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Ambibox GmbH has again showcased the bidirectional charging (V2G/V2H) capability of the Tesla Model Y. In an earlier trial, Ambibox discharged a Tesla Model Y that was paired with a stationary battery. This time around, they were able to discharge a 2024 Tesla Model Y using a Ambibox DC BiDi charger at 10kW - double the power output (5 kW) of a Tesla Powerwall 2. No modifications to the Model Y were required to undertake the discharge.
The application of bidirectional charging in this instance comprises energy being discharged from the battery via an external bidirectional charger which undertakes the conversion from DC to AC, this is known as 'DC Bidirectional charging'. This differs to 'V2L' where the conversion happens via the car's onboard charger, this is known as 'AC Bidirectional charging'.
▶️MORE: Watt is Bidirectional Charging, V2G, V2H, V2L?
Ambibox CEO, Manfred Przybilla, noted that that "TESLA could and probably will soon make its vehicles available to the energy market."
Furthermore, he speculated "Rumor has it that the Powerwall 3 can be upgraded to discharge existing vehicles."
This demonstration further proves that Tesla EV's are capable of bidirectional charging under multiple scenarios (battery connected or directly through the DC bidirectional charger).
Tesla has yet to formally comment on whether they will permit future bidirectional charging from its past models or what future products they'll release to enable bidirectional charging (such as the Powerwall 3).
| Vehicle to Load (V2L) | V2L is the most basic application of bidirectional charging. It does not require a bidirectional charger. Instead, a V2L adapter is plugged into your type 2 charging port which allows the car to operate as a portable battery pack with a standard 120/240V power supply. |
| Vehicle to Home, (V2H) | V2H involves using energy from your EV to power your home or business. This works in the same way a stationary home storage battery (like the Tesla Powerwall 2) does in reducing grid consumption, except your car needs to be plugged into a bidirectional charge point. |
| Vehicle to Grid (V2G) | V2G involves using energy from your EV to stabilise the grid. This is done through a ‘smart’ bidirectional charger, which is typically part of a VPP (Virtual Power Plant). Subject to defined parameters, your energy retailer will control when your battery is charged or discharged. |
▶️MORE: Which Electric Cars Have Bidirectional Charging
Is Bidirectional Charging Available in Australia?
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) is currently available in several of the latest models.
With regards to V2H and V2G, South Australia become the first jurisdiction in Australia to permit the connection of bidirectional chargers in its network. The only bidirectional charger approved to be used in bidirectional mode is the Wallbox Quasar which needs to be connected to a Nissan Leaf to activate the bidirectional charging feature. As of the time of writing, no other states in Australia have permitted the connection of bidirectional chargers in its network.
It should be noted that the Wallbox Quasar needs to be connected to a Nissan Leaf which uses the CHAdeMO plug which will not feature in any new electric cars going forward in Australia.
In Australia, the dominant charging plug is CCS, which is yet to feature an EV with V2H or V2G. CharIN e.V, the body in charge of driving commercialisation of V2G/V2H for the CCS standard, has set a roadmap for commercial availability by 2025. This means we are at least twelve to eighteen months away from commercial availability of V2G and V2H in everyday commercial and household settings.
About the author
Danny Thai
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data. He is the founder of zecar and is currently the EV Innovation Manager at Endeavour Energy.
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