Bidirectional charging

Also known as Vehicle-to-grid charging, Vehicle-to-home charging, V2G, V2H, V2X

Bidirectional charging lets a compatible EV charger move electricity into an EV battery and, where supported, discharge energy back to a home, building or the grid.

Bidirectional charging is EV charging that can move electricity in both directions: into the vehicle battery and back out to a home, building, other load or the grid. In UK policy and product material it often sits under V2X, including vehicle-to-home, vehicle-to-building and vehicle-to-grid. It needs a compatible vehicle, bidirectional chargepoint, installation and control arrangement, and the relevant connection, metering, tariff or export setup. It is different from ordinary smart charging, scheduled charging, solar charging and using a home battery. A bidirectional label does not by itself promise backup power, tariff savings, export eligibility, battery-warranty cover or compatibility with every EV.