vehicle-to-grid-v2g-global-trends

Vehicle-to-Grid: Global Pilots + Charging Trends

What Is Bidirectional Charging and Why Does It Matter?

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology allows electric vehicles (EVs) not only to charge but also to return energy to the grid when needed. These bidirectional charging systems enable EVs to act as mobile energy storage units, supporting grid stability and helping integrate renewable energy sources more efficiently.

2025 Global Pilot Projects and Applications

Bidirectional charging is being deployed in a variety of innovative ways worldwide:

 

  • China: 30 pilot programs across 9 cities where electric buses and commercial fleets feed energy back to the grid during peak demand.

  • Netherlands: MyWheels operates Europe’s largest car-sharing V2G project with 500 Renault Zoe vehicles.

  • Australia: Nissan Leafs paired with Wallbox Quasar chargers allow homeowners to sell excess energy to the grid.

  • USA: School buses and public fleets in California are integrated with V2G infrastructure to support grid operations.

  • Japan: Bidirectional charging stations in Tokyo ensure emergency power supply during disasters.

  • UK: Octopus Energy’s residential V2G scheme generates up to £500 extra income per household per year.

  • Canada: Ontario’s public transit and logistics fleets use V2G-enabled fast chargers for energy balancing.

Integration with Renewable Energy

Bidirectional charging plays a crucial role in supporting renewable power.

  • Excess solar energy generated during the day can be stored in vehicle batteries for later use.

  • Wind power generated overnight can be captured in EV batteries and supplied back to the grid during morning demand peaks.

This helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lowers carbon emissions.

Market Growth and Future Outlook

The global vehicle-to-grid market reached around $11.4 billion in 2024. It is projected to surpass $129.8 billion by 2034, with an expected annual growth rate of 27%. Regulatory support in Europe and Asia is accelerating this expansion, while public fleets lead the way in North America.

Automaker Strategies

Leading manufacturers are integrating bidirectional charging into their EVs:

 

  • Ford: The F-150 Lightning offers V2G capability.

  • Volkswagen: ID. series models will support bidirectional charging in Europe from 2025.

  • Hyundai: Ioniq models in select markets include this technology.

Battery Management and Health

Smart battery management systems protect battery health by limiting discharge within safe thresholds. AI-powered monitoring tools provide real-time battery status updates and help optimize charge-discharge cycles.

User Benefits and Business Models

Bidirectional charging offers new income opportunities:

  • Netherlands: EV owners earn about €350 annually.

  • Germany: Pilot projects report up to €1,000 yearly income.

  • UK: Octopus Energy users gain around £500 annually.

Fleets benefit from lower energy costs and stronger sustainability performance.

Commercial Fleet Examples

  • USA: School buses help balance grid demand in California.

  • Canada: Public transit uses bidirectional fast charging for grid support.

  • Germany: Logistics fleets supply surplus energy back to the grid overnight.

Regulations and Future Standards

The EU plans to mandate bidirectional capability for new public chargers by 2026. US states like California and New York are preparing similar policies. Japan and South Korea aim to finalize V2G standards by 2027.

Challenges and Development Areas

Status in Turkey

Turkey is preparing pilot projects and aligning regulations to enable bidirectional charging deployment. New DC charging stations are being designed to support this technology.