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Turning Your EV Into a Backup Battery: Is Bidirectional Charging Ready Yet?

Turning Your EV Into a Backup Battery: Is Bidirectional Charging Ready Yet?

Turning Your EV Into a Backup Battery: Is Bidirectional Charging Ready Yet?

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🔄 Your EV Could Power More Than Just Your Commute

Imagine this:
There’s a power cut at home — but your lights stay on.
You’ve just come back from work — and your car charges your house overnight.
You get paid to send energy from your EV back to the grid.

That’s the promise of bidirectional charging — and it’s no longer science fiction.


⚡ What Is Bidirectional Charging?

Most home chargers are unidirectional — they pull power into your car.
Bidirectional charging (aka V2G, V2H, or V2X) allows power to flow both ways.

Main modes:

  • V2H = Vehicle to Home (your EV powers your house)

  • V2G = Vehicle to Grid (your EV exports energy to the grid)

  • V2L = Vehicle to Load (your EV powers tools or appliances directly)


🚧 But... Is It Ready Yet?

Short answer: Not quite — but it’s getting close.

Here's why it's not mainstream (yet):

  • Most EVs aren’t compatible — only a few models (like the Nissan Leaf, Kia EV6, or Ford F-150 Lightning) support it

  • Home chargers need to be V2G-enabled — and these are still expensive or hard to source

  • Energy providers & grid regulations are still catching up

  • Battery warranties are a concern (some manufacturers restrict bidirectional use)

⚠️ For now, bidirectional charging in the UK is mostly in pilot programmes or fleet trials.


💡 The Benefits Once It's Ready

When it does become widely available, the upsides are huge:

BenefitImpactEmergency backup powerKeep the lights on during outagesEnergy bill savingsCharge off-peak, use power laterGrid supportExport power during peak demandGreater solar self-useStore your solar in your carFinancial incentivesGet paid for grid exports (future)

🔋 What You Can Do Now

Even though bidirectional charging isn’t fully ready yet, you can future-proof your setup today:

✅ Install a charger with V2G potential

Look for units like the Wallbox Quasar 2 (launching soon) or keep conduit/cabling ready for a future upgrade.

✅ Go solar + battery first
A home solar + battery system already gives you energy flexibility — your EV becomes the next layer when tech catches up.
✅ Choose the right EV

If you're buying a new car and want to explore this tech, choose a model known to support bidirectional charging.

🔧 At Flare, we design EV and energy systems with your future in mind — not just today’s features.


🛠️ Flare Can Help You Prepare

We stay ahead of the curve on:

  • V2G-ready charger compatibility

  • Battery storage systems that work with EVs

  • Clean installs that are upgrade-ready

  • Smart energy setups that adapt to future tech

When bidirectional charging goes mainstream, we’ll be ready — and so will your system.

👉 [Talk to Our EV & Solar Experts]
👉 [See Our Smart Charging Solutions]

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Saul Penhallow

Business Manger

If you're looking for a reliable partner at your site, school, office or home.. reach out to Saul who will be more than happy to have a chat about your requirements.

saul@flare-electrical.co.uk

If you're looking for a reliable partner at your site, school, office or home.. reach out to Saul who will be more than happy to have a chat about your requirements.

saul@flare-electrical.co.uk

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