Bidirectional charging: Suitable electric cars and cheaper charging stations are needed

What is “V2X Suisse” all about?

Running from autumn 2022 to spring 2024, the pilot project saw 50 fully electric Honda model ‘e’ cars integrated into Mobility’s regular car-sharing scheme. It was the first large-scale test of bidirectional charging electric cars in Switzerland. Among other things, it was intended to show how load peaks in the power grid can be broken thanks to this technology, as well as to investigate the economic potential of bidirectional vehicles in Switzerland. For the Mobility cooperative, the project was an opportunity to learn about developments and technologies in electromobility and the energy markets.

What does the term V2X mean?

Let’s switch to English. V stands for Vehicle (vehicle), point 2 is pronounced as a to (after) and where X is x-any. In other words, electricity flows from the electric vehicle to any location, e.g. goes into the power grid or into your private circuit (at home). The terms Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home are derived from this arrangement.

What are project’s key findings?

Not only was the technical feasibility proven, but the bidirectional technology was also given a boost as well as a higher profile. It was shown for the first time that it is possible to combine numerous electric cars into a virtual storage system and control the flow of energy in real time – both for the grid and the system. V2X works at a technical level in a car sharing application. At the same time, it became clear that operating a fleet of bidirectional electric cars does not yet make sense as a business proposition for a car sharing company. Mobility is discontinuing its bidirectional charging technology for the time being.

Can bidirectional cars generate an income from feeding electricity into the grid?

Before the project started, there was an assumption that a vehicle connected to a charge point would generate an average of one to two francs in flexibility revenue per day. Today, we can say that depending on market prices, it has been shown that revenue of up to CHF 2,000 per year and vehicle could be generated. However, as the investment and operating costs are still too high, the costs could not be covered in the test phase. As a result, running a business based on this concept is not (yet) viable.

Did any customer come across an empty battery?

The vehicles stopped feeding electricity back into the grid when they reached a set charge level. Mobility customer acceptance was high. The pilot phase saw our Honda e cars used by over 6,600 people, who covered in the region of 800’000 kilometres. Complaint-wise, almost none could be attributed to the V2X technology.

What real-world conclusions does Mobility draw from its participation in the V2X project?

If V2 G (vehicle-to-grid) works in demanding car sharing operations, then V2 G can be applied to any e-vehicle.

What does the near future look like?

The Electricity Act, which was passed on 9 Adopted by the Swiss people on June 2024, improves the framework conditions for economic operation. It enables, for example, the reimbursement of double grid fees and the creation of a flexibility market for local distribution grid operators. However, it will take a few years for other factors to improve and for the technology to become widely accepted.

What hurdles need overcoming for the technology to mature?

• The cost of bidirectional charge points must fall.

• Electric cars with bidirectional capability are few and far between, as the market hasn’t developed as quickly as hoped. Car makers need to bring more of these vehicles to the market, and at lower prices.

• Distribution grid operators need to boost the attraction of feeding electricity back into the grid.

• There needs to be an interoperable standard to facilitate fleet operations involving heterogeneous makes of cars and charge points. This is expected by 2027.

Vehicles offering bidirectional charging are extremely thin on the ground. Will that change in the near future?

Yes, because vehicle manufacturers are likely to introduce a global, interoperable standard by 2027. Different makes could then be charged and discharged at a single standardised charge point.

What are the benefits of V2X Suisse for Mobility?

From Mobility’s point of view, V2X was a complete success, as we finally had answers to burning questions. Moreover, we were able to raise awareness of bidirectional charging technology, which helps to inform the public discourse in a positive way. The project also generated lot of data, offering us added value going forward. The findings from the project will be used to charge our electric fleet more intelligently. This is not only financially attractive, but also helps protect the batteries. At the same time, we’re pressing ahead with the switch to electric cars. Some 600 of Mobility’s 3’000 vehicles are already fully electric.