Over the past months, there has been a new craze that seemingly has divided the EV industry. Bidirectional charging; what is it? With so many portable EV charging solutions out there, will bidirectional charging become more mainstream? Find out everything you need to know here.

 

What is Bidirectional Charging?

Bidirectional charging allows electric vehicle batteries to be charged as well as the energy stored in the batteries to be pushed back to the power grid to assist balance out short-term surges in electricity demand.

Vehicle-to-grid (or V2G) technology enables bidirectional charging. V2G allows interfacing with the energy system and the use of demand response services to assist in stabilising the power grid.

This works, when the EV is charging, alternating current electricity (AC) is changed into direct current (DC), which is used by an electric car. Either the car’s internal converter or a converter housed in the charger performs this conversion. The DC electricity used in the automobile must then be converted back to AC electricity when you wish to use the energy stored in the EV’s battery for a house or send it back to the grid.

 

What Are the Benefits of Bidirectional Chargers?

There are certain benefits to bidirectional charging. Many EV owners can actually make money by selling their excess EV charge back to the grid. Any energy gathered and stored in the battery of your electric vehicle (EV) can be sold back to the grid, whether it comes from your own energy sources, such as solar panels on your roof, renewable load following, your home’s power source, or your local supermarket charger.

In addition, by combining bidirectional EV charge with your own renewable energy source, you have the ability to become self-sufficient. If your house is powered by solar panels throughout the day, this energy can be stored in your EV to use at night, or the next day.

 

Is This the Future of EV Charging?

Currently, apart from Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi, there are not that many vehicles that support bidirectional charging. As they become more popular and infrastructure is established, bidirectional chargers are projected to become less expensive in the coming years. Many EV owners, on the other hand, will need to be convinced that frequent charging and discharging will not cause their batteries to degrade faster.

However, even though bidirectional charging and vehicle-to-home may appear to be convenient at first look, you should proceed with caution. Manufacturers may be able to extend warranties in the future years when new battery generations become available. The risk to you would be lower, and using your vehicle through V2H would be more appealing. Therefore, alternatives should be considered.

Portable EV charging is vital to ensure drivers are remaining fully charged no matter their journey. For any off-grid road trips that will require recharging, a portable EV charger can relieve any range anxiety and make sure you feel confident driving.

 

Elite Electric Vehicle

Here at Elite EV Charge, we offer a wide range of services for portable electric vehicle charging. Portable EV charging is a great way to help the planet move toward carbon-free solutions in an effort to lower its overall carbon footprint.

For more information, or to receive a quote, fill in our online form here. One of our specialists will shortly be in touch to see how we can help you. Or, why not follow us on Instagram? Our social media team posts daily content on the latest EV news and the benefits of portable EV charging.