A growing number of electric vehicles are being produced with bidirectional charging capability, allowing them to not only charge from a power source but also to supply power to other devices, including a home. This technology is expected to become an industry standard in the coming years, with many manufacturers already announcing plans to include it with their future electric vehicles. There are different types of bidirectional charging available, with some EVs capable of powering a house with electricity from their battery pack.
One type of bidirectional charging that enables an EV to power a home is known as vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology, though it is relatively rare among modern EVs. V2H essentially turns the EV into a stationary home storage battery, allowing it to supply power to a home or any other building equipped with the necessary electrical hardware. While the power output of V2H-enabled EVs may not be high enough to run multiple energy-intensive appliances simultaneously, it can still provide electricity to keep the lights on and power essential devices in the home.
In order to utilize a V2H-enabled EV to power a home, the home must also be equipped with a compatible bidirectional charger. Not all home chargers or wall boxes have this functionality, so it is important to ensure that the charger is compatible with V2H technology and is installed by a certified professional. Several companies have announced bidirectional chargers with V2H capabilities, but many are not yet available for purchase. These chargers can range in price from several thousand dollars to more affordable options, depending on the features and functionality provided.
Having a V2H-capable EV offers the advantage of being able to power a home for several days, depending on the size of the EV’s battery pack and the daily electricity needs of the household. Additionally, using an EV for V2H can help reduce monthly electricity bills by utilizing the stored energy in the EV’s battery during peak electricity rate times. Some EVs also allow for storing solar power in their battery packs, further reducing dependence on the grid. Companies like Nissan offer V2G capabilities, allowing users to feed surplus electricity back into the grid and potentially earn money from their EV’s power generation.
General Motors is planning to introduce the Ultium Home system, featuring the PowerShift bidirectional charger with V2H capability. The Chevrolet Silverado EV is said to have enough battery capacity to power a home for up to 21 days, providing increased energy resilience during power outages or emergencies. While the technology to power a home with an EV is available, it is currently only supported by a limited number of EV models and requires specialized equipment and installation. The expense of the bidirectional charger and additional equipment may be a barrier for some consumers, but the potential cost savings and energy independence afforded by V2H technology are significant benefits to consider.
