Accelerating bidirectional charging: insights from the London EV Show

His presentation shed light on the potential of bidirectional charging to reshape the energy landscape and offered actionable insights on overcoming the barriers to its adoption.

Understanding bidirectional charging

Bidirectional charging technology allows electric vehicles (EVs) not only to draw energy from the grid but also to return it when needed. This capability transforms EVs into mobile energy storage units that can supply power to homes, businesses, or even back to the grid.

“Bidirectional charging isn’t just a feature; it’s a fundamental shift,” Munk explained. “It enables EV owners to reduce charging costs while also supporting grid stability, a key factor in achieving our 2030 net zero power decarbonisation targets.”

The role of bidirectional charging in grid flexibility

Using a 24-hour electricity demand chart, Munk demonstrated how smart and bidirectional charging could flatten peak demand periods. By charging vehicles during off-peak times and exporting energy during peak demand, EV batteries could provide significant flexibility to the grid.

“By 2040, we could see up to an additional gigawatt of flexibility from bidirectional charging alone,” Munk noted. “Even by 2030, this technology could deliver meaningful contributions if scaled effectively.”

Challenges in deployment

Munk acknowledged that while bidirectional charging is moving from concept to reality, several barriers remain:

Cost reduction

“The cost of bidirectional technology – both in vehicles and charge points – needs to come down,” he said. “Government and private sector innovation are essential to achieve cost parity with unidirectional charging.”

Battery health concerns

There is ongoing debate about the impact of bidirectional charging on battery longevity. Munk stressed the need for further research and the inclusion of bidirectional usage in battery warranties to reassure consumers.

Grid integration

Munk highlighted the complexity of integrating bidirectional charging into the grid. “We need to simplify the process for EVs to export energy without overburdening distribution networks,” he explained. This will require regulatory clarity and streamlined procedures for grid connectivity.

International standards

“Global interoperability is crucial,” Munk said. “We must establish standardised communication protocols to ensure seamless interaction between vehicles, charge points, and energy systems.”

Economic incentives

Munk called for better financial incentives for consumers, including addressing potential tax disincentives and ensuring energy markets reward those who export energy to the grid.

Moving forward: a collaborative effort

To accelerate adoption, Munk emphasised the need for a unified effort between government, industry, and international partners. Key areas for collaboration include:

• Policy support: aligning regulations to encourage bidirectional charging while safeguarding grid reliability
• Public awareness: educating consumers on the cost-saving and environmental benefits of smart and bidirectional charging
• Market design: developing energy markets that fairly compensate EV owners for their contributions to grid stability

“Bidirectional charging is more than a technical innovation – it’s a solution to some of our most pressing energy challenges,” Munk concluded. “With the right investments and partnerships, we can make this technology a mainstream reality within the next five years.”