Two-way V2G and V2H charging: state of the art and outlook for 2025

Two-way charging is confirmed to be a key technology for electric mobility in 2025, moving from pilot projects to the first large-scale commercial applications.

Unlike "classic" unidirectional charging, this technology allows energy to flow in both directions, turning the electric car into a mobile energy hub with Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities.

For this to happen, both the vehicle and the charging point must be compatible, and by 2025, the market is seeing an increasing number of enabled models and infrastructure.

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): the car as a grid stabilizer

V2G technology allows an electric vehicle to surrender stored energy to the national power grid. In 2025, this is no longer just a theoretical concept. Concrete projects demonstrate its feasibility:

• Utrecht, Netherlands: the city has become the first in Europe to launch a large-scale V2G ecosystem, integrating a fleet of car-sharing vehicles (the new Renault 5 E-Techs) into the local energy grid. The system stores excess solar energy produced during the day and returns it during evening peak demand, helping to reduce grid fluctuations and optimizing the use of renewables.
• Sweden: Volkswagen has launched a V2G pilot project involving 200 vehicles in the ID range equipped with two-way chargers. The goal is to test the concrete economic benefits for companies and individuals by measuring the revenue generated by selling energy to the grid and assessing the impact on battery life. Early results indicate that a vehicle used regularly for V2G can generate significant annual revenue, making the electric transition even more cost-effective.

These systems are critical to balancing a grid increasingly dependent on intermittent renewables such as solar and wind.

The aggregate capacity of electric vehicle batteries can serve as a giant distributed storage system, which is essential to ensure grid stability in the process of decarbonizing the European energy system.

Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): the car powers the home

V2H technology turns the electric car battery into a home storage system, an increasingly practical solution in 2025 due to the growing availability of two-way chargers and compatible vehicles.

The operation is simple: through a bidirectional wallbox, battery energy can power the home as needed. This opens up concrete savings scenarios: owners can charge the vehicle at night at reduced rates and use that energy during peak hours, when costs are highest. With a photovoltaic system, the system becomes even more efficient: the car stores the daytime solar excess to make it available in the evening, maximizing self-consumption.

V2H also offers a strategic advantage as a backup system: with a 60-80 kWh battery, an electric car can power a home for several days during blackouts, ensuring the operation of essential appliances. This energy resilience becomes increasingly valuable in a context of growing climate instability.

For those with PV panels, V2H provides a competitive alternative to stationary storage systems, with the added benefit of mobility. The integration of electric mobility and home energy also paves the way for home automation systems that automatically optimize energy flows between car, home, and grid.

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): mobile energy for every need

V2L technology turns the electric vehicle into a true powerbank on wheels, allowing external electrical devices to be powered directly from the traction battery. In 2025, this feature is becoming increasingly common on new electric models.

Operation is extremely practical: through one or more standard in-vehicle power outlets, or through an adapter connected to the charging port, any electrical device can be powered. Available power typically reaches 3-3.7 kW, equivalent to a standard household outlet, enough for most everyday applications.

The uses are many and go far beyond simple emergencies: from laptops for remote work to electric bikes, from do-it-yourself tools to equipment for outdoor activities such as camping and picnics. On construction sites, the car can power drills and electric saws; during outdoor events, it can operate sound systems or lighting; in emergency situations, it provides access to reliable electricity even when the grid is down.

V2L technology is already available on many models, with some differences. Among the most popular ones are: Renault 5 E-Tech (with power up to 3.7 kW), the entire Peugeot electric range (E-208, E-2008, E-308, E-3008, E-5008), Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, Kia EV6 and EV9, BMW iX3, and many others. Peugeot, in particular, is integrating V2L as standard across its entire electric range by 2026.

Compared to V2G and V2H, V2L does not require special infrastructure or specific regulations: all that is needed is the compatible vehicle and a simple adapter, making it the most accessible form of two-way charging available today.

Challenges and prospects for 2025

Despite progress, large-scale standardization remains a challenge. Events such as V2G Leaders Europe 2025 in Brussels aim precisely to address regulatory and technical barriers to accelerate adoption.

• Regulatory: Europe is working on a harmonized regulatory framework. At the national level, Italy has already taken important steps by eliminating double taxation for energy exchanged through V2G and launching pilot projects. Spain, on the other hand, still has some regulatory barriers to overcome.
• Costs and accessibility: with increasing standardization and increased production volumes, costs for two-way loaders are expected to decrease, making them more accessible to the general public.
• Integration with renewables: the real revolution will be increasing integration with photovoltaic systems and the like: in this way, vehicles can recharge themselves using the energy they produce and give the excess back to the grid, maximizing self-consumption and accelerating the transition to a decarbonized energy system.

The energy revolution has already begun. With Powy's charging solutions, you can already be a key player in the future of mobility.

FAQ: What is two-way charging?

It is an advanced technology for electric vehicles that allows energy to flow in both directions: not only from the charger to the car battery, but also from the vehicle battery to the grid, home or other devices. In practice, the car battery becomes a true small mobile energy hub, capable of storing energy when it costs less or when renewables produce more, and returning it to the grid or home when needed, helping to save on energy costs, stabilize the grid, and provide backup power in the event of a blackout.

About Powy

Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Learn more: wpowy.energy