Information
Definition
Bidirectional charging allows energy to flow both into and out of an EV battery through compatible charging equipment. It is normally assessed alongside vehicle compatibility, export permissions, grid connection requirements and the supported communication standards.
Why it matters
It underpins V2G, V2H, V2B and V2L use cases and introduces additional requirements for safety, control, metering and grid connection. For UK users, it affects future energy services, vehicle compatibility, grid connection requirements and potential export value.
References
Standards and regulations
ISO 15118
ISO 15118 is the international vehicle-to-grid communication standard series covering EV-to-charger digital communication, Plug & Charge, smart charging and bidirectional charging functions. In the UK it is increasingly relevant to future-ready public, fleet and V2G-capable charging systems.
ENA EREC G99
ENA EREC G99 is the UK Engineering Recommendation for connecting generation equipment and larger power generating facilities in parallel with public distribution networks. It is relevant to export-capable EV charging, V2G, storage and larger schemes that do not fall under G98.
ENA EREC G100
ENA EREC G100 is the UK Engineering Recommendation for customer export and import limitation schemes used to control power flow at a grid connection point. In EV charging it is relevant to load management, constrained connections, V2G export control and maximum import limitation.