Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics and their project partners have demonstrated an 800-volt bidirectional off-board EV charger utilizing gallium nitride power electronics. The GaN-based module is designed to achieve higher efficiency and power density compared to conventional silicon-based systems. The development could help accelerate faster, more compact DC fast-charging and vehicle-to-grid hardware for high-voltage electric vehicles.
A recent software release has reportedly disabled third-party vehicle-to-load adapters across Tesla vehicles. The update causes aftermarket V2L accessories to shut off power delivery within minutes, eliminating a long-standing workaround owners relied on for external electricity. While Tesla continues to reserve official bidirectional power features for newer platforms like the Cybertruck, older models are now locked out of unofficial solutions.
Ford is calling on utility companies to streamline integration and help lower the equipment costs associated with bidirectional EV charging. The automaker is preparing its next-generation electric pickups with built-in inverters, aiming to simplify vehicle-to-home backup power without forcing drivers into expensive proprietary home hardware setups.
Ford is developing a streamlined bidirectional charging solution integrated directly into its upcoming affordable electric pickup, eliminating the need for expensive external home inverters. By packaging power electronics on board, the automaker aims to drastically reduce the hardware cost required to use an EV as whole-home backup power. The breakthrough could make vehicle-to-home functionality standard for mass-market buyers rather than an expensive premium option.
Ford is evaluating ways to make bidirectional charging a centerpiece of its next-generation electric pickup program, turning vehicles into seamless home energy storage systems. Expanded vehicle-to-home capabilities aim to lower hardware costs and simplify how EV owners power household circuits during grid outages.
Ford's planned $30,000 electric truck will support vehicle-to-home power transfer, allowing owners to use the vehicle as an emergency backup generator during grid outages. Enabling the bidirectional functionality will require an optional home hardware installation estimated to cost roughly $2,300. The move aims to bring residential energy resilience to mainstream price points usually reserved for premium EVs.
Ford is equipping its upcoming $30,000 Fathom electric pickup with integrated bidirectional charging technology designed to streamline home backup power. Rather than requiring owners to install expensive, standalone wall-mounted inverters, the vehicle can directly supply up to 10 kW of electricity to a home. The approach significantly lowers the barrier to entry for vehicle-to-home energy resilience.
Ford's upcoming Fathom electric pickup is set to feature an onboard bidirectional charging system that eliminates the need for expensive external hardware. By integrating the inverter directly into the vehicle, the automaker aims to significantly reduce setup costs for home energy backup. The streamlined design could remove a major price barrier for drivers seeking vehicle-to-home capability.
Ford plans to make vehicle-to-home power far more accessible on its next-generation affordable electric truck by building an AC inverter directly into the vehicle. Unlike the F-150 Lightning, which requires thousands of dollars in proprietary wall-mounted power equipment, the new pickup will export alternating current straight from the truck. This streamlined architecture promises to drastically lower the total installation cost for owners seeking emergency home backup power.
Ford aims to dramatically lower the cost of vehicle-to-home backup power through its upcoming sub-$30,000 electric pickup. The vehicle will incorporate a redesigned bidirectional charging setup that bypasses the need for a costly external inverter. By simplifying the required electrical hardware, the automaker hopes to make emergency residential power accessible to mainstream EV drivers.
Ford revealed that its upcoming affordable electric truck, dubbed the Fathom, will feature integrated bidirectional power electronics directly inside the vehicle. By building the home backup inverter into the truck itself, the automaker aims to drastically reduce the high equipment and installation costs typically needed for vehicle-to-home systems.
The UK government is considering incentives to encourage carmakers to equip new electric vehicles with vehicle-to-grid capability. Discussed as part of an ongoing review of the nation's zero-emission vehicle mandate, the initiative aims to turn EVs into distributed energy assets that stabilize the electrical grid during peak demand. If approved, the policy could help lower household energy costs by enabling drivers to sell stored battery power back to utilities.
Clean energy consultancy Dunsky has launched a nationwide coalition alongside utilities, government agencies, and an automaker to advance vehicle-grid integration across Canada. The collaborative initiative aims to transform electric vehicles into flexible power resources capable of stabilizing and supporting the electricity grid. By coordinating policies and technical approaches, the alliance seeks to scale bidirectional charging and smart energy management from coast to coast.
A California school district is leveraging vehicle-to-grid technology to supply power to roughly 1,000 homes while generating revenue. Over the past two years, 74 electric school buses plugged into American-made bidirectional chargers have helped ease strain on the local electrical grid during peak demand hours. The project underscores the financial and operational benefits of using heavy-duty fleet batteries as distributed energy storage.
Australia is rolling out its largest commercial vehicle-to-grid pilot, deploying up to 130 government fleet EVs to evaluate bidirectional charging capabilities. The multimillion-dollar project will assess how parked electric vehicles can supply power during peak demand periods to support the grid. Researchers will also explore potential revenue streams generated by returning stored battery energy to the energy market.
Tesla is quietly enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) bidirectional charging capabilities for newer Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, allowing owners to power their homes directly from their car's battery. This development marks a significant step towards greater energy independence and grid flexibility. Meanwhile, a major European project, EV4EU, has successfully wrapped up its trials, demonstrating how EVs can bolster grid stability.
Tesla has officially launched its highly anticipated Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) bidirectional charging functionality, allowing owners to power their homes directly from their EV's battery. This development arrives alongside initial driving impressions of the new Kia EV3, highlighting key features and performance of the compact electric SUV.
Tesla is introducing bidirectional Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) charging capabilities for its high-volume Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, enabling them to power a home during outages. This feature, part of the new Powerwall 3 and Universal Wall Connector ecosystem, allows owners to use their EV's battery as a temporary home energy source.
Jefferson County Public Schools in Colorado has introduced six new electric school buses, equipped with advanced bidirectional charging capabilities. These vehicles will serve students while also having the potential to return energy to the grid, backed by significant funding from Xcel Energy's Electric School Bus program.
Tesla's new Powershare feature allows compatible Model 3 and Model Y vehicles to provide bidirectional power for home backup. This guide explains how current and some older Tesla owners can check their vehicle's touchscreen interface to confirm if their car supports this innovative functionality.
Tesla's bidirectional charging capability, known as Powershare, is now available for the Model 3 and Model Y, expanding beyond the Cybertruck. This feature allows owners to use their electric vehicles to power their homes during outages or for other energy needs. It positions these popular Tesla models as versatile energy resources, offering increased utility beyond transportation.
Tesla has enabled its PowerShare Home Backup feature for newer Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, allowing them to power a home during outages. This capability, previously exclusive to the Cybertruck, requires a Powerwall 3 installation and applies to cars ordered since October 1, 2023. The move helps Tesla catch up with competitors like Ford and GM, who have offered similar vehicle-to-home functionalities for some time.
Germany is actively developing policies and infrastructure to enable electric vehicle owners to sell electricity stored in their car batteries back to the grid. This initiative aims to integrate EVs into the energy network, allowing parked vehicles to become active participants in power supply and potentially offering financial incentives to owners.
A new framework from Germany's energy regulator is set to unlock the potential of electric vehicle batteries for home energy supply and grid stability. This move paves the way for vehicles to become active participants in the energy market, fundamentally shifting how EVs are integrated into the power infrastructure.
Tesla has begun rolling out Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) capabilities, allowing compatible EV models to seamlessly integrate with Powerwall home energy storage systems. This new software feature enables Tesla vehicles to power a home during outages, transforming them into mobile energy resources.
Jackery's new SolarVault 3 home energy storage system is designed to provide flexible power solutions, ranging from small-scale balcony solar setups to comprehensive whole-home backup. This new offering caters to growing electrification needs, allowing homeowners with solar arrays and EVs to manage their energy use more effectively. The system highlights the convergence of residential power management with EV charging infrastructure through its V2H capabilities.
After years of anticipation, Tesla's Cybertruck is now officially capable of providing home backup power through its bidirectional charging feature, known as 'Powershare'. This capability allows the electric pickup to integrate with a home's electrical system, offering vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality for energy resilience during outages.
Tesla has addressed an earlier incompatibility, enabling Cybertruck owners to fully utilize the truck's bidirectional charging capabilities with their Powerwall home battery systems. This integration means the Cybertruck can now serve as an essential part of a comprehensive home energy backup solution, working in tandem with the Powerwall for enhanced resilience during outages. The update unlocks the full potential of Tesla's Powershare feature, allowing the Cybertruck to both power a home directly and recharge Powerwalls.
California utility PG&E is significantly expanding its Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) program, enabling more EV owners to use their vehicles for home backup power. The initiative now includes models from Tesla, Kia, Volvo, Polestar, and Nissan, with incentives reaching up to $17,000 for participants. Owners can enroll until June 30, 2027, leveraging new partnerships with Bidirectional Energy and PowerFlex to support grid resilience and personal energy independence.
Volvo's compact EX30 electric SUV is receiving a significant software update that introduces vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities. This new feature allows owners to power external appliances, from camping gear to tools, directly from the car's battery, enhancing the EX30's versatility for everyday tasks and outdoor adventures.
Lucid Motors recently showcased the bi-directional charging capabilities of its upcoming Gravity SUV, using it to power a Tesla Model 3. This demonstration highlights the growing potential for vehicles to share power, a feature expected to become increasingly common across the EV market. The Gravity's ability to act as a mobile power source signals future flexibility for EV owners, from emergency charging to powering off-grid setups.
Tesla has outlined a new retrofit procedure for the Model Y, potentially allowing owners to add Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality. This update could enable vehicles currently without V2L support to power external devices, moving closer to widespread bidirectional charging. However, the practicality and cost-effectiveness for individual owners remain to be seen.
Tesla is finally offering Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality for its Model Y Premium in the U.S., allowing owners to power external devices. While the feature, accessed via an $80 adapter, has been standard on many competitor EVs for years, its introduction marks a significant step for Tesla in expanding its vehicles' utility beyond just driving.
Tesla is rolling out an updated Outlet Adapter, enabling 2.4 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality for certain Model Y Premium trims. This feature allows owners to power external devices directly from their EV battery, expanding its utility beyond just driving.
Tesla is now enabling vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality for certain Model Y Premium owners in the US and Puerto Rico. This feature allows the vehicle to output up to 2.4 kW of power, turning the EV into a mobile power source for various external devices. To access this capability, customers will need an $80 adapter, which can be purchased during configuration or from the Tesla Shop.
The increasing adoption of bidirectional onboard chargers (BOBCs) in electric vehicles unlocks Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities, allowing EVs to power external devices. However, effectively testing these complex energy flows presents unique challenges that require sophisticated AC load simulation techniques. New approaches aim to make V2L functionality more reliable and robust for consumers.
New details are surfacing about Ford's forthcoming Fathom electric pickup, expected early next year, indicating a competitive starting price under $30,000. This highly anticipated BEV will reportedly include bidirectional charging capabilities and advanced driver-assistance features like BlueCruise as standard. The Fathom aims to broaden Ford's EV truck lineup, complementing the F-150 Lightning with an even more accessible option.
The Lucid Gravity SUV recently demonstrated its bidirectional charging capabilities by powering a full DJ concert, earning a Guinness World Record. This feat highlights the vehicle's versatility, showcasing its ability to supply significant power for external uses, rather than just its impressive range or charging speed.
UL Solutions has introduced a crucial new safety standard designed to facilitate the broader adoption of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. This development addresses current limitations where bidirectional charging is often tied to proprietary hardware and restricted to basic applications like vehicle-to-home (V2H) power. The new standard paves the way for seamless utility interconnection, which is essential for true V2G functionality, and will apply to future energy converters and inverters.
The prospect of using an electric vehicle as a home battery backup system is becoming significantly simpler thanks to a new utility meter attachment. This innovation streamlines the process of connecting an EV to a home's power supply, making bidirectional charging more accessible for everyday use during outages or for energy management.
Electric school buses are emerging as key players in strengthening energy grids. Their large batteries, often idle during off-peak hours, can feed power back into the grid, providing crucial stability and energy management services.
Amidst last week's intense heatwave, which strained power grids to their limits, electric vehicles unexpectedly played a crucial role in maintaining stability. Rather than exacerbating the load, EVs with bidirectional charging capabilities fed stored energy back into the grid, helping utilities meet demand and prevent blackouts.
The Volkswagen Group's energy subsidiary, Elli, has launched its pioneering vehicle-to-grid (V2G) service in Germany. This bidirectional charging technology allows compatible electric vehicles to not only draw power from the grid but also feed electricity back into it, stabilizing the energy supply during peak demand or surplus generation.
Intepro Systems has unveiled its new Aniuo ANEVH(F) Series, a bidirectional, programmable DC power supply and regenerative load. This compact device can provide up to 50 kW of power, serving as both a source and a sink for energy. Its capability to return absorbed power to the grid makes it an efficient tool for testing EV components.
Major automakers like Volkswagen, BMW, and BYD are investing in bidirectional charging technology, which allows electric vehicles to not only draw power from the grid but also feed electricity back into homes or the grid. This capability could transform EVs into mobile power sources, offering new benefits for energy management and utility resilience.
The Volkswagen Group plans to equip its dealerships across Sweden with bidirectional charging capabilities, transitioning this advanced technology from pilot programs to commercial deployment. This initiative will enable compatible VW electric vehicles to not only draw power but also supply electricity back to homes and the grid, showcasing the practical application of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.
