California opens the door to a new generation of electric vehicles (EVs) with bi-directional charging capacity. In an ambitious step towards a greener future, the US state has introduced a new bill requiring all new EV's sold from 2027 to have bi-directional charging capacity.

Bidirectional charging improves electricity grid

The bill would not only increase funding for two-way infrastructure, but it would also set state targets for bi-directional charging. The introduction of bidirectional charging would allow EVs to store excess energy from the grid and return it during periods of peak demand. Not only would this improve grid flexibility and efficiency, but it would also reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

More info about bidirectional charging

State Senator Nancy Skinner, the bill's sponsor, is a strong supporter of two-way charging and considers EVs as "energy storage on wheels". She claims that a 60 kWh EV battery can power an average US household for at least two to three days. This means that California's growing fleet of EVs can serve as back-up energy sources, which is especially important during periods of extreme weather or other emergencies.

California gives starting signal for future of mobility and energy

Although the bill has already been approved by the Senate Energy Committee, it had yet to be heard before the Senate Transportation Committee on 25 April. If passed, California would be the first state in the US to mandate tbidirectional charging for all new EVs. The move would give a huge boost to the adoption of two-way charging and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy system. Not only for the US government, but also for the European and Belgian governments, it would also send a clear signal that bi-directional charging can be an essential component for the future of mobility and energy.

If this proposal is approved in the US, there will hopefully be rapid progress on two-way charging in Europe and around the world.

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