What is Bi-Directional Charging?
When you are charging your XC60 or preparing to charge your XC90, you generally will only think of the energy flowing in one direction, into your vehicle. However, things are about to change in the land of electric vehicles, and the key players will soon be asking, “Does this vehicle have bi-directional charging?”
Breaking the term down, it’s easy to see from the name that it implies sending power between two sources in both directions, as opposed to the traditional one-way charging, but let’s delve into it deeper.
Bi-directional charging simply means the vehicle can both charge its battery and supply power to other devices. In a way, it’s like a plug that draws power from an outlet but can also give power to other items from the car’s battery. Bi-directional charging is two-way process, unlike unidirectional (one-way) charging.
With bi-directional charging, alternating current (AC) from the power grid is converted into direct current (DC) electricity for the vehicle. Electric vehicles equipped with this two-way charging system can receive and dispense electricity. A notable example of this technology in action was in 2021 when a store caused a power grid shutdown in Texas, USA. While electricity was cut off for everyone, those who owned an electric vehicle with bi-directional charging were able to convert their car’s stored energy into AC electricity, effectively powering essential appliances like lights, kitchen stoves, and in some cases entire homes.
V2G, V2H, V2L, and V2V
As most modern innovations, bi-directional charging comes with its own set of terminology, including ‘V2G and V2H, V2L, and V2V’.
- V2G refers to vehicle-to-grid
- V2H stands for vehicle to home
- V2L means vehicle-to-load
- V2V to vehicle to vehicle.
First, vehicle to grid (V2G). V2G represents the ability of a bi-directionally charging vehicle send back power to the local grid. After receiving power during off-peak electricity hours, it can be returned to the grid during peak hours. As vehicles are typically parked most of the time, they can store the power when needed and then give it back to help support the grid. Electrified vehicles connected to smart chargers when idle can either take or send power, helping to maintain grid stability during unexpected weather events.
Next, vehicle to home (V2H). V2H refers to the ability of bi-directional charging to supply power to your home via connected extension cords. A bonus fact is that an idle EV can charge during off-peak hours when electricity is less costly, then power your home during peak times, helping you save money and reduce strain on the grid.
Vehicle to load (V2L) is probably the most common form of bi-directional charging available today. With V2L, you can use your EV’s battery to power tools and appliances on the go. Imagine, come December, you and your family are hunting for a wild Christmas tree, well, there would be no reason to worry if the electric chainsaw is out of power — you can charge it using your vehicle. The only caveat is that this type of charging requires vehicles with built-in converters and 120-volt or higher outputs for charging appliances. However, these features are becoming increasingly common.
Lastly, Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) allows you to pass energy from your car to another vehicle, which is another varient of V2L charging. This allows you to pass on energy from your car’s battery to another.
Range anxiety? Never heard of it.
The Drive Away
Overall, when considering the basic facts and benefits of bi-directional charging, it mainly comes down the ability to store back up power for your home (or business), create a portable power source, and potentially give you the ability to save money on energy use.
Currently, the EX90 is set to be the first Volvo with bi-directional charging. However, with Volvo’s goal of being 100% electric in the future, they plan to integrate this feature into their upcoming models, starting with selected markets.
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