from an article in Sept.
How can I use bidirectional charging?
Depending on the setup, the power stored in the battery can be used in different ways:
Vehicle to home (V2H): Also known as vehicle to building (V2B),this functionality allows your car to serve as a backup generator during a power outage. A fully charged EV battery holds about
60 kilowatt-hours of electricity on average, enough to power a home for two days.
With smart-charging technology, you could also use V2H tech to lower your energy bill by charging your EV during off-peak hours and powering your home when prices are higher.
Vehicle to grid (V2G): A vehicle with V2G charging capability can send electricity back to the utility network, just like homeowners with solar power can do. Not only are you helping stabilize the grid, you get paid for the energy you provide.
An EV owner with a V2G charger could save
up to $150 per year on their electricity bill, according to data from the University of Rochester.
Vehicle to load (V2L): The most basic type of bidirectional charging. Typically, an adapter is all you need for your car to power camping equipment, power tools, home appliances or other standalone devices.
Vehicle to vehicle (V2V): Another form of V2L, this allows EV owners to provide power to an EV that's run out -- similar to giving a "jump" to a gas-powered automobile.
Vehicle to everything (V2X): An umbrella term that encompasses all bidirectional charging options.
Which EVs offer bidirectional charging?
Only a limited number of EVs sold in the US offer any form of bidirectional charging. They include:
- Ford F-150 Lightning (V2G)
- Genesis GV60 (V2L)
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 (V2L)
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 (V2L)
- Kia EV6 (V2L)
- Kia Niro (V2L)
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (V2L)
- Nissan Leaf (V2H, V2G)
- VW ID.4 (V2H)
When will bidirectional charging become standard?
While bidirectional functionality is by no means universal, automakers are swiftly adding it to their lineups to meet demand and, potentially, get ahead of regulators.
BMW,
Volvo and
Porsche are all reportedly testing functionality. Tesla has said all of its models will support bidirectionality by 2025.
General Motors will make V2H charging
a default feature starting with the
2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST. The GM rollout will continue with the
2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1,
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, the
2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, the
2024 Cadillac Lyriq and the 2025 Escalade IQ, Cadillac's first full-size all-electric SUV.