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Imagine powering your home with the energy stored in your electric car. Bidirectional EV chargers make this possible by allowing electricity to flow both into and out of your EV’s battery. This emerging technology—known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) or vehicle-to-home (V2H), depending on where the energy goes—has the potential to transform how UK homeowners, EV drivers and solar users manage their energy.
What is a bidirectional EV charger?
Bidirectional EV chargers let power flow both into and out of the car’s battery. You can charge your EV as usual and also use it as a backup battery for your home, or even feed energy back into the grid. In effect, your car becomes a mobile storage system: charge when electricity is cheap (for example, overnight at off-peak rates) and power your home during peak hours or provide backup during an outage. As the UK embraces more renewables and smart-home tech, these two-way chargers offer flexible, money-saving options for households.
Five reasons bidirectional charging could be a game-changer
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Cut energy bills with smart charging
Charge your EV when tariffs are low (or with excess solar) and use that stored energy when rates are high. By time-shifting—charging low and discharging high—you effectively “sell” cheaper energy to yourself later. Some UK time-of-use tariffs make this especially attractive. In certain schemes, you may even earn by exporting to the grid at peak times. -
Use your EV as a home battery (and save around £7,000)
Why buy a dedicated home battery when there’s already a large one on your driveway? A typical home battery (e.g. Tesla Powerwall) stores about 13.5 kWh, while modern EVs commonly hold 18–80 kWh. By adding a bidirectional charger, your EV can double as home storage for surplus solar or cheap-rate power. Do consider your driving needs: in an ideal setup, a fixed battery handles daily cycling, with the car providing additional capacity. Cost-effective alternatives such as the Sync EV Flow system may also be worth a look. -
Emergency backup for peace of mind
In a power cut, a fully charged EV can keep essential loads running for hours or even days. A 70 kWh battery could cover an average household for several days in an emergency. Bidirectional backup works best when the car can remain plugged in—typically overnight—so you can draw power, then recharge during the next off-peak window or once the grid returns. -
Maximise solar self-consumption
If you have PV, store midday surplus in your EV and use it later, rather than exporting it for a modest return. This boosts self-consumption, reduces grid reliance and lowers bills and carbon footprint. Your EV becomes a large “solar sponge”, smoothing peaks and troughs and making better use of every ray of sunshine. -
Future-proof your home with smart tech
Although still emerging, bidirectional charging is advancing quickly. Installing a two-way charger now unlocks immediate savings and resilience while preparing your home for future grid services and programmes. If you already have a one-way charger, upgrading can add significant functionality. Early adopters may also see a property value boost by showcasing renewable and resilience features. As more car brands and charger makers roll out V2G/V2H, adopting now keeps you ahead of the curve.
Conclusion
Bidirectional EV chargers can reshape home energy use—cutting costs, providing robust backup, maximising solar and readying your home for the smart-grid era. For EV owners, especially those with solar, it’s a compelling upgrade path. You’ll gain greater energy independence and peace of mind, while supporting a more stable, sustainable grid. In short, a bidirectional charger turns your EV into a core part of your home’s energy solution—and that could be a genuine game-changer.
For more information on 5 Reasons Why Bidirectional EV Chargers Could Be Game Changing talk to Expert Electrical Supplies Ltd