Core Insights - Wallbox has successfully completed the first U.S. residential installations of its Quasar 2 bidirectional charger, allowing households to power their homes directly from their Kia EV9, transforming the vehicle into a sustainable energy source [1][2] Company Developments - Six Quasar 2 units were installed in Menifee, California, in collaboration with Kia America and the University of California, Irvine, showcasing vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology in real residential settings [2] - The Quasar 2 charger enables electric vehicles to discharge energy back into homes, helping homeowners reduce electricity bills and contribute to grid stability during peak demand [3] Industry Impact - The initiative represents a significant step towards a future where electric vehicles serve as energy assets, enhancing homeowners' control over their energy consumption and promoting sustainability [4] - The project is part of a broader effort to integrate EVs, homes, and smart energy systems, aiming to create more sustainable and resilient communities [4] - Kia's V2H technology is part of the Kia Connect suite of services, emphasizing the role of electric vehicles in energy management and sustainability [5] Research Collaboration - The collaboration between Wallbox, Kia, and UCI highlights the importance of partnerships between research institutions and industry to gather data and insights necessary for scaling V2H deployment [5]

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant growth of the connected car market in South Korea, with a year-on-year increase of 11% in Q2 2025, driven by the accelerated launch of vehicles with built-in cellular connectivity [4][6] - The market is expected to mature, with a forecasted penetration rate of 100% for built-in cellular connectivity by 2030, indicating a stable demand for digital mobility features among consumers [4][6] Market Performance - In Q2 2025, 83% of all connected cars sold in South Korea were equipped with built-in network capabilities, showcasing the strong execution by local automakers [4][6] - Hyundai-Kia Group leads the market with a 60% share, achieving a 12% increase in connected car sales year-on-year, attributed to their continuous digital services across various powertrain models [6][7] Technological Advancements - Currently, approximately 94% of connected cars in South Korea utilize 4G networks, but by 2030, it is anticipated that 88% will transition to 5G, enhancing real-time cloud services and vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communication [6][7] - The shift towards 5G is supported by a robust technological environment in South Korea, including comprehensive 5G coverage and government-backed smart mobility policies [7] Competitive Landscape - Hyundai and Kia's connected services platforms, Bluelink and Kia Connect, are widely adopted across electric and fuel vehicles, providing features such as remote access, navigation, and vehicle health monitoring [6][7] - The article emphasizes that the transition from hardware-driven to software-defined vehicles is being accelerated by collaborations between automakers and telecom operators [7]