The new bi-directional charging technology will revolutionize the electric vehicle landscape in India in the coming years. This innovative capability allows the flow of energy from the grid to return energy. While this new technology spreads as fast as can be, the time to reap economic and environmental advantages has begun for EV owners.
What is Bi-Directional Charging?
Bi-directional charging allows a two-way flow of electricity between an EV and the grid or other devices. This will enable the EV to be able to return energy to the grid (Vehicle-to-Grid or V2G). Provide power in cases of home outages (Vehicle-to-Home or V2H). Charge other devices (Vehicle-to-Load or V2L). The technology is predicated on the new technology chargers. They convert direct current from the vehicle’s battery into alternate current for use with other applications.
According to Wade Sheffer, a Vice President at GM Energy, the global market for bidirectional EV chargers was $933 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $4.8 billion by 2031. It’s because the key automobile companies, such as GM, Ford, and Volkswagen, are all counting on its functionality for future products.
Monetary Benefits of Bi-Directional Charging
The most attractive benefit of bi-directional charging is cost savings. As V2G utilizes the technology of bi-directional charging, all excess energy at peak demand can be sold back to the grid by the drivers, and they can earn big returns. With frequent fluctuations in electricity rates, such an ability could mean important savings on energy bills.
Early adopters in India have had good experiences. A customer of a Hyundai Ioniq 5 from Delhi told how recently they used their vehicle as a means to power appliances. As during a power outage, they run essential appliances for over 24 hours. Giving one peace of mind and proving the dual functionality of a mode of transport and an emergency source of power.
Environmental Impact
Bi-directional charging can go hand-in-hand with the aspiration to achieve a sustainable India through greater induction of renewable sources of energy. In fact, a report by NITI Aayog buttresses the case for integrating renewable sources of energy into India’s overall mix of energizing its structures.
Future prospects of bi-directional charging in India look exciting, said Rajesh Kumar, an automotive journalist. “The ability for EVs to feed back to energy management systems would be really important as we move forward into a much more sustainable world,” he said.
Cars Which Introduced Bi-Directional Charging to Users
These EVs available in the Indian market are capable of bi-directional charging or will be soon:
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: Introduced V2L capability, meaning that users could power devices directly from their car.
- Tata Nexon EV: Has bi-directional charging features (V2V and V2L) in its newer version.
- Mahindra XUV400: Expected to currently make V2G capabilities, hence expected to carve more space in Indian markets.
Challenges Ahead
This promising development, however, would face various challenges when taking into consideration factors such as inadequate infrastructure for wide-scale deployment and apprehension towards the longevity of batteries with higher cycling. To make this a technology of choice for the majority of people, smart grids and compatible charging stations would be required.
ELCTRIK Speaks
The development towards bi-directional charging is a huge move for electric vehicles and its owners in India. Once all manufacturers implement these capabilities into their models and infrastructure improves. It can easily be that moment of shift towards a greener India. This technology is more about charging toward a sustainable tomorrow than just charging vehicles.
