An electric car spends most of its life parked, carrying a large battery. Vehicle-to-grid, or V2G, is the idea that these batteries could send energy back to the grid when it is needed, and recharge when power is cheap and plentiful. It is one of the most discussed ideas in EV charging, and one of the least understood.
The family of bidirectional charging
- V2L (vehicle-to-load): the vehicle powers appliances or tools directly. Some EVs already offer this.
- V2H or V2B (vehicle-to-home or building): the vehicle supplies a home or building, for example during an outage or at peak times.
- V2G (vehicle-to-grid): the vehicle exports energy to the wider grid, usually coordinated by a utility or aggregator.
Why it could matter
As India adds large amounts of solar power, electricity is abundant in the middle of the day and scarcer in the evening peak. Vehicles that charge at midday and give back a small amount in the evening could help balance supply and demand. Many vehicles together could act like a large, distributed battery.
What V2G needs
- Vehicles that support bidirectional charging, which is still limited to some models.
- Bidirectional chargers and communication standards that let vehicle and charger coordinate.
- Grid rules and tariffs that allow export from vehicles and pay owners for it.
- Owner confidence that the car will always have enough charge, and that battery warranties are protected.
V2G only works when drivers are rewarded and protected. Clear compensation and guaranteed minimum charge levels matter as much as the technology.
A realistic timeline
V2G is being trialled in several countries, and pilot projects have been discussed in India. Widespread use will depend on vehicle support, standards and regulation coming together. In the near term, the most practical uses are likely to be V2L, and V2B at depots and buildings where a single owner controls both vehicles and site. Fleets parked at predictable times, such as school or city buses, are strong early candidates.
What to do now
Operators and site owners can keep the option open by choosing chargers and software that can be upgraded, using open communication protocols, and designing electrical systems with bidirectional flows in mind where it is practical.
How PxT can help
PxT Energies follows bidirectional charging developments closely and can advise on future-ready designs for depots and buildings where V2B or V2G could deliver value.