What is V2H bidirectional EV charging?

Helpful video reference. The video "The Future of EV Charging? Bidirectional Charging Explained" gives a clear and accessible overview of bidirectional charging technology, covering V2L, V2H and V2G in plain terms. Published May 2026, it reflects the current state of available vehicles and chargers in the UK market.

1. Understand V2L, V2H and V2G

These three terms get used interchangeably, but they mean different things and have different requirements.

• V2L (vehicle to load) — power comes directly from a socket on the car itself (often in the boot or in the charge port area) at up to 3.6 kW. No special home charger needed. You plug appliances in directly, useful on campsites or during a power cut in the street. Already available on Hyundai Ioniq 5/6, Kia EV6, MG4 and others.
• V2H (vehicle to home) — the car exports power back through a dedicated bidirectional home charger to your internal circuits. Your consumer unit sees it as a generation source and can use it to run lights, sockets, appliances, and even other chargers. Capacity is typically 7.4 kW from a 7.4 kW bidirectional AC charger.
• V2G (vehicle to grid) — like V2H but the exported power can also flow out through the meter to the grid, earning an export tariff. This requires a smart energy system and a G99 application to the DNO before the charger goes live.

Most UK homeowners interested in this technology are focused on V2H, specifically as a home battery backup system and a way to use cheap overnight charging to offset daytime usage.

2. Check your car is V2H capable

Not all EVs support bidirectional charging, even if they have a CCS Combo 2 port. V2H requires the car's onboard charger or DC system to operate in reverse. As of July 2026, confirmed V2H-capable cars in the UK include:

• Kia EV9 — the first widely available mass-market V2H car in the UK, using CCS Combo 2 bidirectional charging. Compatible with the Indra Smart Pro V2H.
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 — selected battery and powertrain variants support V2H via CCS Combo 2. Check with the dealer which specification includes bidirectional capability before ordering.
• Volkswagen ID. models (77 kWh battery) — Volkswagen rolled out bidirectional capability via an over-the-air Software 3.5 update in early 2026. V2H is the initial focus; V2G is expected to follow. Requires a compatible CCS bidirectional charger.
• Nissan Leaf (older models, CHAdeMO port) — the Leaf has offered V2G capability through its CHAdeMO DC port for years, but CHAdeMO requires a DC bidirectional charger rather than an AC unit, and compatible UK chargers are harder to find. The newer Leaf on CCS does not currently offer bidirectional capability.

The list is growing. Manufacturers including Renault, BMW, Ford and Tesla have announced or are testing bidirectional capability for their upcoming models. If your current car is not on the list, it is worth checking the manufacturer's UK website before assuming.

3. Choose a compatible bidirectional charger

A standard 7.4 kW home charger cannot export power from your car. You need a specific bidirectional unit. The three main options available in the UK in 2026 are:

• Indra Smart Pro V2H — UK-designed and manufactured in Warwick. Supports V2H and V2G on CCS Combo 2. Integrates with smart tariffs including Octopus Intelligent and compatible solar inverters. OZEV approved.
• Wallbox Quasar 2 — supports CCS Combo 2 bidirectional charging. Full V2H and V2G capability, with energy management via the Wallbox app. Note: the original Quasar 1 used CHAdeMO (Nissan Leaf compatible); the Quasar 2 uses CCS.
• JEDI Charger — a UK startup's bidirectional unit, initially targeting social housing and fleet operators but now available for residential installations.

Pricing for bidirectional units is significantly higher than standard chargers — typically £1,500 to £3,000 for the unit alone, plus installation.

4. Assess your home supply

The electrical installation requirements for a bidirectional charger are broadly the same as for a standard charger: a dedicated 32A circuit from the consumer unit, appropriate RCD protection, PEN fault protection on PME supplies, and a CT clamp for load management. The electrician will check the consumer unit has a spare 32A slot (or can be upgraded to accommodate one) and that the cable route from board to charger location is practical.

If you have a home battery or solar PV, the energy management integration is more involved. The bidirectional charger, inverter and battery storage all need to communicate, typically via a home energy management system (HEMS) or a compatible solar inverter with V2H integration.

5. Have the system installed and commissioned

Installation is similar in scope to a standard charger install but with additional commissioning steps. For V2H, the electrician verifies the circuit, connects the charger, and then the system is configured via the charger's app to set export limits, blackout backup priority and tariff windows. The app confirms the car and charger are handshaking correctly before any export is enabled.

For V2G, a G99 connection application must be submitted to and approved by the DNO before the charger can export to the grid. Your electrician handles this as part of the installation. Build in a few weeks for DNO approval if V2G is the goal.

When to call us

If you are buying or have already bought a V2H-capable car and want to understand what a home bidirectional charger installation would involve in Sandwich or east Kent, call or send a WhatsApp. Richard will advise on charger options, assess the consumer unit, and give a fixed quote for the installation.