From garage to grid: The state of V2G and V2H in Europe
An electric vehicle charges via a DC fast charger (courtesy: Unsplash)
As Europe accelerates its energy transformation, bidirectional charging can be a pillar of a more intelligent, more responsive energy system. Muhammad Rafey Khan of PTR Inc evaluates different national initiatives, the technological landscape of AC/DC chargers, and the current state of policies regarding bidirectional charging.
Picture this: it is a scorching summer afternoon in Barcelona. Air conditioners are running at maximum load; the grid is experiencing high energy demand, which may lead to a potential power outage or blackout.
However, instead of a power failure, hundreds of parked electric vehicles (EVs) automatically begin supplying electricity back to the grid, which eases the grid load.
These vehicles are not just modes of transport; they are dynamic energy resources, bridging the gap between energy supply and unpredictable demand.
But here is the question: If our cars can store energy and sit idle 95% of the time, why are we not using these vehicles to power more than just our commutes?
This article examines bidirectional charging in Europe, including its national initiatives, the technological landscape of AC/DC chargers, and the current state of policies promoting its adoption. We also assess whether the current regulations support or hinder their growth.
Why bidirectional charging matters?
Bidirectional charging enables electric vehicles to facilitate electricity flow between the car and the grid. This technology transforms EVs into support assets for electric utilities, thereby enhancing grid stability during peak hours.
Before we dive further into the impact and market landscape of bidirectional charging, it is essential to look at its two key types, each serving distinct use cases:
- AC Bidirectional Charging: AC bidirectional charging is a common category used in residential settings and is an ideal choice for applications such as Vehicle-to-Home (V2H). Energy stored in EVs is often utilized by homeowners during peak hours to power their homes or even the local power grid.
- DC Bidirectional Charging: DC bidirectional charging is a favourable solution for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) applications, as it supports a faster power flow, making it feasible and reliable for commercial hubs and public infrastructure.
V2G Momentum Across Europe: Country-Level Progress at a Glance
As technology powering bidirectional charging evolves rapidly, its feasibility and ease of adoption depend on the provided infrastructure, national policies, strategic planning, and regulatory support. The growth prospects and maturity of this technology vary from one country to another as we move across Europe.
In Figure 1, we present a snapshot of the status of bidirectional charging in key European markets, providing insight into where each market stands in the race to transform electric vehicles (EVs) into energy assets integrated into the grid.
Source: PTR Inc.
AC Bidirectional Charging:
France
With firm policies and regulations, France leads the region in AC bidirectional charging initiatives. The French government has developed a Multiannual Energy Plan that outlines the country’s roadmap for adopting renewable energy and electrification technologies, including electric vehicles. This is also supported by centralized grid management, which has enabled local automobile manufacturers, such as Renault, to ramp up their V2G efforts in collaboration with The Mobility House.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom supports the Zero Strategy, which aims to eliminate petrol and diesel vehicles while promoting the adoption of EVs. The UK supports V2G technology and has favorable market conditions for participation in this technology. The UK has established regulatory frameworks and is therefore a powerful emerging candidate in the V2G space in Europe.
The country has launched pilot projects with companies such as Nissan, Mercedes, and Tesla, which have been successful at the early trial stage. With the proper regulatory framework and supportive infrastructure, the UK foresees a promising future in AC bidirectional charging.
Italy
The V2G market in Italy remains in infancy due to the lack of formal policy-level direction. However, pilot projects are being implemented in Italy due to partnerships like the Fiat-Chrysler V2G initiative. Signs of progress, such as the removal of double taxation and the upcoming TIDE Act, are increasingly seen as a strategic avenue for growth and broader implementation of V2G.
Germany
Germany is among the top ten countries producing electric vehicles, but when it comes to bidirectional charging, the country is not keeping pace. A heightened interest has been observed in EV owners, but the widespread adoption has been hindered due to the following major reasons:
- Lack of regulations & mechanisms
- Lack of incentives
- Lack of collaboration between stakeholders such as energy companies, EV, and EVCI OEMs
Having said that, things are moving in the right direction, and the country has started exploring suitable mechanisms to kickstart the deployment of this technology. In 2024, Germany unveiled a preliminary roadmap for Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and V2G technologies. With the new government in place, the country is poised to accelerate its efforts in this segment of electrification.
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DC Bidirectional Charging
The dynamics of DC bidirectional charging differ from those of AC bidirectional charging; hence, countries are also fostering both technologies. A general observation is that DC bidirectional charging has greater uptake in the Nordic countries. Here is a roundup of the current state of DC bidirectional charging among early adopters in the Nordics.
Denmark
Denmark took a step ahead in DC bidirectional charging through initiatives with companies like Nissan, which utilises the Chademo DC protocol. Governmental support is primarily in favour of the energy sector, as initiatives such as green technology and smart grids are already in place, making Denmark’s approach favourable. However, Denmark is still in a phase where it needs to focus on developing a clear regulatory framework and fiscal policies to make V2G technology economically feasible for users.
Netherlands
The support for DC bidirectional charging in the country is evident from its adoption of intelligent systems that emphasise V2L and V2G technologies. The Netherlands has demonstrated progress with projects like We Drive Solar, where V2G technology has been integrated into EVs from Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Volkswagen has also planned to incorporate DC bidirectional charging technology into future iterations of its EVs, utilising software version 3.5.
The regulatory framework is among the most comprehensive in Europe, with clear guidelines from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. With supportive policy and infrastructure, the Netherlands is leading in DC bidirectional charging.
Driving bidirectional innovation: OEM-led initiatives
To support broader adoption and deployment of technology, public and private sector efforts go hand in hand. There is little movement in the V2G space, as no proper policy rollout has been seen from the public sector.
However, the industry is ready to deploy technology, awaiting a green signal from the government. Let us explore and highlight the industry’s efforts that have resulted in technology readiness for both AC bidirectional charging and DC bidirectional charging.
Figure 2 provides an overview of the initiatives undertaken by various companies as a stepping stone towards the adoption of AC bidirectional charging and DC bidirectional charging.
Europe is making notable strides towards bidirectional charging technologies (V2G and V2H), with many market dynamics prompting adoption rates uniquely from one country to the next. Strategic incentives, infrastructure spending, and pilot initiatives are laying the groundwork for scaling deployment.
Despite promising progress, gaps in regulatory clarity, standardisation, and grid readiness persist, hindering the widespread adoption of bidirectional charging. Bridging these gaps will require coordinated efforts from policymakers, OEMs, and utilities to align incentives, streamline standards, and invest in smart infrastructure.
As Europe accelerates its energy transformation, cooperation at the borders and continued technological advancements will be crucial to realising the full potential of bidirectional charging as a pillar of a more intelligent, more responsive energy system.
About the author
Muhammad Rafey Khan is a Senior Analyst and Team Lead for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure service at PTR. His research focuses on e-mobility topics, specialising in electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure.
