Germany's Fraunhofer IAF debuts bidirectional EV charger as Lidl expands charging network

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (IAF) and project partner Ambibox demonstrated a compact 800‑volt bidirectional DC charger capable of both receiving and feeding back electricity from electric vehicles. Based on gallium‑nitride power semiconductors, the prototype delivers up to 3 kW and was shown at the PCIM Expo & Conference 2026 in Nuremberg. The technology, developed under the GaN4EmoBiL project, aims to turn EVs into mobile power storage units and improve grid flexibility as Germany’s electric‑vehicle fleet approaches ten million units.

Separately, Lidl operates charging stations at roughly 700 of its German supermarkets. The sites offer fast charging (up to 360 kW) with renewable electricity priced at about €0.29 per kWh. Users access the chargers via the Lidl Plus app, a website, or compatible RFID cards, and each vehicle may charge for a maximum of one hour per visit. The rollout provides shoppers a convenient way to top up their EVs while shopping, addressing the scarcity of public charging points.

Both developments illustrate Germany’s push to enlarge EV infrastructure through innovative technology and retail‑based solutions.