Photo Credit: iStockFor some drivers, an electric vehicle could do more in the driveway than wait for the next trip. Its battery may be able to keep a home going during an outage and, in certain setups, send power back to the grid when demand rises.Here's what to knowAs ScienceBlog detailed, bidirectional charging is the umbrella term for systems that allow electricity to flow both into and out of an EV. That can mean vehicle-to-load, or V2L, for directly powering appliances and tools; vehicle-to-home, or V2H, for supplying a home; or vehicle-to-grid, or V2G, for sending electricity back to the broader power system through a compatible charger.Adoption is still limited. In its 2026 assessment, the International Energy Agency identified 22 production models with stated or commercial V2G use, representing less than 1.5% of EV models.AdvertisementAdvertisementBecause EV battery packs are so large, many EVs can power a home for hours or even days, depending on the vehicle, the house, and how much charge is reserved for driving. Adding battery storage is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save on energy costs, and go off-grid. If you're curious about home backup options, exploring EnergySage's free tools can help you learn more about home battery storage and compare competitive installation estimates.The company has also partnered with the electrification brand Qmerit to ensure you get the best price on home battery storage solutions. Another option is Pila, which offers excellent battery backup options with its plug-and-play batteries that cost a fraction of what a whole-home backup system would.More backgroundFindings from two Nature Communications papers indicate this approach could play a much bigger role, according to ScienceBlog. One 2023 study projected that batteries still operating in EVs, along with retired batteries repurposed for stationary storage, could provide 32 to 62 terawatt-hours of technical storage capacity by 2050.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe same study found that reusing half of retired EV batteries in stationary systems would push the needed participation rate to under 10%. Without that boost, researchers estimated that 12% to 43% of eligible EVs could meet short-term grid storage demand worldwide, and in most regions modeled, EV batteries could meet that need by 2030.Another 2024 European study found that V2G might start covering demand for new stationary battery storage in 2035, with second-life batteries following in 2040. It also projected that outfitting 40% of EVs for V2G could meet anticipated 2050 grid needs if half were plugged in at one time and owners offered half of their battery capacity.What can be done?Most EV charging still works in only one direction, into the battery. Smart charging can already help by shifting when a car charges, such as overnight or during periods of excess solar power, but true V2H and V2G require a compatible vehicle, charger, software, and utility agreements.Adding battery storage is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages and lower energy bills by using stored electricity during more expensive hours. It can also make off-grid or partial-backup setups far more practical for households looking for added resilience.AdvertisementAdvertisementEven if cars are not widely serving as grid batteries, a parked EV could help power homes, cut costs, and reduce strain on the electric system.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
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