Electric cars equipped with bidirectional charging technology have the potential to revolutionize energy systems by acting as both consumers and providers of electricity. This innovative capability enables vehicles to store electricity and feed it back into the grid when required, offering a flexible solution to balance supply and demand. A recent study by Transport & Environment (T&E) highlights the transformative economic and environmental benefits of bidirectional charging, estimating billions in savings through optimized generation capacity, reduced curtailment, and lower fuel consumption. However, these advantages can only be fully realized with the establishment of clear regulatory frameworks. Without supportive policies, the technology’s potential will remain underutilized.
Recognizing the critical importance of this technology, The smarter E Europe, Europe’s largest alliance of energy industry exhibitions, is dedicating a special exhibit to exploring the opportunities and challenges it presents for both the mobility and energy industries. The event will be held from May 7 to 9, 2025, at Messe München and promises to shed light on the future of bidirectional charging in Europe.
Enormous Savings Potential
The Fraunhofer Institutes estimate that bidirectional charging could unlock significant cost savings across the European Union. Annual savings could reach up to €22 billion—approximately 8% of the costs associated with building and operating the EU’s energy system. Over the decade from 2030 to 2040, cumulative savings could surpass €100 billion. In Germany alone, the annual savings potential is projected at €8.4 billion by 2040. These figures underscore the immense economic benefits of integrating bidirectional charging into energy systems at scale.
Enhancing Renewable Energy Integration
Electric vehicles (EVs) with bidirectional charging capabilities can act as mobile storage units, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, into the grid. According to the T&E study, these vehicles could significantly reduce the need for costly stationary storage solutions in the EU—by as much as 92%. Simultaneously, the deployment of photovoltaic systems could increase by up to 40%, driven by the enhanced ability to store and utilize solar energy effectively.
For EV owners, the benefits extend beyond supporting renewable energy. Smart charging technologies optimize the state of charge, reducing battery wear and extending battery lifespan. Additionally, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services could lower electricity costs for consumers, making sustainable mobility more affordable and appealing.
Pioneering Pilot Projects
While the concept of bidirectional charging holds immense promise, its implementation remains in its early stages. Several pilot projects across Europe have demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of the technology.
In France, Renault, in collaboration with The Mobility House, has launched a groundbreaking V2G service. Owners of the Renault 5, equipped with V2G capabilities, can charge their vehicles free of charge and contribute their battery capacity to the energy grid during peak demand periods. This model offers mutual benefits: users save on charging costs, while the energy system gains access to a flexible and scalable storage solution. Plans are underway to expand this initiative to Germany and the United Kingdom, further showcasing the potential of V2G technology to drive sustainable energy transitions.
Overcoming Regulatory Barriers
Despite its potential, bidirectional charging faces significant regulatory challenges that hinder widespread adoption. In Germany, for instance, the roll-out of smart meters—a critical component for enabling V2G—has been slow, and the necessary legal frameworks remain underdeveloped.
Key regulatory hurdles include the double payment of stored electricity due to surcharges and grid fees. Additionally, under the current Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), electricity stored in car batteries may lose eligibility for green energy subsidies when fed back into the grid. These barriers discourage EV owners from participating in V2G services and limit the technology’s scalability.
The Second European Summit for Bidirectional Charging has called for urgent policy reforms to address these challenges. Recommendations include eliminating double charges on stored electricity, streamlining regulations to promote green energy storage, and accelerating the deployment of smart metering infrastructure. These measures are essential to create a supportive environment for bidirectional charging and unlock its full potential.
Special Exhibit at The smarter E Europe 2025
The smarter E Europe 2025 will feature a dedicated exhibit on bidirectional charging, offering a platform to explore current innovations, applications, and future prospects. The exhibit will be located adjacent to the Power2Drive Forum, a hub for discussions on sustainable mobility solutions.
Visitors to the special exhibit can participate in interactive sessions, guided tours, and panel discussions led by industry experts. The program will delve into the technical, economic, and regulatory aspects of bidirectional charging, providing valuable insights for stakeholders across the mobility and energy sectors.
Key partners for the exhibit include Eurelectric, AVERE (The European Association for Electromobility), and SmartEn (Smart Energy Europe), all of which are committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
The smarter E Europe: A Hub for Innovation
As Europe’s largest alliance of energy industry exhibitions, The smarter E Europe brings together four major events: Intersolar Europe, ees Europe, Power2Drive Europe, and EM-Power Europe. Collectively, these exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, including renewable energy, energy storage, e-mobility, and smart energy management. The 2025 edition will be held at Messe München from May 7 to 9, providing a comprehensive platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to exchange ideas and showcase solutions.
The inclusion of a special exhibit on bidirectional charging reflects the event’s commitment to addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the energy transition. By highlighting the potential of V2G technology, The smarter E Europe aims to inspire action and collaboration among stakeholders to drive sustainable development.
Broader Implications for the Energy Transition
Bidirectional charging represents a paradigm shift in the relationship between mobility and energy systems. By enabling EVs to function as decentralized energy storage units, this technology has the potential to transform how energy is produced, stored, and consumed.
Beyond cost savings, bidirectional charging could enhance grid stability, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and accelerate the transition to a renewable energy future. For energy providers, the technology offers a flexible solution to manage peak demand and integrate intermittent renewable energy sources. For consumers, it provides an opportunity to actively participate in the energy market while reducing their carbon footprint.
Read more: The smarter E Europe: Bidirectional Charging Could Save Billions
