Bidirectional charging is an emerging feature in the electric vehicle (EV) world that allows owners to utilize their cars as energy storage devices. It enables EVs to send power back to homes, appliances, and even the utility grid. While bidirectional charging is currently available in only a few models, it is quickly gaining popularity and becoming more widespread.
One of the automakers leading the way in bidirectional charging is GM. In August, GM announced that all its electric vehicles will come standard with this feature by model year 2026. This move shows the growing recognition of bidirectional charging as a valuable technology in the EV industry. Even Tesla, whose CEO Elon Musk initially dismissed bidirectional charging as “inconvenient,” confirmed that all its models will support this functionality by 2025.
The significance of bidirectional charging is also recognized by lawmakers in California. Legislation requiring bidirectionality as a standard feature in all EVs sold in the state has already cleared the Senate and is being considered by the House. State Sen. Nancy Skinner, the bill’s sponsor, emphasizes that EVs are “energy storage on wheels” and believes that utilizing the battery’s capacity for purposes beyond driving is essential.
So, what exactly is bidirectional charging? Typically, EV charging involves a one-way process where electricity flows from a power source to the car’s battery. Bidirectional charging, on the other hand, allows the EV to convert stored DC energy back into AC electricity. This opens up various possibilities for utilizing the power stored in the battery.
One application of bidirectional charging is vehicle-to-home (V2H) or vehicle-to-building (V2B) functionality. During a power outage, a fully charged EV battery can serve as a backup generator for a home for up to two days. Additionally, with smart-charging technology, EV owners can take advantage of off-peak hours to charge their vehicles and then use the stored energy to power their homes when electricity prices are higher. This can lead to significant savings on energy bills.
Another use of bidirectional charging is vehicle-to-grid (V2G). EVs equipped with V2G capabilities can send electricity back to the utility network, similar to how homeowners with solar power can contribute energy to the grid. This not only helps stabilize the grid but also allows EV owners to earn money by selling the excess energy they provide. According to data from the University of Rochester, an EV owner with a V2G charger could save up to $150 per year on their electricity bill.
Bidirectional charging also enables vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. With a simple adapter, EV owners can use their cars to power camping equipment, power tools, home appliances, or any other standalone devices. This versatility makes EVs even more practical and convenient for various everyday applications.
Some manufacturers have already embraced bidirectional charging in their EV models. The Ford F-150 Lightning, Nissan Leaf, and Volkswagen ID.4 are among the vehicles that offer bidirectional charging capabilities. However, it is important to note that bidirectional functionality is not yet universal across all EVs.
Nevertheless, automakers are recognizing the demand for bidirectional charging and are swiftly adding it to their lineups. BMW, Volvo, and Porsche are reportedly testing this feature, and GM has already made V2H charging a default feature starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST. Ram is also planning to launch its first vehicle with bidirectional charging, the Ram 1500 REV electric truck, in Q4 of 2024.
The widespread adoption of bidirectional charging will help accelerate the transition towards an all-electric future. It provides EV owners with additional benefits such as backup power during outages, potential energy bill savings, and the ability to contribute to a more stable and sustainable energy grid. As more automakers incorporate bidirectional charging into their models, this technology is poised to become a standard feature in the EV industry.