What Is Bidirectional Charging and How Does It Work?

Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to be a marvel of modern transportation technology, allowing users to travel in an energy efficient way without sacrificing vehicle performance. As innovations in the EV industry continue to grow, it is then no surprise that EV adoption rates are still on the rise as more people see the benefits that this type of vehicle can afford them. One of the more interesting technologies that have been developed recently is the use of bidirectional charging for electric vehicles.

But what exactly is bidirectional charging and how does it work? Here’s a quick overview of what this new charging technology is and how it can benefit you as an EV owner.

Understanding Bidirectional Charging

Nowadays, finding available charging stations for your EV is quite easy and a quick online search of “EV charger installer near me” can even yield various results of providers that can help install a charging station in your home or your place of business. In short, charging your EV has been more accessible now than ever before.

Bidirectional charging adds another utility to this function. Instead of your EV just taking in power from a charging station, bidirectional charging allows it to now also transfer that energy to another source, device, or vehicle. Typically the alternating current (AC) electricity your EV receives is converted to direct current (DC), which is then stored in the vehicle’s battery.

Bidirectional charging allows it so that the stored DC energy of your vehicle can be converted back to AC energy, which can then be sent to another location. This then opens up various other possibilities on how to use the energy stored in your EV in addition to just being fuel for the car itself.

Uses for Bidirectional Charging

Given that bidirectional charging allows your EV to send out energy, it can be easily utilised in various other functions. The following are some examples:

Vehicle to grid (V2G)

In this application, users send their EV’s excess energy back to the grid, often with the incentive of getting paid by energy companies for doing so. Not only does this help facilitate a more energy efficient power distribution, it can also be a way to make extra cash. Likewise, this setup presents the idea of EVs as another way to store energy that could prove to be useful when power interruptions occur.

Vehicle to vehicle (V2V)

This application of bidirectional charging involves passing energy from one EV to another. Just imagine how useful it can be to essentially transfer energy between cars. This can even be a way to alleviate range anxiety—a concern among EV users that their car’s power won’t be enough to help them reach their destination—since other EVs can now function as moving charging stations.

Vehicle to home (V2H)

You can also use your EV’s energy to power up your home, allowing you to save further on electricity costs. Think of your car as a backup power source, ensuring that your home can always have a ready supply of energy even in cases when there may be shortages or power maintenance. You can also use this setup to contribute to a more efficient power grid. For example, you can use your EV to power up your home during peak hours, thus lessening the burden on your local grid.

Vehicle to load (V2L)

Last but not least, bidirectional charging can also turn your EV into a power source for appliances, tools, and other devices. While this may require a converter or plug to facilitate energy transfer, it’s well worth it to invest in just for the added convenience of basically having a ready power source on the go. For instance, you can take your EV during camping or a long trip and not have to worry anymore about looking for electricity to power up your laptop or phone.

What’s in It for You?

Now that we’ve discussed the various applications of bidirectional charging, the question that you might be asking yourself is: What benefits am I truly getting from this technology?

First, it’s a great way to save money so long as you know how to maximise your charging and power usage times. Some charging firms, for example, offer lower rates if you charge your EV during off-peak hours, typically at night. Think about utilising these off-peak rates, then using that energy later on to power your home or devices through bidirectional charging. Not only do you save money thanks to the lower charging rate you got, you can also earn more if you happen to sell that power back to the grid.

Another benefit is that it turns your EV into a reliable backup power source, either for your home or business. Power emergencies caused either by repairs or natural disasters can strike unexpectedly, and having the assurance that you have a power source in your EV can give you peace of mind despite these things. Portability is another advantage as bidirectional charging allows your EV to become a mobile power source. As such, there’s no need to worry about finding a nearby power outlet when your car itself can serve as your power source.

Bidirectional charging introduces a new dynamic to how you can use your EV, as it expands and builds upon its existing utility. We hope this article has illuminated you on this charging technology’s benefits and perhaps even encouraged you to use it more in the future.