What is Bidirectional EV Charging?

Bidirectional EV charging involves a two-way flow of electricity, enabling not only charging from the grid but also serving as a home power source, contributing excess energy back to the grid and acting as backup power during emergencies. EVs with bidirectional capabilities function as large batteries on wheels, allowing them to store cost-effective off-peak electricity or solar power, ultimately reducing household electricity costs.

How does Bidirectional EV Charging Work?

Bidirectional EV charging requires a two-way charging system. Unlike standard chargers that use AC, bidirectional chargers, functioning like inverters, convert AC to DC during charging and reverse the process during discharging. However, it should be noted that bidirectional chargers can only be used with vehicles having two-way DC charging capabilities.

During charging, the AC electricity from the grid is converted to DC, either within the car’s converter or within the charger’s converter. When storing energy for use in a home or feeding it back into the grid, the necessary conversion from DC to AC is performed. Despite their limited availability, all bidirectional EV chargers have internal converters to manage the electrical conversion process from DC to AC and to regulate power supplied to and from the battery.

The higher cost of bidirectional chargers is attributed to their complexity, involving advanced electronics for effective energy flow management. Additionally, bidirectional chargers for home power supply incorporate extra components for load handling and grid isolation during outages (islanding).

Also Read: EV Charging Rules

What are the Primary Functions for Bidirectional EV Charging?

Bidirectional EV chargers serve three primary functions:

1. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G):

V2G uses bidirectional EV chargers to supply power from the EV’s battery to the grid via an embedded DC-to-AC converter. This smart charging technology balances energy needs, allowing EVs to charge during off-peak hours and contribute excess energy to the grid during peak demand. This transforms parked EVs into power banks, ensuring a continuous energy supply.

Exporting stored EV battery energy to the grid presents challenges due to regulatory obstacles and the lack of standardized charging protocols. Some manufacturers have developed AC bidirectional chargers for home power supply. Most EVs have standard CCS DC charge ports, and future models will likely feature V2H and V2G capability.

2. Vehicle-to-Home (V2H):

Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) is a technology that uses an electric vehicle (EV) as a local power source for homes. In contrast to Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) channels, V2H channels harnessed energy to power the home rather than the grid. When combined with rooftop solar and a bidirectional EV charger, the EV functions as a domestic battery system, increasing self-sufficiency.

V2H provides backup power during blackouts by adjusting energy flow based on grid conditions, offsetting grid power, or charging the EV with surplus solar energy. In blackout scenarios, the system disconnects from the grid, using the bidirectional inverter and EV battery as an off-grid power source. V2H, similar to V2G, optimizes EV charging and electricity usage, reducing peak pressure to balance supply grids.

3. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L):

Vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology eliminates the need for a bidirectional charger, simplifying the system. Vehicles equipped with V2L have built-in bidirectional chargers and standard AC power outlets for connecting to household appliances. In emergencies, extension cords can be used to power critical loads such as lighting, computers, refrigerators, and cooking appliances.