All forms of electric vehicles (EVs) can help improve fuel economy, lower fuel costs, and reduce emissions. Using electricity as a power source for transportation improves public health and the environment, and provides safety benefits, and contributes to a resilient transportation system.
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The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. A successful transition to clean transportation will require various vehicle and fuel solutions and must consider life cycle emissions. Electric and hybrid vehicles can have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles. All-electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) produce no tailpipe emissions when operating in all-electric mode. Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) emissions benefits vary by vehicle model and type of hybrid power system.
The life cycle emissions of an electric vehicle depend on the source of the electricity used to charge it, which varies by region. In geographic areas that use relatively low-polluting energy sources for electricity production, electric vehicles typically have a life cycle emissions advantage over similar conventional vehicles running on gasoline or diesel. In regions that depend heavily on conventional electricity generation, electric vehicles may not demonstrate a strong life cycle emissions benefit. Use the Electricity Sources and Emissions Tool to compare life cycle emissions of individual vehicle models in a given location.
The advanced batteries in electric vehicles are designed for extended life but will wear out eventually. Several manufacturers of electric vehicles are offering 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranties. Predictive modeling by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory indicates that today’s batteries may last 12 to 15 years in moderate climates (8 to 12 years in extreme climates). In addition to climate, other factors impacting battery life include driving and charging patterns, battery cell chemistry and design, and the vehicle-battery-environment thermal system.
Check with your dealer for model-specific information about battery life and warranties. Although manufacturers have not published pricing for replacement batteries, some are offering extended warranty programs with monthly fees. If the batteries need to be replaced outside the warranty, it may be a significant expense. Battery prices are expected to continue declining as battery technologies improve and production volumes increase.
Although energy costs for EVs are generally lower than for similar conventional vehicles, purchase prices can be significantly higher. Prices are likely to equalize with conventional vehicles, as production volumes increase and battery technologies continue to mature. Also, initial costs can be offset by fuel cost savings, federal tax credits, and state and utility incentives. The federal Clean Vehicle Tax Credits are available are available to consumers, fleets, businesses, and tax-exempt entities investing in new, used, and commercial clean vehicles—including all-electric vehicles, PHEVs, fuel cell EVs—and EV charging infrastructure. Some states and electric utilities also offer incentives, many of which can be found in the Laws and Incentives database. For more information on available incentives, connect with your local Clean Cities and Communities coalition.
Use the Vehicle Cost Calculator to compare lifetime ownership costs of individual models of electric vehicles and conventional vehicles.
Electric vehicles can reduce fuel costs dramatically because of the high efficiency of electric-drive components. Because all-electric vehicles and PHEVs rely in whole or part on electric power, their fuel economy is measured differently than that of conventional vehicles. Miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles are common metrics. Depending on how they are driven, today's light-duty all-electric vehicles (or PHEVs in electric mode) can exceed 130 MPGe and can drive 100 miles consuming only 25–40 kWh.
HEVs typically achieve better fuel economy and have lower fuel costs than similar conventional vehicles. For example, FuelEconomy.gov lists the Toyota Corolla Hybrid at an EPA combined city-and-highway fuel economy estimate of 50 miles per gallon (MPG), while the estimate for the conventional Corolla (four cylinder, automatic) is 35 MPG. Use the Find A Car tool on FuelEconomy.gov to compare fuel economy ratings of individual hybrid and conventional models.
The fuel economy of medium- and heavy-duty all-electric vehicles and PHEVs is highly dependent on the load carried and the duty cycle, but in the right applications, all-electric vehicles maintain a strong fuel-to-cost advantage over their conventional counterparts.
All-electric vehicles and PHEVs have the benefit of flexible charging because the electric grid is near most locations where people park. To safely deliver energy from the electric grid to a vehicle’s battery, an EV charging station, sometimes referred to as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), is needed. Drivers can charge overnight at a residence, including multifamily housing, as well as the workplace or a public charging station when available. PHEVs have added flexibility because they can also refuel with gasoline or diesel (or possibly other fuels in the future) when necessary.
Public charging stations are not as ubiquitous as gas stations. Charging equipment manufacturers, automakers, utilities, Clean Cities and Communities coalitions, states, municipalities, and government agencies are rapidly establishing a national network of public charging stations. The number of publicly accessible charging stations in the United States reached more than 60,000 in , offering more than 162,000 charging ports, according to the Alternative Fueling Station Locator. Search for electric charging stations near you.
The transportation sector accounts for approximately 30% of total U.S. energy needs and 70% of U.S. petroleum consumption. Using more energy efficient vehicles like hybrid and electric vehicles supports the U.S. economy and helps diversify the U.S. transportation fleet. The multiple fuel sources used to generate electricity results in a more secure energy source for the electrified portion of the transportation sector. All of this strengthens national energy security by increasing resilience to natural disasters and fuel supply disruptions.
HEVs typically use less fuel than similar conventional vehicles because they employ electric-drive technologies to boost vehicle efficiency through regenerative braking—recapturing energy otherwise lost during braking. PHEVs and all-electric vehicles, also referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are both capable of being powered solely by electricity, which is produced in the United States from natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, wind energy, hydropower, and solar energy.
During events like Hurricane Helene, which left thousands without power along the coast, residents have faced extended outages as utility crews worked to restore damaged infrastructure. Electric vehicle (EV) owners, especially those with large-capacity batteries, have been frustrated that they couldn't use their vehicles' stored energy to power their homes or essential devices. While EVs have substantial energy storage, most are designed only to power the vehicle itself, not to provide backup power for homes.
EV bidirectional charging technology, however, is emerging as a solution for these situations. This technology allows EV owners to power essential loads in their homes during outages, either through specialized wall box units or directly from the vehicle. Bidirectional charging offers critical benefits to households or utility companies by helping stabilize the grid and manage demand more flexibly. For families, it provides a dependable source of emergency power, reducing reliance on traditional generators or solar battery storage.
With the growing frequency of extreme weather events, bidirectional charging is becoming more valuable. Automakers such as Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lucid, Nissan, and Tesla are leading the way in offering bidirectional capabilities in their vehicles, making it easier for EV owners to stay prepared and energy-independent in times of crisis. Many people are wondering, what is bidirectional charging and how does it work.
As the name describes, bidirectional charging is EV charging that goes two ways: pulling power from the grid to charge the EV’s battery and supplying electricity for other loads from the battery as needed. An electric car can help power a home, business, the utility grid, another vehicle, or specific loads by using EV bidirectional charging.
Currently, the Nissan Leaf has bidirectional charging abilities and requires installing a power supply center in the home to take advantage of this power for household use. The Ford 150 Lightning, can deliver 9.6 kW of power to a home for several days through the home’s electrical panel. This setup requires Ford’s Charge Station Pro and a 100-amp circuit. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6 can also power loads and supply 3.6 kW of electricity.
Alternating current (AC) power from the grid is converted to direct current (DC) voltage that is stored in the car’s battery while charging. Then, EV drivers can access the power in the battery to power a home or add power back to the electricity grid. For this to happen, the power is converted from DC to AC electricity. A converter in the vehicle or in the charger itself performs this function.
One such product is the Wallbox Quasar, a bidirectional DC charger for home use. It features a CHAdeMO or CCS Type 1 connector and includes an app with some energy management abilities. Enphase plans to release a bidirectional EV charger in with V2H and V2G capabilities (for compatible EV models).
Bidirectional EV chargers can be used in different applications, depending on needs and capabilities. Whether a particular vehicle has bidirectional charging abilities may depend on the trim level and model year.
Vehicles with V2G capabilities allow EVs to communicate with the utility grid and supply power when needed, supporting grid stability and reducing emissions. As renewable energy use grows, V2G can store excess energy, such as solar or wind power, and discharge it to the grid during high demand.
A charge controller is generally needed for V2G or home backup systems to safely manage the bidirectional flow of electricity. This controller helps regulate the power from the EV battery to ensure a stable output and prevent overcharging or discharging issues. EVs that support V2G, like the Ford F-150 Lightning, come with specific equipment (such as Ford's Charge Station Pro) to control and manage bidirectional charging.
Popular vehicles with bidirectional charging capabilities include the Nissan Leaf, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Kia EV6, each enabling power to flow back to the grid or home when connected through compatible equipment. Also, Nissan announced plans to launch affordable V2G technology by , aiming to make EVs more accessible as power sources for homes and grids.
With bidirectional charging, certain electric vehicles can supply power to a home through its electrical panel, which is especially useful during power outages. Vehicle-to-home can also help households save on electricity costs by using stored EV power during peak demand and recharging when rates are lower.
Popular EVs with vehicle to home bidirectional charging capabilities include the Ford F-150 Lightning, the Nissan Leaf, the Volkswagen ID.4, and the Kia EV6. Each requires a power control system connected to the home’s distribution panel for safe operation for EV bidirectional charging.
For example, the power control system for bidirectional charging in the Kia EV6 functions similarly to a generator setup, connecting to the home's electrical distribution panel to allow the vehicle to supply power to the home safely.
Bidirectional charging with V2L functionality enables certain EVs to power external devices directly from their battery. Equipped with a built-in DC-to-AC inverter and standard outlets, these vehicles allow users to plug in anything from tools and appliances to camping equipment, providing power wherever needed. This feature is especially useful for outdoor events, remote work sites, or emergency power needs.
Popular V2L-capable EVs include the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, Kia EV6 and EV9, and the Tesla Cybertruck. Each model offers different power levels and outlet types, making them useful for a range of applications. For instance, the Ford F-150 Lightning delivers up to 9.6 kW, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6 provide 3.6 kW—enough to power essential devices on the go or during an outage.
Also known as EV-to-EV charging, V2V allows one electric vehicle to transfer power to another. This form of bidirectional charging helps reduce range anxiety by providing a backup power source when a charging station isn’t available. Whether you're on a long road trip or in a remote area with limited charging infrastructure, V2V charging can give your EV the extra range needed to reach the next charging point. This technology enhances energy flexibility and makes EV ownership even more convenient.
Currently, the Ford F-150 Lightning and Lucid Air are among the EVs that offer V2V bidirectional charging capabilities. However, many other automakers are actively researching and developing this technology to expand its availability.
The goal is to make electric vehicle travel more flexible and accessible for a wider range of drivers. As V2V charging continues to evolve, it has the potential to enhance the overall practicality of EV ownership. By allowing vehicles to share power, this feature could provide greater convenience and peace of mind, especially during long trips or in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
Using the EV battery to power other things has many advantages, both for the EV driver and even utility companies. In fact, bidirectional charging could eventually make EVs a key component in a decarbonized grid.
If the local utility offers time-of-use rates, electricity prices fluctuate during the day based on demand. Typically, energy prices are highest on weekday afternoons and early evenings in the summer and lowest in the middle of the night. With bidirectional charging, EVs can provide power during peak demand and then recharge from the grid or with solar panels during off-peak times, saving money.
A few widespread power outages have occurred in the last year or two, including the Texas Power Crisis and California public safety power shutoffs that left millions without power. EVs with V2H bidirectional charging capabilities can power an entire home during a utility outage. The battery capacity and its charge level determine how many loads and how long an EV can power a home.
V2L capabilities enable EVs to power specific loads by plugging into an outlet. This option can be very beneficial when camping or in an area without utility power. For example, tradespeople can power tools on job sites.
While bidirectional charging has several advantages, it also has some disadvantages. However, ongoing research can help overcome these challenges.
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EV Battery Degradation: Frequent charge and discharge cycles associated with bidirectional charging can contribute to faster battery degradation, reducing the overall lifespan of electric vehicle batteries.
Cost and Complexity: Implementing bidirectional charging requires specialized infrastructure and equipment, adding complexity and cost to both the charging station and the electric vehicle.
Limited Vehicle Compatibility: Not all electric vehicles are currently equipped for bidirectional charging. This limitation reduces the widespread adoption of this technology, as it depends on compatible electric vehicle models.
Grid Stability Concerns: Bidirectional charging introduces additional variability to the electric grid, as vehicles may draw or return power unexpectedly. This can pose challenges for grid operators in maintaining stability and reliability.
Regulatory and Standardization Issues: A lack of standardized protocols and regulations for bidirectional charging can hinder interoperability between different charging stations and electric vehicles, slowing down its widespread adoption.
Energy Losses: The process of converting and transferring energy between the electric vehicle and the grid incurs some energy losses. This reduces the overall efficiency of bidirectional charging compared to unidirectional charging.
Only a small handful of EVs and PHEVs on the US market have bidirectional charging features, with vehicle-to-load being the most widespread. These vehicles with bidirectional charging are:
Ford
F-150 Lightning (V2G, V2H, V2V)
Genesis
GV60 (V2L)
GV70 (V2L)
GV80 (V2L)
Hyundai
Ioniq 5 (V2L)
Ioniq 6 (V2L)
Kia
EV6 (V2L)
EV9 (V2L) - V2G and V2H coming soon
Niro (V2L)
Lucid
Air (V2V)
Mitsubishi
Outlander PHEV (V2L)
Nissan
Leaf (V2H)
Tesla
Cybertruck (V2H, V2L)
Volkswagen
ID.4 (V2H)
Read on to learn answers to some of the most common questions about two way charging for EVs.
Bidirectional charging empowers electric vehicle owners by turning their vehicles into flexible energy resources. Beyond traditional charging, this technology allows owners to sell excess energy back to the grid, providing potential revenue. Additionally, in emergencies, bidirectional charging enables electric vehicles to serve as temporary power sources for homes or other EVs.
No, not all electric vehicles are currently equipped for bidirectional charging. Compatibility depends on the vehicle's design, model year, and whether it supports the necessary hardware and software for two-way energy flow.
Bidirectional charging can contribute to faster battery degradation due to the increased frequency of charge and discharge cycles, potentially reducing the overall lifespan of electric vehicle batteries. However, battery degradation is minor and will only have a significant impact on the lifespan of an EV battery from heavy, repeated use.
While bidirectional charging provides a mechanism for electric vehicles to store excess power for use in homes, it doesn't entirely eliminate the need for solar batteries. Bidirectional charging primarily relies on the vehicle's battery, which may not have the capacity for extensive energy storage.
Bidirectional charging could create a transformative shift in energy usage, enabling electric vehicles to contribute excess energy to the grid, other vehicles, or homes. This dynamic interaction between electric vehicles and the energy ecosystem offers a decentralized approach, allowing for more efficient grid management, increased resilience during outages, and the potential to harness electric vehicles as distributed energy resources, shaping a more sustainable and adaptable energy future.
The GreenLancer marketplace is available for professional electric vehicle charging contractors working on installing EVSE. We offer EV charging station design and engineering services nationally to accelerate EV adoption. Learn more about GreenLancer, our marketplace where contractors can shop on-demand EV charging station design and engineering services. Complete the form below to learn more.
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