What economic benefits can be gained from bidirectional charging (e.g., selling energy back to the grid)?

Potential Economic Benefits

With the right setup, bidirectional charging can lower your electric bills or even earn you money.

Key Opportunities

  • Peak Shaving: Power your home during expensive peak hours and recharge during cheaper off-peak times.
  • Energy Arbitrage: Buy low-cost electricity and sell it back to the grid at higher prices (if your utility allows).
  • Backup Power Savings: Avoid buying a separate home battery or generator by using your EV for emergency power.
  • Utility Incentives: Some utilities pay EV owners for providing stored energy during demand response events.

Important Considerations

  • Not all U.S. utilities allow selling energy back to the grid.
  • Programs may require special equipment and contracts.
  • Frequent cycling for profit can slightly increase battery wear.