how EVs can become active participants in the energy ecosystem.
Turning EVs Into Mobile Energy Assets
Electric vehicles already contain some of the largest battery packs found in households. According to Clever, more than 600,000 “large-scale power banks” are currently driving on Danish roads. The company believes these batteries could play a major role in balancing electricity demand while helping EV owners reduce energy costs.
As part of the project, selected Danish households will receive DC wallboxes capable of bidirectional charging, allowing electricity to flow both to and from the vehicle.
The pilot focuses on three key applications:
– Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): Using the EV battery to power a home during periods of high electricity prices.
– Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): Sending stored energy back to the public electricity grid during peak demand.
– Backup Power (Island Mode): Supplying electricity directly to a home during grid outages.
The project is scheduled to run through autumn 2026.
How the System Works
Clever already operates an intelligent charging platform that automatically charges EVs when electricity prices are lowest. The new V2X functionality expands that concept significantly.
With bidirectional charging enabled, a Polestar 4 can charge when electricity is cheap, then either power household appliances during expensive peak-rate periods or return electricity to the grid when additional capacity is needed.
The approach could help reduce strain on the grid as renewable energy generation continues to grow. By storing excess electricity when supply is abundant and releasing it when demand rises, EVs can contribute to a more flexible and resilient energy network.
For homeowners, the technology could translate into lower electricity bills and greater energy independence.
Backup Power During Outages
One of the most practical applications being tested is emergency backup power.
Through an “islanding” function, the vehicle can disconnect from the wider electricity network and supply power directly to a home during outages. Depending on household energy consumption and battery charge level, a fully charged EV could potentially keep an average home running for several days.
As extreme weather events and grid reliability concerns increase globally, vehicle-based backup power is becoming an increasingly attractive feature for EV owners.
Polestar 4 at the Center of the Pilot
The Polestar 4 serves as the test vehicle for the program. While the electric SUV does not currently offer bidirectional charging as a standard feature, Polestar has enabled the functionality specifically for the pilot.
The company plans to make V2X capabilities available more broadly in the future through over-the-air software updates, highlighting the advantages of software-defined vehicles that can gain new functionality after delivery.
Henrik Bang, Managing Director of Polestar Denmark, said electric vehicles will increasingly serve as both transportation and energy assets.
“In the future, the electric vehicle will not only transport people, but also energy,” Bang said. “If electricity prices are high or the energy supply fails, the vehicle can become your power bank for the home or grid.”
Commercial Launch Targeted for 2027
Clever sees the pilot as an important step toward bringing V2X technology into everyday use.
CEO Christina Fink said the project moves bidirectional charging from concept to reality and positions Denmark among the first countries where EVs can routinely provide electricity back to homes and the grid.
The company’s goal is to launch its first commercial V2X services in 2027, creating new opportunities for EV owners to generate value from their vehicles while supporting the broader energy system.
Europe’s Growing V2G Movement
Although the Danish project is the country’s first complete V2X pilot, it is part of a broader trend across Europe.
Several automakers and energy providers are already advancing bidirectional charging initiatives. Renault and The Mobility House launched a commercial V2G offering in France in 2024, while BMW and E.ON introduced Germany’s first commercial V2G service in 2026 alongside the launch of the new BMW iX3.
As charging infrastructure, grid technology, and vehicle capabilities continue to evolve, V2X is increasingly viewed as a key component of future energy systems.
