Bidirectional Charging: The Game-Changing Technology Turning EVs into Mobile Power Plants

Electric vehicles are no longer just transportation—they're becoming critical infrastructure for the energy transition. Bidirectional charging technology, which allows EVs to discharge electricity back to homes and the grid, is moving from concept to reality with stunning results from pilot programs worldwide.

What is Bidirectional Charging?

Bidirectional charging encompasses two primary applications:

**Vehicle-to-Home (V2H):** An EV's battery discharges electricity to power a household, providing backup power during outages and reducing reliance on grid electricity during peak pricing periods.

**Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G):** EVs export energy back into the wider electricity network, helping utilities manage peak demand and integrate renewable energy sources.

Energy transition experts describe this capability as "fundamental to the energy transition," noting that as EVs become the default vehicle, the massive amount of distributed storage they represent cannot fail to have a huge impact on the grid.

Utrecht: A European Success Story

The "Utrecht Energized" project in the Netherlands launched in July 2025 with 50 Renault 5 E-Tech EVs and 50 bidirectional chargers integrated into the MyWheels ride-sharing fleet. The city was chosen as an ideal testbed because roughly 35% of its rooftops already host solar PV installations.

The results exceeded expectations:

- Evening peak demand fell by **300 kW** in the first five months

- EVs collectively supplied more than **65,000 kWh** during this period

- Average of **1,300 kWh per car** (118 hours of discharge per vehicle)

- Cars discharge around 18:00 daily, precisely when grid demand peaks

Buoyed by these outcomes, the program is expanding its fleet to 170 EVs with a goal of cutting evening peak demand by 1 MW. A further expansion to 500 vehicles is planned for 2026.

Real-World Consumer Benefits

Independent analyses reveal substantial financial advantages for EV owners:

EY's Pan-European Study (2025) Projects:

- By 2030: EVs could supply 4% of Europe's annual electricity (114 TWh)—enough to power 30 million homes

- By 2040: contribution could rise to 10%

Consumer Savings by Vehicle Type:

- UK compact EVs: up to 19% cost reduction (€1,230/year)

- Germany family cars: 23% savings (€1,800/year)

- Germany SUVs: 29% savings (€3,000/year)

These savings come from avoiding peak tariffs and supplying surplus energy to the home or grid.

Bavaria Case Study: Real Home Implementation

Oliver Hille of Baumann Solartechnik in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, retrofitted a 25 kW EV DC charger to work alongside his existing SigenStor home battery. The results demonstrate the technology's practical viability:

- More than 50% of household electricity from solar + battery + EV

- 54% of solar generation consumed on-site

- Charged 190 kWh into car and discharged back to house

- Seamless integration with existing home energy systems

Legislative Progress Removes Barriers

In November 2025, the German Parliament ended the de-facto double taxation of V2G applications. Previously, electricity charged into a vehicle and later discharged back to the grid was taxed and subject to grid fees in both directions. Under new rules, EVs participating in V2G are treated the same as stationary batteries.

This legislative shift removes a major economic barrier and signals growing governmental support for bidirectional charging infrastructure.

Implications for New York Commercial Properties

For New York businesses considering EV charging infrastructure:

**Grid Services Revenue:** Commercial properties with EV fleets could participate in demand response programs, generating revenue by discharging during peak periods.

**Resilience:** V2H capabilities provide backup power during grid outages, critical for businesses requiring continuous operation.

**Utility Bill Reduction:** Smart charging and discharging can dramatically reduce demand charges, often the largest component of commercial electricity bills.

**Future-Proofing:** Installing bidirectional-capable infrastructure now positions properties for emerging utility programs and revenue opportunities.

**Volkswagen's 2025 Specification:** All VW ID range models now include approved bidirectional energy throughput, signaling that major manufacturers are standardizing this capability.

As New York advances its climate goals and grid modernization efforts, bidirectional charging represents not just a technology upgrade but a fundamental reimagining of how vehicles, buildings, and the grid interact. For commercial property owners, early adoption positions them at the forefront of this transformation.