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InterControl using an Ambibox GmbH bidirectional charger successfully trialled V2H/V2G with the Kia EV9 without any additional modifications. The demonstration was shared on a LinkedIn post. The Kia EV9 is one of several EV models that is capable of vehicle-to-load (V2L), this however was the first demonstration of vehicle-to-home (V2H).
▶️MORE: 2024 Kia EV9 price and specs
The setup comprised a 2024 Kia EV9 paired with an Ambibox bidirectional charger. The EV9 was discharged at 6.6kW reducing the batteries state of charge from 95% to 93%.
Kia has previously confirmed its future EV models would support V2G, this trial however is one of the first to successfully demonstrate the EV9's V2H/V2G capabilities. Importantly it is one of the first CCS Bidirectional charging demonstrations using the internationally accepted 15118-20 protocool.
| Vehicle to Load, VtoL or 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, VtoH or 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, VtoG or 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. |
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▶️MORE: Watt is Bidirectional Charging, V2G, V2H, V2L?
▶️MORE: Which Electric Cars Have Bidirectional Charging (V2L, V2H, V2G)
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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