Your Electric Car Wants to Be a Superhero: The Brilliant World of Bidirectional Charging
Dan Datisky
July 7, 2025
What Is Bidirectional EV Charging?
(Or: Teaching Your Car New Tricks)
Remember when phones just made calls? Now they're pocket computers. Bidirectional charging is doing the same for EVs: instead of just sucking up electricity, your car can now share it—turning your EV into a mobile power station on wheels.
The Three Musketeers of Bidirectional Charging
Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): Your car powers your house (brilliant for blackouts or just showing off)
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): Your car feeds the grid (and earns you money—ka-ching!)
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): Your car powers devices directly (camping? tradies? festival? Sorted!)
How Does This Magic Work?
Spoiler: It's Not Magic—It's Clever Engineering
Your EV’s battery speaks DC (direct current), while your home and the grid speak AC (alternating current). A bidirectional charger is the “translator” that makes it all possible.
The Tech Breakdown (No Headaches, Promise):
The Kit:
A compatible EV (not all models are superheroes yet)
A bidirectional charger (the magic box)
Smart software (the brains of the operation)
The right connectors (CHAdeMO or CCS2—think of them as different plug shapes)
How It Works:
Plug in your car (easy!)
Smart software checks energy prices, your needs, and the grid
It decides: charge up now? Discharge later?
You sit back with a cuppa—your car does the hard work
Safety First: You set minimum charge levels (e.g., always keep 30% for the school run tomorrow). It's like a digital babysitter for your battery.
V2H: Your Car, The Blackout Buster
Imagine the next storm hits and everyone loses power—except you. That’s V2H/V2L in action.
EV Model
Bidirectional Output
Home Backup Duration
Approx. Price (AUD, 2025)
Nissan Leaf e+
Up to 7 kW (V2H/V2G)
1–2 days (entire home) Up to 4 days (essentials)
$54,000
Hyundai IONIQ 5
3.6 kW (V2L)
8–18 hours (essentials, e.g. fridge, lights, kettle)
$72,000
Kia EV6
3.6 kW (V2L)
8–18 hours (essentials)
$78,000
BYD Seal
3.3 kW (V2L)
Up to 15 hours (essentials)
$49,000
Note: Most new EVs in Australia will support V2H or V2L from 2025 onward. Ask your dealer!
Setting It Up (Easier Than IKEA!)
Install a transfer switch—disconnects you from the grid safely
Add a bidirectional charger—your magic box
Connect to your home’s panel—let a licensed sparky handle this!
Download the app—because, of course
Pro tip: Some systems sync with your rooftop solar, storing surplus sunshine in your car.
V2G: Your Car, The Side Hustle
Your car becomes a mini power station—charging up overnight (cheap) and selling energy back during peak (expensive). Here’s what the money can look like in Australia:
Scenario
Buy Price (c/kWh)
Sell Price (c/kWh)
Annual Earnings (Estimate)
V2G Only (Sydney)
8
35
$900–$1,400
V2G + Solar (Melbourne)
0 (solar export)
35–50
$1,200–$1,800
V2H Backup Only
–
–
Value = blackout protection (non-cash)
Assumes 6–10 kWh/day export during peak rates. Your results will depend on your utility and usage.
V2L: Your Giant Power Bank
Perfect for:
Camping (fridge, kettle, fairy lights—sorted)
Tradies on site (run tools all day)
Home parties (the DJ never runs out of juice)
Real-life Aussie Example: A builder in the Blue Mountains uses his Hyundai IONIQ 5 to run saws and drills all day—no noisy generator needed!
Aussie Benefits That’ll Make You Grin
For You:
Blackout insurance (your house, not your street, stays on)
Lower bills (charge cheap, use/sell expensive)
Bragging rights: “My car paid for our power bill!”
Eco points: the ultimate in sustainable living
For Australia:
Grid stability (less strain, fewer blackouts)
More renewables (helps balance wind/solar swings)
Less reliance on imported energy
Challenges (And Real-World Solutions)
Challenge
Solution
Not all cars are V2H/V2G-ready yet
2025–26: Most new EVs will support it. Always check the model specs before you buy!
Charger costs ($4,000–$10,000 installed)
Prices are dropping, and rebates are likely. Compare quotes—shop around!
Battery wear worries
Smart V2G software keeps batteries in the “happy zone” (20–80%). Studies show V2G can extend battery life.
Complex setup
Accredited installers now offer “turnkey” V2G/V2H packages—including VoltaRocks Channel support.
V2L: Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, BYD Seal, Genesis GV60, (most new EVs soon)
Coming Soon: VW ID. family, BMW iX, Mercedes EQS, many more!
Bidirectional charger brands to watch:
Wallbox Quasar 2
Indra Smart PRO
Ocular FlexiHome
Ford Charge Station Pro (coming with F-150 Lightning in Aus)
The Green Impact
If just 10% of Australia’s EVs did V2G, we could take the pressure off multiple gas peaker plants—helping meet net-zero targets faster and making our energy bills a whole lot friendlier.
Your Action Plan (The “Superhero Checklist”)
Check your EV: Is it bidirectional-ready?
Compare chargers: Look at price, features, and VPP support
Talk to your energy provider: Some now offer V2G tariffs and sign-on bonuses
Get quotes from accredited installers: Use VoltaRocks Channel for transparent, up-front pricing and app support
Start with V2L if you can: Then graduate to V2H or V2G as tech arrives
Final Word
Bidirectional charging isn’t just a geeky side show—it’s your ticket to lower bills, blackout protection, and a real say in Australia’s clean energy future. Your car can be the superhero your home (and the grid) deserves.
Ready to give your EV a side hustle? The future’s electric—and it’s already rolling up your driveway!
