Bidirectional Charging: Is Europe Ready for the Revolution?

The smarter E Podcast Episode 200 | November 28, 2024 | Language: English

Bidirectional charging could be a game-changer for the energy transition—and your wallet. According to a recent study by Transport & Environment, bidirectional charging has the potential to save energy providers and EV drivers in the EU over €100 billion within the next decade. For individual EV owners, this translates to potential savings of over €700 annually.

But today, high public charging costs in many European countries are still making e-mobility less attractive to the broader population. How could bidirectional charging be the solution to reverse this trend? And how can bidirectional charging help unlock new opportunities for EV drivers and the energy system? We discuss this with Michael Keller, CTO of CharIN and a long-time advocate for e-mobility innovation.

Timeline:

  • 05:03 Could you give us an overview of the current status of bidirectional charging in Europe? How far along are we compared to other regions like Japan or the U.S.?
  • 07:07 Despite its potential, bidirectional charging seems to face significant hurdles in Europe. What are the main challenges—be it technical, regulatory, or market-related—that are slowing down its adoption?
  • 12:39 How critical are universal standards like ISO 15118 in making bidirectional charging a success in Europe? What role does CharIN play in driving these standards forward?
  • 14:53 How are European car manufacturers, such as Volkswagen and others, positioning themselves in this space? Are they leading or lagging behind?
  • 17:57 What are the most compelling benefits for consumers, grid operators, and the broader industry in implementing bidirectional charging systems?

About The smarter E Podcast

The smarter E podcast is all about the current trends and developments in a renewable, decentralized and digital energy industry. Our moderators Tobias Bücklein and Zackes Brustik welcome and interview personalities who shape our industry and drive developments forward. A new episode is published every Thursday.

Click on the logo to listen to the podcast on the platform of your choice.

About Michael Keller and CharIN

Michael Keller, CTO from CharIN

Michael Keller is member of the Executive Board and CTO of the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN e.V.) and formerly heading the Volkswagen Group development coordination for Charging and charging infrastructure. He has more than 24 years’ experience in the automotive industry at suppliers and OEMs.

CharIN is the leading global association with over 300 members dedicated to promote standards in the field of charging systems for charging EVs of all types in as many parts of the world.

Content partner

The International Exhibition for Charging Infrastructure and E-Mobility
Learn more
Further Content
Power2Drive South America Conference 2025
User-Centric Innovations

Thursday, August 28, 2025, 02:00 pm - 03:30 pm

Power2Drive South America Conference 2025 | Conference Program

premium account

Who said charging is only about plugging in? Emerging mobility paradigms involve user experience, convenience, and smart solutions. This session showcases innovations that place the user at the helm of the journey, from app usability and charging station accessibility to integration with other modes of transport and efficient service. Real-world examples and practical insights will show how to make charging more intuitive, dependable, and aligned with the consumer's routine.

Power2Drive South America Conference 2025
Electric Energy and the Mobility Market: Synergies and Potentials

Thursday, August 28, 2025, 04:00 pm - 05:30 pm

Power2Drive South America Conference 2025 | Conference Program

premium account

Electric vehicles can either strain ill-equipped power grids or serve as valuable assets in the energy transition. This session will examine how the energy industry can collaborate with mobility to unlock new opportunities, from participating in the distributed generation and demand response markets to seizing opportunities in storage, dynamic pricing, and integration with smart grids. It will also address how infrastructure and market policies can be aligned to foster efficient synergies.

Tilmann Vahle,​​​​​ Director of Sustainable Automotive and Batteries from Systemiq
From Concept to Blueprint: Battery Passports As Enablers of Transparent, Competitive, and Circular Value Chains

The smarter E Podcast Episode 208 | Language: English

March 13, 2025

We examine the digital battery passport, its aim, how it works, who is involved and the role of Tilman Vahle and Systemiq in this project.

Publications
The Heat Pump Market Germany I

Issue 14 | January 15, 2025

Study on the heat pump market Germany - Part 1

Power2Drive South America Conference 2025
Brazilian and LATAM Market Perspectives: Growth and Charging Infrastructure

Thursday, August 28, 2025, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Power2Drive South America Conference 2025 | Conference Program

premium account

Charging infrastructure in Latin America is no longer just a promise; it is now becoming a tangible reality. This session will explore the industry's growth prospects, structural bottlenecks, and investment opportunities. Drawing on market data and insights from both public and private sectors, the panel will outline the current landscape and future outlook, highlighting key trends and opportunities for e-mobility.

You are using an outdated browser

The website cannot be viewed in this browser. Please open the website in an up-to-date browser such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.