Can your shiny new electric vehicle power your house?

It’s a question we’re seeing a lot these days, especially with the rise in EV popularity.

What is Bi-Directional Charging?

Person wearing the Apple Watch Series 10

In that case, you need a newer EV that supports bi-directional charging.

This will likely be one of the biggest selling points for new EVs in the near future.

So what does that word mean?

Be Quiet CPU cooler with RGB RAM and PC fan inside a gaming computer.

Bi-directional charging means your electric car or truck can send battery power in both directions.

Some car manufacturers call it vehicle-to-everything, like theHyundai IONIQ 5.

How Bi-directional Charging Works?

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The first electric truck with bi-directional charging is the Ford F-150 Lightning.

However, you’ll need more than just the vehicle to power your home with an EV.

It’s more expensive than a traditional EV charger, that’s for sure.

Chevy Silverado EV Charging

You’re all set once your home is wired to handle bi-directional charging.

While V2H capabilities exist now, we’re expecting to wait a while before it starts seeing widespread adoption.

That said, it is the future, and we expect most new EVs to support the feature.

Ford EV charging plug

Additionally, Tesla has its Powerwall technology, which stores power pulled from roof solar panels.

This is different technology completely.

How Long Can an EV Power a House?

Ford EV backup power system

Again, this isn’t a straightforward answer for several different reasons.

Related:How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Electric Car?

According to the EPA and theU.S.

Electric car charging at a house

Is There Enough Power to Go Around?

One thing to keep in mind is the overall power demand.

We’ve seen power outages in California, Texas, and Nevada during the hot summer months.

Tesla Model S parked next to a line of Superchargers

We’re still at the early stages of bi-directional charging and electric vehicles.