Say you wanted to turn your home into its own microgrid . Bidirectional charging , also known as V2G or V2H , is the system that helps integrate an EV , while also allowing it to charge other items such as phones , other cars , and electric bikes — it could even power a camping trip .

It ’ s the ability to transfer electricity to and from the car . For example , home charging could be reversed , meaning the energy used to power a car can be returned to the home grid to make use of the energy where it is needed most .

The benefit to bidirectional charging is smart . Smart in a sense that energy usage can be adjusted depending on the driver ’ s habits , but also to leverage the optimal times for charging . If a car charges overnight , the cost is calculated based on the overnight tariff . When the energy from the car is directed back into a home , cheaper energy is used .

Owning an EV with bidirectional charging capabilities is effectively like having a mobile energy storage unit with further applications in your daily life .

From a trade perspective , utilising energy from a vehicle provides them with on-the-go power for tools and equipment required on the job .

Examples of cars with bidirectional charging capabilities :

• Nissan Leaf

• Hyundai Ioniq 5

• Ford F-150

• Kia EV6

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