Most people buy an electric car to save on fuel, cut emissions, or keep up with the shift toward cleaner transport. But what if your EV could also help power your home, or your entire neighborhood, when it's parked?
This is the promise of vehicle-to-grid, or V2G. It can turn your car's EV battery into a device that can support the electrical grid when demand spikes, prices rise, or renewable sources dip.
And it becomes more relevant every year. With EV adoption on the rise and energy management systems under pressure, especially during heatwaves, cold snaps, or energy transitions, technologies like V2G could help reduce grid strain, cut costs, and accelerate the shift to smarter, more sustainable infrastructure.
Read on to learn:
- What V2G means (and how it’s different from V2H or V2X)
- Which cars and chargers support it today
- The benefits and challenges of connecting EVs to the grid
What is the Vehicle-to-Grid technology?
Vehicle-to-Grid is a technology that allows electric vehicles (EVs) to both charge from and supply power back to the electricity grid.
When your EV is parked, it’s usually not doing anything. With V2G, that unused battery capacity can become an energy source. Your car can help balance electricity demand, reduce pressure on the grid, and even support renewable energy systems like solar and wind.
This works through something called bidirectional charging. Unlike traditional chargers, which only send power one way (into the car), V2G setups use special chargers and software to send power both ways.
Not every car or charger supports this yet. But the number of V2G-capable EVs is growing fast, and energy providers are actively testing it through pilot programs worldwide.
How does Vehicle-to-Grid work?
Vehicle-to-Grid works through a system that connects your electric car, a special charger, and the power grid, all communicating in real-time.
Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown:
- You plug in your EV at home, work, or a public charging spot.
- The charger "talks" to your car and the grid using smart communication protocols based on ISO 15118.
- The power grid sends a signal when it needs extra power during peak hours or energy shortfalls.
- Your EV sends energy back into the electrical grid within limits you set, so you're never left with an empty battery.
- You get rewarded through reduced energy bills, credits, or even payments in some programs.
What you need for V2G to work
- A V2G-capable EV car model (like the Nissan Leaf or Hyundai Ioniq 5)
- A bidirectional charger (not just any charger will do)
- Smart charging software to manage schedules, limits, and data
- Utility or aggregator support (not all regions support energy return yet)
In short: V2G transforms your car from a passive power consumer into an active part of the energy management ecosystem.
Why V2G matters in 2025
Electric vehicles aren’t just about cleaner transport anymore. They become part of the energy grid itself.
More electric vehicles = more car battery power
With millions of EVs expected on the road in the next few years, the total car battery capacity sitting idle (especially overnight) is massive. V2G taps into that potential, turning parked cars into assets.
Electricity grids under pressure
As energy demand increases, particularly during heat waves, winter storms, or evening peaks, grids are pushed to their limits. Instead of firing up more fossil fuel power plants, utilities can fill those gaps with electricity stored in EV batteries.
Supporting renewable energy
Wind and solar power are great, but not always predictable. V2G helps smooth out their ups and downs by storing excess energy during the day and releasing it when needed, especially at night.
Real benefits for EV drivers
EV owners can save money (or even earn it) by selling energy back during high-demand periods. Some V2G programs offer incentives, credits, or reduced electricity costs.
Smarter cities, smarter charging infrastructure
V2G fits perfectly into the vision of smart cities where mobility, energy, and digital services work together. Instead of building new infrastructure, we use what’s already there: your car.
As EV adoption continues to rise, the question isn’t if V2G will become standard; it’s when. And for businesses building the platforms behind this tech, the time to get ready is now.
Which EVs support V2G in 2025?
Not every electric car can do Vehicle-to-Grid yet, but that’s starting to change.
Here’s a list of car manufacturers and models currently supporting (or soon enabling) V2G, based on compatibility with bidirectional charging standards like CHAdeMO plug or ISO 15118:
- Nissan Leaf (all models) - one of the first to support V2G via CHAdeMO.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Ioniq 6 - V2G-ready in select regions using ISO 15118.
- Kia EV9 - Launching with bidirectional charging capabilities.
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz / ID.4 (2024+) - Select models rolling out ISO 15118 support.
- Renault Zoe (with compatible chargers) - Limited pilot support in France and the EU.
- BYD Atto 3 / Tang EV - V2G being tested in Asia-Pacific and Europe.
Under development or pilot phase:
- Ford F-150 Lightning - Supports V2H (vehicle-to-home), V2G coming via updates.
- Tesla (Model S, 3, X, Y) - No official V2G support as of 2025, though speculation continues.
Compatibility note: It’s not just the car. Your EV needs a compatible charger and local grid support. Some vehicles support V2H or V2L (powering your home or devices) but not full V2G yet.
💡 Tip: Before buying an EV for V2G, check with both your utility provider and charger manufacturer for compatibility.
What chargers support V2G?
To use Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), you need a compatible car and the right charger. Specifically, a bidirectional charger that can handle energy flowing both in and out of your EV.
What is a bidirectional charger?
Most EV chargers are unidirectional: they pull energy from the grid and send it to your car. A bidirectional charger, on the other hand, can reverse that flow, allowing your EV to discharge energy back to the grid, your home, or a building.
These chargers work with protocols like CHAdeMO or ISO 15118, and they also need smart software to manage communication, safety, and energy timing.
Residential V2G chargers
Wallbox QuasarSupports CHAdeMO and is designed for home use. One of the most well-known consumer-level V2G chargers.
Indra V2GUK-based brand in multiple pilot programs. Works with Nissan Leaf and grid-supported setups.
dcbel r16A hybrid home energy station combining solar, battery, and V2G support.
Commercial / Fleet-scale V2G chargers
Nuvve PowerPortDesigned for school buses, fleets, and depot use.
EVBox Troniq ModularCapable of bidirectional energy flow with large power loads.
Siemens VersiCharge XLSmart grid-ready and scalable for enterprise needs.
What’s the cost?
V2G chargers are more expensive than regular ones. As of 2025:
Residential: ~$3,000–$6,000 USD(plus installation and grid coordination)
Commercial: $10,000+ depending on power level, software, and fleet size
Don’t forget the software
Even the best hardware needs a smart backend. V2G software platforms manage charge timing, pricing, energy limits, and communication with the grid. This is where companies like Solidstudio help make the experience seamless and compliant.
What are the benefits of V2G?
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) creates real value for drivers, utilities, and the environment. Here’s how:
For EV owners
- Earn money or creditsYou can sell unused energy back to the grid during peak demand. Some programs offer monthly payments, energy credits, or reduced rates.
- Save on charging costsYou can charge when rates are low, discharge when they’re high, V2G helps optimize energy costs.
- Emergency backup powerIn V2G or V2H setups, your EV can provide electricity during blackouts, similar to a home battery.
- More control over energy useSmart apps let you set limits so your battery doesn’t get too low, while still helping the grid.
For the power grid
- Balance energy supply and demandEVs can feed power into the grid during peak times, reducing the need for peaker plants or emergency generation.
- Improve grid resilienceV2G helps maintain stable voltage and frequency, especially during power surges or high usage periods.
- Store excess renewable energyUse EVs for renewable energy storage during the day, then feed it back when it’s needed, like after sunset.
For the environment
- Fewer fossil fuel peaker plantsEvery kilowatt-hour discharged from an EV replaces energy that might otherwise come from gas turbines.
- Boost renewable adoptionV2G makes it easier to integrate variable renewables into the grid without wasting excess energy.
For fleet operators
- Monetize idle vehiclesUse buses, delivery vans, or company EVs to earn money while they’re parked.
- Lower total cost of ownershipWith the right setup, fleets can offset energy costs or even turn a profit from energy sales.
- Smarter fleet schedulingSoftware can time charging/discharging around usage patterns and energy markets.
In short: V2G makes EVs more useful, the grid more stable, and the energy system cleaner.
What Are the Disadvantages or Risks of V2G?
While V2G has a lot of potential, it’s not without its limitations. The technology is still maturing, and there are a few hurdles that EV owners, grid operators, and developers need to keep in mind.
Limited EV compatibility
Not all electric vehicles support bidirectional charging. Most current models can only receive power, not send it back. Compatibility depends on both the vehicle’s hardware and the charging protocol it supports.
Bidirectional chargers are expensive
V2G-capable chargers are significantly more costly than standard home chargers. Installation can also be complex, requiring permits, inspections, and sometimes grid utility coordination.
Concerns about battery degradation
There’s a common worry that frequent discharging could wear out EV batteries faster. However, recent studies suggest that smart V2G management can actually preserve battery life by keeping charge levels balanced and reducing idle time.
Still, the long-term impact depends on how V2G is implemented and whether car manufacturers optimize their battery systems for it.
Regulatory and utility challenges
In many regions, grid rules aren’t ready for V2G. Some utilities don’t allow energy to be sent back. Others lack the digital infrastructure to manage it.
- Energy pricing models aren’t always V2G-friendly.
- Permitting and connection processes can vary wildly.
- Lack of standardized incentives or market structures.
V2G is more than a buzzword
Electric vehicles are already reshaping transportation, but Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) shows they can reshape the energy grid too.
Whether it’s helping keep the lights on during peak demand, supporting renewable energy, or putting money back in EV drivers’ pockets, V2G turns parked cars into powerful energy tools.
As more V2G-capable EVs and chargers hit the market, the real challenge is less about hardware and more about software.
That’s where companies like Solidstudio come in.
By building the backend platforms, smart charging logic, and protocol integrations that make V2G scalable, Solidstudio helps mobility companies, energy providers, and innovators bring real-world V2G systems to life.
Want to build something in the V2G space?
Solidstudio helps companies integrate V2G logic into their platforms, with tools for grid communication, energy scheduling, transaction tracking, and fleet-level orchestration.
Learn more about Solidstudio’s energy backend solutions, book a call with us now!
FAQs about Vehicle-to-Grid
What does V2G stand for?
V2G stands for Vehicle-to-Grid technology. It refers to a system where electric vehicles (EVs) take electricity from the grid, but can also send it back.
In the V2G context, you can consider your electric car a rechargeable battery on wheels that, when connected to the right charger and software, can help power homes, buildings, or even entire neighborhoods during times of high energy demand.
This two-way energy flow is the core of what makes V2G different from standard EV charging, and it’s the foundation for more flexible, resilient energy systems.
In short: V2G = Two-way charging between vehicles and the grid.
How much does V2G cost, and is it worth it?
V2G setups require specialized hardware and software, so the upfront cost is higher than a standard EV charger.
- Residential V2G chargers typically range from $3,000–$6,000
- Commercial chargers can exceed $10,000, depending on the site and scale
- Additional costs may include:
- Installation ($500–$2,000+)
- Utility grid interconnection
- Smart energy software or platform licenses
That said, V2G can pay off, especially for fleets or in areas with strong incentives. Some EV owners and operators earn through energy credits or by selling power during peak demand.
Bonus: If your EV supports V2G, it can act like a home battery, potentially saving you the cost of installing a separate system like a Powerwall.
What are the most important real-world examples of V2G?
V2G is already being tested in real-world settings across the globe:
- California, USA: School buses send energy back to the grid when idle, in partnership with PG&E and Nuvve.
- United Kingdom: The Electric Nation project piloted V2G with residential users and Nissan Leafs.
- Netherlands: Amsterdam is deploying thousands of V2G-capable public chargers across the city.
- Japan: V2G is used for emergency backup power in disaster zones, supported by Nissan and local utilities.
These pilots prove that V2G isn’t just theory; it’s being implemented where grid stress, EV growth, and renewable integration intersect.
What role does Solidstudio play in the V2G ecosystem?
Most V2G companies focus on hardware - chargers, vehicles, and batteries. Solidstudio focuses on the backend software that makes V2G scalable and practical.
Solidstudio delivers:
- Smart charging logic for when to charge or discharge
- Grid communication support (OCPP, ISO 15118, OpenADR)
- Energy transaction tracking
- Fleet-level management tools
- Dashboards for monitoring usage, energy flow, and cost savings
Without reliable software, V2G can’t scale. Solidstudio helps bridge EVs, chargers, and grid platforms, making the tech usable in the real world.
Can Teslas do V2G?
Not yet, at least officially. Tesla vehicles don’t currently support V2G, and the company hasn’t activated the bidirectional charging feature, even though the hardware may be capable in newer models.
Why not?
- Tesla prioritizes battery longevity and sees discharge cycles as a potential risk
- Tesla uses proprietary connectors and software, not open standards like ISO 15118
- The Powerwall is Tesla’s main energy product, and enabling V2G could overlap with it
That said, Tesla has hinted V2G might come in future models like the Cybertruck. Stay tuned.
Is the power grid ready for V2G?
It depends on where you are.
- Europe leads in V2G readiness, with widespread ISO 15118 adoption and supportive policies.
- Japan also supports V2G, especially through the CHAdeMO protocol and disaster-response programs.
- The U.S. is catching up. States like California and New York have active pilots, but utility support varies.
- Australia and South Korea are experimenting; China is still developing standards.
V2G relies on grid modernization, smart meters, and real-time communication. Some regions are there. Others are on the way.