Imagine using your electric vehicle (EV) for driving and as a backup energy source for your home, or a way to sell energy back to the grid. Bi-directional charging technology makes this possible, and it’s set to revolutionise EV ownership for Australian drivers.Electric vehicles have changed how we think about transportation. And now, their potential goes far beyond just getting us from point A to point B.

Bi-directional charging is an exciting technology that transforms EVs into mobile energy sources. With Australia’s commitment to renewable energy and the recent approval of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) standards, bi-directional charging is poised to become a key feature in Australia’s energy future.

 

What is Bi-Directional Charging?

At its core, bi-directional charging enables the two-way flow of energy between an electric vehicle’s battery and an external supply or load. This allows your EV to store energy and share it with your home or even feed it back to the grid during periods of high demand.

This innovative technology is used in applications such as:

 

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology:

Energy stored in an EV’s battery is fed back into the electricity grid, enhancing network stability and reducing CO2 emissions by supporting the transition to a cleaner, more efficient energy network.

Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) Technology:

Energy from your EV powers your home, reducing reliance on the grid and saving on energy costs.

 

How Does Bi-Directional EV Charging Work?

Bi-directional charging relies on specialised hardware and software that facilitate two-way energy transfer.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:

  1. Charging the EV: Energy flows from the grid (or a renewable source like solar panels) into the vehicle’s battery during low-demand or high renewable generation periods when electricity is cheaper.
  2. Discharging the EV: The stored energy in the EV battery is sent back to the grid, home, or other connected systems via a bi-directional charger.

 

Two-Way Charging in Australia

In November 2024, the Australian government achieved a major milestone when Standards Australia approved a new standard for vehicle-to-grid charging.

As Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen stated, “This approval paves the way for manufacturers and charging companies to register their products with the Clean Energy Council, making bi-directional charging a reality by Christmas.”

Despite this progress, bi-directional charger availability remains a challenge as the Wallbox Quasar 1 is the only certified charger in Australia right now, with conditional approval in South Australia. However, production of the Quasar 1 has been discontinued.

Which V2G and V2H companies are leading the way?

Following the recent Australian regulatory approval for bidirectional charging, many manufacturers are now working to ensure their products meet the new local standards and Clean Energy Council requirements. This thorough compliance process helps guarantee the safety and reliability of these charging systems for our Australian market.

Several manufacturers are preparing to launch their solutions for consumer-grade hardware in 2025 with many at various stages of bringing their bidirectional charging solutions to market.

Most notable, are innovations from V2Grid Australia, who specialise in Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology solutions across the country. They are expected to produce a bi-directional charger which will be compatible with Mitsubishi vehicles and will be one to watch in this space. This represents a significant step forward for sustainable transport, home energy management and power storage solutions across Australia.

 

Mitsubishi Vehicles with Bi-Directional Charging Capabilities

The exciting news is that Australia has already been taking significant steps toward adopting bi-directional charging and in May 2024, Mitsubishi Motors Australia became one of the first car brands to demonstrate this technology, displaying its ability to export 5kW of power from the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at their Adelaide headquarters.

“As Australia’s V2G landscape continues to mature and access to bi-directional hardware increases, owners will be able to export from their PHEV to the grid or their home, saving on energy costs, supporting renewable energy, and reducing CO2 emissions in both transport and the grid,” says our eMobility Manager, Tim Clarke

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles as a compatible option

If you’re considering bi-directional charging as a future sustainable vehicle consideration, then a PHEV is a leading option:

  • Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV: Whether storing solar energy, reducing energy costs, or providing backup power during emergencies, the Outlander PHEV offers bi-directional charging capabilities to meet your energy needs.
  • Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid EV: With similar functionality, the Eclipse Cross PHEV also supports bi-directional charging.

Both models are equipped with the CHAdeMO DC charging system, (Charge de Move) ensuring compatibility with bi-directional charging technology. Notably, even older Outlander PHEV models (2017 and later) are bi-directional capable. This system supports both charging and discharging of EV batteries, making it ideal for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) applications.

Bi-directional charging depends not only on compatible EVs and chargers but also on the charging standards they support.

To expand further, the two main standards for DC fast charging globally are CHAdeMO and CCS (Combined Charging System), each with distinct features and implications for bi-directional charging.

To take advantage of this functionality, you’ll need an approved bi-directional charger, which is currently limited in availability.

 

Benefits of Bi-Directional Charging

Bi-directional charging technology offers a range of advantages for drivers, energy consumers, and the environment:

1. Save Money

  • Offset electricity bills by using energy stored in your EV during peak pricing periods.
  • Take advantage of energy arbitrage: store energy in your EV battery when electricity prices are low and sell energy back to the grid at higher prices, creating a potential income stream.

2. Support Sustainability

  • Enhance the integration of renewable energy sources by storing solar or wind energy in your vehicle for later use.
  • Reduce carbon emissions by feeding renewable energy back into the grid.

3. Emergency Power Backup

Keep your home powered during outages or emergencies. Mitsubishi’s Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV, for example, can power your home for days using its onboard drive battery.

4. Grid Stability

By feeding power back into the grid, bi-directional charging can help stabilise electricity supply during peak demand periods, reducing the risk of blackouts.

 

The Future of Two-Way Charging in Australia

Bi-directional charging represents a big leap forward in how we think about energy storage and use.

With Mitsubishi Motors leading the way in showcasing this technology, and the Australian government supporting its adoption, bi-directional charging has the potential to transform our energy landscape and offer greater cost saving, energy efficient options to drivers.

Whether you’re looking to save on energy costs, support renewable energy, or simply be prepared for emergencies, bi-directional charging is a feature worth exploring.

To help Australian drivers make the switch, the electric car discount aims at making EVs cheaper. The discount applies to PHEVs until the end of 2025, with a range of helpful financial incentives available.

 

Frequently Asked Questions - Bi-Directional Charging

What use is bi-directional charging?
Bi-directional charging allows you to store energy in your EV and use it to power your home, reduce your electricity costs, or feed energy back into the grid to support renewable energy and grid stability.

Is bi-directional charging safe?
Yes, when used with certified hardware and vehicles, bi-directional charging is safe and complies with strict standards for energy transfer and safety.

What Mitsubishi vehicles offer bi-directional charging?
The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV and Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid EV are bi-directional charging-capable vehicles, as well as previous-generation Outlander PHEVs from 2017 onwards.

Are all EVs capable of bi-directional charging?
No, only certain EVs, such as Mitsubishi’s Plug-in Hybrid EVs, are designed for bi-directional charging. Additionally, a compatible bi-directional charger is required.