T&E Study: The smarter E Europe: Bidirectional Charging Saves Billions

These primarily result from a more efficient use of production capacities, the reduction of curtailments, and lower fuel consumption. This could signify a technological and economic breakthrough for bidirectional charging (BiDi) in European markets. However, decisive for this are regulatory frameworks that promote the use of this technology. Without them, the potential remains untapped.

The smarter E Europe, Europe's largest trade fair alliance for the energy industry, is responding to the current developments. It is dedicating a special exhibition to the topic in 2025 to highlight opportunities and challenges for the mobility and energy sectors. The smarter E Europe will take place from May 7 to 9, 2025, at Messe München and will unite the four specialized fairs Intersolar Europe, ees Europe, Power2Drive Europe, and EM-Power Europe.

By storing and reinjecting grid electricity into the batteries of electric cars, a high degree of flexibility can be provided, and enormous sums can be saved: In the T&E study, the commissioned Fraunhofer Institutes estimate the savings potential for energy providers and consumers in the EU at up to 22 billion euros annually. This would be around eight percent of the costs for the construction and operation of the EU energy system. From 2030 to 2040, the grid-relevant BiDi technology could, according to the researchers, save more than 100 billion euros across the EU. In Germany alone, the study results suggest an annual relief of around 8.4 billion euros by 2040.

Integration of Solar Power

These large amounts come about because the enormous storage capacity of the electric vehicle fleet allows more and more electricity from renewable sources, especially solar power, to be integrated into the energy system. According to the study, the use of vehicle batteries can reduce the need for more expensive, stationary intermediate storage in the EU by up to 92 percent. Additionally, the installed PV capacity could increase by up to 40 percent in the same period.

Prosumer Benefits

Owners of battery electric vehicles can benefit directly from bidirectional charging. The study forecasts significantly lower electricity costs for prosumers in the EU. And a side effect that may surprise some people: The lifespan of vehicle batteries is likely to increase through smart bidirectional charging, as the charge status of the batteries is optimized.

France Drives for Free

So far, bidirectional charging has only been tested in various pilot projects. However, the Munich-based company The Mobility House and the vehicle manufacturer Renault have launched the first Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) offer in France: owners of a V2G-capable Renault 5 can charge their car for free with a specially designed wallbox and a special tariff, and in return, put their car battery at the service of the overall energy system. The new offer is expected to be launched in Germany and the United Kingdom next year.

Next Step: Adjust Regulations

But especially in the strong automotive market of Germany, there are still some hurdles to overcome: the rollout of smart meters, without which V2G does not work, remains sluggish, and the necessary legal framework still needs to be created. The results of the second European Summit on bidirectional charging organized by the Federal Ministry of Economics provide clear action recommendations - now it comes down to implementation. Important points might include eliminating the double burden on temporarily stored electricity due to grid fees, charges, and levies, as well as ensuring that "green" electricity retains its properties and funding claims under the EEG even when temporarily stored in the battery of an electric car.