Bidirectional charging
Unlike petrol or diesel engines, electric vehicles (EVs) use electricity stored in a large rechargeable onboard battery pack to run the motor. These batteries are similar to what you find in a mobile phone or laptop — just much bigger and more powerful. Bidirectional charging will allow you to make the most of renewable electricity and reduce your energy bills. For more information about how EVs work see Driving into the future – a guide to electric vehicles.
Bidirectional charging lets energy flow both to and from your electric vehicle battery. This is called vehicle to everything (V2X), and it includes:
- Vehicle to Load (V2L)
- Vehicle to Home (V2H)
- Vehicle to Grid (V2G)
The features you can use depend on your EV model. This page will explain what the different types of bidirectional charging are, and what you should know.
Vehicle to Load
Vehicle to Load (V2L) is available in many EVs. It lets you power devices like laptops, fridges, e-bikes, and tools. This can be particularly useful during power outages or if you need power when away from home, for example when camping.
Some cars have a 240V outlet inside, or you can use an adaptor on the charge port. V2L doesn’t need a special charger or grid connection.
Vehicle to Home and Vehicle to Building
Vehicle to Home (V2H) powers your home using your car battery.
Vehicle to Building (V2B) is like V2H, but instead of powering a single dwelling, V2B can support larger buildings, including apartments, commercial or industrial sites. Because of this, multiple EVs are often needed for V2B.
You can use V2H or V2B during peak times when electricity is most expensive. Charging your car with solar during the day or late at night helps lower your bills and supports the grid.
Your EV can also provide backup power during blackouts, sometimes for several days depending on battery size. To do this safely, your home must disconnect from the grid during outages. Your installer can explain the setup and costs.
Your EV may be able to provide backup power during blackouts for as long as several days depending on battery size. To do this safely, your home must disconnect from the grid during outages. Your installer can explain the setup and costs.
Vehicle to Grid
Vehicle to Grid (V2G) sends energy from your EV battery back to the grid through an energy retailer. You may earn money through special tariffs.
In the ACT, only EVs with CCS2 plugs can use V2G and V2H. Export limits are set by Evoenergy, the electricity and gas network operator in the ACT. Information about export limits can be found on Evoenergy’s website.
Adopting bidirectional charging in the ACT
There are now several chargers that have been certified by the Clean Energy Council making them eligible for a grid connection in the ACT. However, for V2G to be adopted more broadly in the ACT two key challenges remain:
- Vehicle warranties – Manufacturers must provide warranties that cover energy export. There are several V2G trials underway where the vehicle manufacturer allows participation under the vehicle warranty but that has not been extended outside of the trials.
- Retailer services – Electricity retailers need to develop services that fully enable V2G functionality to be able to send power back to the grid. These are commercial decisions for individual retailers.
The ACT Government is actively engaged in national forums to address technical, regulatory, and market challenges, ensuring a coordinated approach that delivers benefits to our community. This includes support regulatory harmonisation, streamline standards, and improve the integration of bidirectional technologies across Australia.
Home electrical requirements
To use V2G, you need a smart meter to track energy going to and from the grid. You may also need electrical work, such as a switchboard upgrade to install a bidirectional charger.
Bidirectional chargers are available that work with either single phase or 3-phase power depending on your home setup.
A licensed electrician can assess your setup and provide advice on any changes needed to get started with V2G.
Is Vehicle to Home or Vehicle to Grid right for me?
Here are some things you should know about installing V2H or V2G bidirectional charging:
Right now, only a few cars support V2H/V2B or V2G. While vehicles may be technically capable of bidirectional charging the vehicle warranty will not cover that activity.
Most EVs with V2H or V2G capability currently use CHAdeMO plugs. There will be very few Clean Energy Council certified chargers that are compatible with CHAdeMO..
Bidirectional charging technology is developing quickly, and more compatible EVs are expected in the ACT over the next few years.
Check if your car is compatible by visiting the manufacturer’s Australian website or check the documentation that was provided to you when you purchased the vehicle.
Vehicle to Grid works best if your car is plugged in during peak times (like 5–8pm). If you drive a lot during those hours, the benefits may be limited.
The amount you can earn on V2G depends on many factors like when your car is plugged in and how much solar energy you have. Financial incentives may be small unless network demand is very high.
Vehicle to Home works best if your car is plugged in during the times your household uses the most electricity at the highest prices.
Solar panels aren’t required but can boost energy bill savings. Think of your vehicle like a home battery. Charging your EV with extra solar lets you use or sell electricity when solar power isn’t available, or electricity demand is high.
There are many ways you can create an energy smart home. Think about your energy use and lifestyle to decide if solar, a home battery, or bidirectional charging is best for you.
Check your car’s warranty before using bidirectional charging (or V2X). Some warranties limit how often the battery can charge and discharge.
Further research is needed on how bidirectional charging affects EV battery life. However, since it draws less power than driving and does so more steadily, it’s expected to have minimal impact.
You can control how much energy your EV sends to your home or the grid, so you’ll still have enough charge to drive. Most EV owners find they don’t need to charge as often as they thought.
Several bidirectional chargers are currently certified by the Clean Energy Council and approved for use in the ACT. More models should be available from 2026 onwards.
Your installer will handle the grid connection process, but make sure they provide you with Evoenergy’s approval letter before installation begins.
It is important to shop around and compare quotes for prices and quality.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.