It’s true, the bidirectional EV charger market is gaining momentum and electric vehicle owners are taking note.
But what are they?
If you’re curious: a bidirectional EV charger is a type of electric vehicle (EV) charging station that can both charge the EV’s battery and also discharge energy from the battery back to the grid (or a building). This two-way capability distinguishes bidirectional chargers from traditional unidirectional chargers, which can only supply power to charge the EV.
Bidirectional EV chargers have two main uses:
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): This means your electric car can share its power with the electricity grid when it needs extra energy, like during busy times in the evening. It’s like your car becomes a mini power plant helping the grid.
Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): With this, your car can power your home. So, when electricity prices are high, you can use the energy stored in your car to save money. Also, during a blackout, your car can act as a backup power source for your house, keeping things running smoothly.
Bidirectional EV chargers are designed to be more efficient in managing energy flows: they allow EV owners not only to charge their vehicles, but also to use the stored energy for various purposes. This can include powering homes or businesses during peak demand periods or selling excess energy back to the grid.
Overall, this capability can help balance electricity supply and demand, enhance grid stability, and support renewable energy integration.
What’s On the Market in 2024
There are many recent developments, with companies like Delta Electronics, Fermata Energy, Siemens (via the Ford Charge Station Pro), Enphase, SolarEdge, Wallbox, and GM Energy making strides in bidirectional charger technology.
One significant milestone is the UL 9741 certification achieved by several bidirectional chargers, including those from Delta Electronics, Fermata Energy, and Siemens. This certification validates the functionality of bidirectional charging equipment, allowing for power export to the grid.
As more companies, such as Enphase, SolarEdge, Wallbox, and GM Energy, gear up to launch their utility-approved bidirectional chargers in the market this year, consumers and installers will have a wide array of options.
This development holds particular promise for homeowners who may have been hesitant to invest in stationary batteries but are now more inclined to leverage their EVs as mobile batteries through bidirectional chargers.
Government support, notably from the Department of Energy (DOE), is propelling vehicle-to-everything (V2X) research forward. The DOE’s collaboration with national labs, local governments, utilities, and private companies aims to accelerate bidirectional charging adoption in energy infrastructure. Key players like GM, Ford, Honda, Sunnova, and Wallbox have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to shape the future of transportation and grid reliability.
Bidirectional EV charging will (most likely) play a vital role in enhancing the electrical grid, improving energy security, and bolstering resilience in the years ahead.
Noteworthy developments in bidirectional charger and V2X technology:
- Enphase is set to launch its bidirectional charger this year, leveraging Enphase grid-forming IQ8 microinverters and proprietary energy management technology.
- SolarEdge anticipates commercial availability of its bidirectional charger in the latter half of 2024, enabling EV charging directly from solar PV systems without AC-to-DC conversions.
- GM Energy introduced the Ultium Home suite, featuring the PowerShift bidirectional charger and V2H enablement kit for use with the 2024 Silverado EV.
- Ford F150 Lightning now allows people to power their home with their trucks, for up to days on end.
These advancements underscore the accelerating pace of bidirectional charger adoption and its potential to transform energy infrastructure, transportation, and grid reliability. Plus, it’s just really cool to power your home with your EV if you need to!
Bidirectional EV Chargers in San Diego
Founding partner of Stellar Solar Brian Grems recently stated that:
“As has been our history, Stellar is taking a leadership role in this area, having already equipped homeowners with the ability to connect their EV to their home as an emergency and overnight power source when combined with their solar and home battery.”
Curious about the possibilities of bidirectional EV chargers in San Diego? Look no further than Stellar Solar, the leading solar company voted Best in San Diego in 2023! At Stellar Solar, we provide a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge energy solutions tailored to your needs.
Our commitment to innovation is evident in our leadership role in bidirectional charging technology. Partnering with us means you can seamlessly connect your EV to your home for emergency and overnight power, all powered by solar and home battery solutions. Or, you can also use solar to power your EV when convenient also!
Ready to take control of your energy future? Let us present you with all the options to revolutionize the way you power your life! If you’re curious about bidirectional charging in San Diego, contact us and we can present you all of your options!
