#Bidirectionalcharging

[sentivium]

Stellantis’ electric STLA Frame gives vehicles 690 miles of range with an extender

Stellantis released new details about its big “multi-energy” vehicle platform, STLA Frame. The new platform runs primarily on battery-electric technology but can also underpin internal combustion, hybrid, gas-extending, and hydrogen vehicles, the company said.

[dorleco]

What is Bidirectional EV charging and How Does It Help Electric Vehicle Owners?

August 28, 2024

by dorleco

with no comment

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Introduction

Power safety shutdowns have left millions of Californians without energy to lower the state’s danger of wildfires. Many owners of electric vehicles (EVs) have been annoyed by their inability to use the electricity in their car batteries to power their houses or other important loads. Their EV batteries could store energy, but since they could only use the electricity to run their car, they could not benefit from bidirectional EV charging.

A growing number of electric vehicle (EV) owners can power heavy loads with their cars or by purchasing a wall box unit. Bidirectional charging systems have several benefits for both residential and commercial utility companies. To respond to questions from potential solar customers, one must be well-versed in the functioning of bidirectional chargers. Bidirectional electric car charging is an excellent approach to supply emergency power during a blackout without requiring batteries.

Bidirectional charging is very popular these days, and this trend will only grow as EVs become more capable. Consequently, several automakers have announced that they will supply automobiles with bidirectional capability, including Ford, Hyundai, Lucid, and Tesla.

Bidirectional EV charging: What Is It?

As the name suggests, bidirectional EV charging charges the battery and supplies electricity to other loads as needed by utilizing both the grid and the battery. An EV can help power a home, company, utility grid, other vehicle, or specific loads by utilizing bidirectional charging.

Now that the Nissan Leaf can charge in both directions, using this electricity for residential requirements requires setting up a power supply center inside the house.

The Ford 150 Lightning can provide 9.6 kW of power to a home’s electrical system for a few days. This arrangement requires Ford’s Charge Station Pro and a 100-amp circuit. Furthermore, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6 have a power output of 3.6 kW.

How does it function?

A bidirectional EV charger is an advanced EV charger that can charge in both directions, as opposed to conventional unidirectional EV chargers that use AC power. Even though it looks simple enough, there is a complicated process involved in converting power from AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current).

Unlike traditional EV chargers, bidirectional EV charging converts AC to DC while charging and the other way around when discharging, much like an inverter. However, bidirectional chargers are only compatible with vehicles that can be charged in both directions using DC power. Unfortunately, there are currently very few EVs that have dual-directional charging capabilities; the most well-known example is the Nissan Leaf from later versions. Bidirectional chargers are also substantially more expensive than normal EV chargers because of their higher level of sophistication, which is achieved by using complex power conversion devices to control the energy flow to and from the automobile.

Beyond only powering a habitation, bidirectional EV chargers are equipped with technology that can manage loads and isolate a home from the grid during an outage, a procedure referred to as an island. The fundamental working principle of bidirectional EV chargers and bidirectional inverters, which have been used for backup power in home battery storage systems for more than 10 years, is extremely similar.

How Does Bidirectional EV Charging Work?

Alternating current (AC) power from the grid creates direct current (DC) voltage when the car is charging. Drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) can then use the energy stored in the battery to refuel the grid or power a dwelling. For this to happen, the electricity needs to be converted from DC to AC. Either the car’s converter or the charger itself does this.

One such product is the Wallbox Quasar, a home bidirectional DC charger. It features a CHAdeMO or CCS Type 1 connector in addition to an app with certain energy management features.

When accessible, V2G capabilities enable sustainable energy sources like solar and wind power to be used to charge the batteries of electric vehicles. Subsequently, the EV reduces greenhouse gas emissions by using its batteries to augment the grid’s power supply when not in use.

1. Vehicle to Home (V2H)

This technique allows an electric car to use its electrical panel to power a home or place of business; it’s especially helpful during a blackout. Additionally, homeowners who pay time-of-use rates could save money by using their EV battery during times of high energy demand and charging it during times of lower electricity rates.

The power control system of an EV with V2H capability must be connected to the home’s electrical distribution center for the house to receive electricity from the vehicle. After that, the car must be plugged into the charger to use electricity.

2. Vehicle To Load (V2L)

Vehicles with V2L capability come with an integrated DC-to-AC converter and a standard power outlet. By plugging in their loads, it enables customers to utilize the battery’s power. These features are found in EVs such as the Tesla Cybertruck, Hyundai Ioniq, Ford F150 Lightning, Kia EV6, and Rivian R1T.

3. Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V)

Unfortunately, EVs’ range limits how far they can go between recharging. The capacity of the EV battery, the efficiency of the car, and the ambient temperature all affect the range of the vehicle. V2V charging helps reduce range anxiety by enabling one EV to partially supply electricity to another.

What Benefits Can Bidirectional Charging Provide?

The ability to use the EV battery for other reasons can be very beneficial for utility companies and electric vehicle drivers alike. In actuality, EVs might contribute significantly to the grid’s decarbonization in the future.

1. Potential Energy Bill Savings

The price of power changes throughout the day based on demand if the local utility offers time-of-use rates. Over the summer, weekday afternoons and early evenings are when energy bills are highest and lowest, respectively, in the middle of the night. Therefore, using the grid or solar panels to deliver power during peak demand times and charging during off-peak hours is more economical.

2. Reserve Power for Outages

A few notable power outages have occurred in the last year or so, including the Texas Power Crisis in 2021 and the public safety power shutdowns in California that left millions of people without power. EVs with V2H capabilities can power an entire house during a utility outage. The capacity and state of charge of an electric vehicle’s (EV) battery determines how long and how many loads it can power a residence.

3. Not found in the Grid Energy

EVs with V2L capabilities can power specific loads by plugging into an outlet. If you’re camping or living somewhere without utility electricity, this can work out to be a good option. On construction sites, for instance, power tools can be used by artisans.

What Consequences Are There for Bidirectional EV Chargers?

While bidirectional EV charging offers many benefits, there are drawbacks as well. With more investigation, these obstacles can be addressed.

1. The Decline of EV Batteries:

Bidirectional EV charging involves repeated cycles of charge and discharge, which may shorten the total life of electric car batteries and hasten battery deterioration.

2. The Cost and intricacy:

Because it requires specific infrastructure and equipment, bidirectional EV charging increases the complexity and cost of both the electric car and the charging station.

3. Vehicles with Limited Interoperability:

All-electric vehicles can’t currently be charged in both directions using EVs. The fact that the technology is limited to compatible models of electric vehicles prevents it from being widely adopted.

4. Issues with Grid Stability:

Since vehicles that are charging in both directions can drain or return electricity at any time, the electric grid becomes more unpredictable. As a result, grid operators might find it challenging to maintain reliability and stability.

5. Concerns about Regulation and Standardization:

The absence of established standards and procedures for bidirectional charging could make it more difficult for different charging stations to communicate with one another and prevent the widespread use of electric vehicles.

6. Losses of Energy:

During the conversion and transfer process from the electric vehicle to the grid, energy is lost. When compared to unidirectional charging, this lowers the overall efficiency of bidirectional charging.

Which Electric Cars Are Dual-Charging Capable?

Bidirectional EV charging is only included in a tiny portion of EVs sold in the US; vehicle-to-grid charging is the most common. These vehicles have two-way charging installed:

Ford Lightning (V2H, V2V, and V2G versions)

Genesis GV60 (V2L)

V2L Hyundai Ioniq 5

V2L Hyundai Ioniq 6

Kia EV6 (V2L)

Kia Niro (V2L)

Air Lucid (V2V)

The V2L Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Leaf from Nissan (V2H, V2G)

V2L Tesla Cybertruck

VW ID.4 (V2H)

FAQs about Dual-Way Power Supply

Continue reading to get the answers to some of the most common questions about EV two-way charging.

What benefits does bi-directional charging offer EV drivers?

Bidirectional charging provides electric car owners with power, converting their vehicles into flexible energy sources. In addition to standard charging, this technology enables owners to potentially make money by selling extra energy back to the grid. Because of bidirectional EV charging, electric cars can also momentarily powerhouses or other EVs during emergencies.

Do all-electric vehicles have bi-directional EV chargers installed?

No, not all-electric vehicles on the road now are equipped with bidirectional EV charging. Compatibility is determined by the car’s design and whether or not it has the necessary hardware and software for two-way energy transfer.

What issues do EV batteries encounter when charging in both directions?

Bidirectional charging may reduce the overall lifespan of batteries used in electric vehicles by speeding up battery degradation because it increases the frequency of charge and discharge cycles. An EV battery’s longevity will only be materially impacted by heavy, regular use; in other cases, battery degradation is insignificant.

Can bi-directional EV chargers take the place of solar batteries?

While electric automobiles can store excess energy for use at home thanks to bidirectional charging, solar batteries are still required in some circumstances. The primary battery used in bidirectional charging in vehicles may not have sufficient capacity for large-scale energy storage. Solar batteries are more suited for storing solar panel energy to create a consistent and reliable power source because they have a larger storage capacity due to their stationary design. Furthermore, EV drivers may be reluctant to completely drain their batteries during blackouts due to the possibility that it will limit their mobility.

What is true about bidirectional charging?

Bidirectional EV chargers allow power to flow in two directions, in contrast to standard EV charging systems, which only allow power to flow from a power source to the vehicle’s battery. Electric vehicles, permit energy transfer and receiving, enabling them to share power with other gadgets or even the utility grid.

The Clean Energy Sector Could Be Transformed by Two-Way Charging

The way energy is consumed could drastically change if electric vehicles can send excess energy to the grid, other cars, or homes. The dynamic and decentralized approach that is presented by the interaction between electric vehicles and the energy ecosystem has the potential to improve grid management efficiency, improve resilience in the event of an outage, and even use electric vehicles as distributed energy resources. All of these benefits will help to create a more sustainable and flexible energy landscape.

By transforming high-power DC from the fast-charging station into appropriate power levels for various battery chemistries, the DC-DC converter complies with fast-charging regulations. This aids in the VCU’s optimization of charging speed while upholding security.

The DC-DC converter helps the VCU by controlling and transforming electrical power, making sure that fast charging is handled correctly, safely, and without sacrificing the performance or safety of the vehicle.

Explore our advanced fast-charging VCU products and stay connected to cutting-edge EV software services. For more information or inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at info@dorleco.com. We look forward to serving you!

[servotechsblog]

Bidirectional EV Charging

Revolutionize energy management for your EV and the grid with Bidirectional EV charging Experience the future of smart, sustainable driving with seamless bidirectional charging technology. Drive smarter, charge smarter.

#BidirectionalCharging#EVTechnology#SmartGrid#SustainableDriving

[otiskeene]

California Energy Commission Awards $2.9 Million Grant For Electric School Bus Bidirectional Charging Infrastructure

The Mobility House, the organization spearheading the effort to install bidirectional chargers at four California schools, was granted a $2.9 million grant by the California Energy Commission (CEC). The project, called "Replicable V2X Deployment For Schools (RVXDS)," will make use of school bus fleets to mitigate regional grid emergencies, especially during the busiest summer months.

It emphasizes open, repeatable standards for hardware, software, and automobiles. The Mobility House works with the Pittsburg Unified, Fremont Unified, and Napa Unified school districts, as well as organizations such as the World Resources Institute, the Center for Transportation and the Environment, and Polara Energy USA.

The Mobility House's CEO of North America, Greg Hintler, hopes to set an example for other districts by using V2G, which will lower imported power demand, ease traffic, and improve grid stability.

In order to reduce grid overload, three schools in PG&E region will participate in this innovative Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) program, which will pay them $2 per kWh through the Emergency Load Reduction Program. Bidirectional technology will be used at one school to promote community resilience.

Read More - bit.ly/3RY86un

[climatesamurai]

Audi is researching bidirectional charging technology for electric cars

#Audi is researching #BidirectionalCharging technology for #ElectricCars #ClimateSamurai #ElectricVehicles

Increasing network stability, lowering electricity costs, and contributing to climate protection – that is the vision that Audi and the Hager Group are pursuing. The incorporation of the electric car into the domestic grid is at the core of an innovative research project on bidirectional charging. This offers major advantages in combination with a photovoltaic system in particular. Excess PV…

[themightyelectron]

#BIDIRECTIONALCHARGING #CHARGING #ELECTRICVEHICLE #HOMEBATTERY #HOMECHARGING #POWERWALL #QUASAR #WALLBOX

[soundtweets]

Sono Motors unveils the $18,000 SION solar-powered car by Marc Carter, inhabitat.com

The dream of being able to commute to work in a solar-powered car is finally becoming a reality. Sono Motors just unveiled the SION solar-powered electric car that can travel up to 18 miles using …

“Sono Motors unveils the $18,000 SION solar-powered car” Using 300 photovoltaic panels, the #SION can store enough energy from the sun to travel up to 18 miles, but if you need to travel further, the SION can also be recharged using a standard outlet, like a conventional electric car. Depending on how much you want to spend, you can rent the car battery monthly, or purchase outright. The Extender model starts at $16,000 Euros and has a driving range of 110 – 120 miles and can be quick-charged up to 80% in 40 minutes. Charging it up with the power of the sun will take half a day, but since Sono Motors says you can drive it to work for an 8-hour shift, the battery will be fully recharged thanks to the solar cells when you get off. Sono Motors has also announced the addition of a new mobility system, called “goSono”. With the Sono #App and the function of the bi-directional charging, you can use the vehicle as a mobile storage to power external devices, like generators while heading off the #grid. Additionally the app makes it easy to offer make money with the SION by either renting it out through car sharing or by giving rides to other passengers, like #Uber or #Lyft. #CleanTech #ElectricCar #EV #Renewables #SolarPanels #BiDirectionalCharging #BatteryStorage #CarSharing

[dorleco]

What is Bidirectional EV charging and How Does It Help Electric Vehicle Owners?

February 5, 2024

 by dorleco

with no comment

 Autonomous Vehicle Technology

Edit

Introduction

To reduce the risk of wildfires, millions of Californians have been without electricity during power safety shutdowns. The inability to use the electricity in their car batteries to power their houses or other essential loads has irritated a lot of electric vehicle (EV) owners. Even though their EV batteries could store energy, they could only use the electricity to run their car and not benefit from Bidirectional EV charging.

More and more EV users can power important loads from their automobiles or by acquiring a wall box unit. Systems for bidirectional charging have many advantages for both homes and utility corporations. When prospective solar consumers have inquiries, it’s important to comprehend what bidirectional chargers are and how they operate. Without depending on a battery, Bidirectional EV charging is a great way to have emergency power during blackouts.

Bidirectional EV charging: What Is It?

Bidirectional EV charging, as the name implies, is EV charging that uses two sources of energy: the grid for battery charging and the battery for delivering electricity for other loads when needed. By adopting bidirectional charging, an EV can assist in powering a residence, place of business, the utility grid, another vehicle, or particular loads.

The Nissan Leaf can now charge in both directions, but to use this electricity for domestic purposes, a power supply center needs to be installed in the house. A home’s electrical panel can receive 9.6 kW of power from the Ford 150 Lightning for a few days. A 100-amp circuit and Ford’s Charge Station Pro are needed for this setup. In addition, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6 have 3.6 kW of electrical capacity.

How does it operate?

In contrast to standard unidirectional EV chargers that charge using AC, a bidirectional charger is a sophisticated EV charger that can charge in both directions. While this may seem fairly straightforward, it involves a complex power conversion process from AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current).

Bidirectional EV charging functions similarly to an inverter, transforming AC to DC while charging and the other way around when discharging, in contrast to conventional EV chargers. Nevertheless, only automobiles that are capable of two-way DC charging can be used with bidirectional chargers. Regretfully, only a very limited number of EVs are available at this time that can charge in both directions; the most well-known example is the Nissan Leaf from later models. Since bidirectional chargers use sophisticated power conversion devices to regulate the energy flow to and from the car, they are also significantly more expensive than standard EV chargers due to their increased sophistication.

Bidirectional EV chargers include technology to control loads and separate a residence from the grid during an outage, a process known as an island, in addition to providing power to a dwelling. Bidirectional inverters, which have been utilized for backup power in residential battery storage systems for more than ten years, and bidirectional EV chargers have a very similar core operating concept.

What Is the Process of Bidirectional EV charging?

While the car is charging, direct current (DC) voltage is created from alternating current (AC) power from the grid. After that, electric vehicle (EV) drivers can use the battery’s energy to power a house or replenish the electrical grid. The electricity must be transformed from DC to AC for this to occur. This is done by a converter in the car or in the charger itself.

One such item is the Wallbox Quasar, a household bidirectional DC charger. It has an app with some energy management functions and a CHAdeMO or CCS Type 1 connector.

When available, V2G capabilities allow EV batteries to be charged using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Next, when not in use, the EV uses its batteries to supplement the grid’s power supply, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Vehicle To Home (V2H)

Using this method, an electric automobile can use its electrical panel to supply electricity to a house or business; this is particularly useful in the event of a power outage. Additionally, by utilizing their EV battery during periods of high energy demand and charging it during periods of cheaper electricity rates, households that pay time-of-use rates could save money.

Vehicle To Load (V2L)

A regular power outlet and an integrated DC-to-AC converter are features of vehicles equipped with V2L capability. It allows users to use the battery’s power by plugging in their loads. The Tesla Cybertruck, Hyundai Ioniq, Ford F150 Lightning, Kia EV6, and Rivian R1T are EVs that have these features.

Vehicle To Vehicle (V2V)

Sadly, the range of EVs limits how far they can go between charges. The range of the car is affected by the EV battery’s capacity, the vehicle’s efficiency, and the outside temperature. Because V2V charging allows one EV to supply some power to another, it can help alleviate range anxiety.

While several automakers are working on this functionality, it is currently limited to the Ford F150 Lightning and Lucid Air.

What Advantages Does Bidirectional Charging Offer?

Utility firms as well as EV drivers can benefit greatly from the ability to use the EV battery for other purposes. In reality, EVs may someday play a significant role in the decarbonization of the grid.

Possible Savings on Utility Bills

Should the nearby utility provide time-of-use rates, the cost of power varies throughout the day in response to demand. Energy costs are usually lowest in the middle of the night and greatest on weekday afternoons and early nights during the summer. Therefore, it is more cost-effective to supply power during periods of high demand and to charge during off-peak hours using solar panels or the grid.

Reserve Power for Outages

In the past year or so, there have been a few significant power outages, such as the Texas Power Crisis in 2021 and the public safety power shutdowns in California that left millions of people without power. During a utility outage, a complete home can be powered by EVs equipped with V2H capabilities. How many loads and how long an electric vehicle (EV) can power a home depends on its battery’s capacity and state of charge.

Energy Not Found in the Grid

EVs with V2L capabilities can plug into an outlet and power designated loads. When camping or in a place without utility electricity, this option might be quite helpful. On job sites, for instance, craftsmen can use power tools.

What Drawbacks Do Bidirectional EV Chargers Have?

Bidirectional EV charging has certain drawbacks in addition to its many benefits. Ongoing research can assist in overcoming these obstacles, though.

How EV Batteries Degrade:

Bidirectional EV charging’s frequent cycles of charge and discharge might hasten battery deterioration and shorten the batteries’ total life in electric vehicles.

The Price and Complexity:

Bidirectional EV charging adds complexity and expense to both the electric car and the charging station since it necessitates certain equipment and infrastructure.

Limited Interoperability of Vehicles:

Grid Stability Concerns:

The electric grid is more unpredictable when vehicles are charging in both directions since they can draw or return electricity at any time. Grid operators may find it difficult to maintain stability and dependability as a result.

Regulatory and Standardization Issues:

The broad adoption of electric vehicles may be slowed down by a lack of established protocols and standards for bidirectional charging, which can impair interoperability across various charging stations.

Energy Dissipations:

There are energy losses during the conversion and transfer of energy between the electric vehicle and the grid. When compared to unidirectional charging, this lowers the overall efficiency of bidirectional charging.

Which Electric Vehicles Can Be Charged Both Ways?

Bidirectional EV charging is a characteristic that only a tiny number of EVs on the US market offer; vehicle-to-grid is the most common. These cars are equipped with two-way charging:

Ford Lightning (models V2G, V2H, and V2V)

Genesis GV60 (V2L)

V2L Hyundai Ioniq 5

V2L Hyundai Ioniq 6

Kia EV6 (V2L)

Kia Niro (V2L)

Air Lucid (V2V)

The V2L Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Leaf from Nissan (V2H, V2G)

V2L Tesla Cybertruck

VW ID.4 (V2H)

FAQs Regarding Two-Way Charging

Discover the answers to some of the most frequently asked concerns concerning EV two-way charging by reading on.

What are the advantages for EV drivers of bi-directional charging?

Owners of electric vehicles gain power from bidirectional charging, which transforms their cars into adaptable energy sources. Beyond traditional charging, this technology allows owners to sell excess energy back to the grid, providing potential revenue. Bidirectional EV charging also makes it possible for electric cars to temporarily powerhouses or other EVs during emergencies.

Are bi-directional EV chargers installed in all-electric cars?

No, not every electric car on the road today has a Bidirectional EV charging capability. The design of the car and whether or not it has the required hardware and software for two-way energy transfer determine compatibility.

What problems do EV batteries have with bi-directional charging?

Because bidirectional charging increases the frequency of charge and discharge cycles, it may shorten the overall lifespan of batteries used in electric vehicles by accelerating battery degradation. The longevity of an EV battery will only be significantly impacted by heavy, frequent use, while battery degradation is negligible otherwise.

Can solar batteries be replaced by bi-directional EV chargers?

Although bidirectional charging gives electric cars a way to store extra energy for use at home, solar batteries are still necessary in some situations. The vehicle’s battery is the main component used in bidirectional charging, and it might not have enough capacity for large-scale energy storage. Because they are made to be stationary, solar batteries have greater storage capacity and are therefore more appropriate for storing solar panel energy to provide a steady and dependable power source. Additionally, because it can reduce their mobility, EV drivers might be reluctant to fully drain their batteries during blackouts.

Regarding bidirectional charging, what is true?

Bidirectional EV chargers allow power to flow in two directions, in contrast to standard EV charging systems, which only allow power to flow from a power source to the vehicle’s battery. It makes it possible for electric cars to transmit and receive energy, sharing electricity with other gadgets or even the utility grid.

Two-way Charging Could Revolutionize the Clean Energy Sector

The ability of electric vehicles to transfer excess energy to the grid, other vehicles, or residences could bring about a radical change in how energy is used. The interplay between electric vehicles and the energy ecosystem presents a dynamic and decentralized approach that can enhance grid management efficiency, increase resilience in the event of an outage, and potentially utilize electric vehicles as distributed energy resources, thereby contributing to the development of a more sustainable and adaptable energy landscape.