Wednesday, July 2, 2025 | 11:00am–12:30pm CEST | Webinar Language: English
Discussion Panel: The Future of Bidirectional Charging in the Automotive Industry
Electric vehicles are becoming mobile energy assets—and bidirectional charging will play a key role in this transformation. In this exclusive panel, experts from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Renault/Mobilize, together with futurist Lars Thomsen, will explore how Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and smart charging can redefine both mobility and energy systems. Lars Thomsen will present provocative theses on the next 260 weeks of this evolution, which will be examined and discussed pragmatically with the panelists.
During the webinar participants can submit their questions to get them answered by the experts in the live Q&A. In addition, both the recording and the speakers' presentations will be made available on our digital content platform The smarter E Digital after the webinar.
Roberto Russo is an experienced industry voice leading high-level dialogues at the intersection of energy and mobility. With deep roots in both the automotive and energy sectors, he brings stakeholders together to drive innovation and strategy for a smarter, more sustainable future.
Lars Thomsen, Founder, Future Matters
Lars Thomsen is one of Europe’s leading futurologists, known for his sharp insights into mobility, energy, and societal change. He will kick off the session by presenting his key thesis on how the next 260 weeks will redefine our energy and mobility infrastructure.
Tobias Steger, COO, Mobilize Germany (Renault Group)
Tobias Steger, COO of Mobilize Germany, Renault Group’s mobility and energy brand, is responsible for launching the group’s first commercial V2G service in Germany. With a strong background in smart city charging, he has brought innovative energy solutions to market since 2015, always focusing on customer value.
Dr. Frank Spennemann, Head of Charging Solutions/Energy, Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG
Dr. Frank Spennemann leads charging solutions related to energy at Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG. A strong advocate for vehicle-grid integration (VGI), he has been unlocking battery flexibility since 2016—first with stationary second-life storage, now with EVs on the road.
Alexander Funke, Product Owner Charging/Energy, BMW Group
Alexander Funke worked in the energy sector for nearly 10 years before joining BMW Group, where he has been for the past 8 years. As an Energy Market Expert in BMW’s Group Invention department, he focuses on charging-related services and brings a rare dual-sector perspective to the future of V2G and Smart Charging.
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