Which EVs Support V2G and V2H in the UK?

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) are genuinely exciting technologies, but UK support is still limited to a fairly short list of cars, and the situation is changing quickly. The most established example in the UK is the Nissan Leaf using the CHAdeMO connector standard, which has supported V2G trials since the technology's early days here. Several newer models from Kia, Hyundai, MG and the Volkswagen Group can export power via their onboard systems, though V2H and V2G capability varies by model, year and trim. Before buying or retrofitting anything, check directly with the manufacturer and your energy supplier, because the picture is shifting rapidly. You can also explore our other charging guides to understand how bidirectional charging fits alongside everyday EV ownership.

What connector standard does a car need for V2G or V2H?

The connector standard matters enormously for bidirectional charging. V2G and V2H require the car to send DC power outward through the charging port, and not every connector is designed for two-way DC flow.

• CHAdeMO: The oldest bidirectional-capable standard in the UK. The Nissan Leaf is the most widely known CHAdeMO car that has been used in V2G trials here. CHAdeMO is being phased out by most manufacturers, so future support is uncertain.
• CCS (Combined Charging System): The dominant DC standard in Europe, but bidirectional CCS is a newer development. A growing number of vehicles from Volkswagen Group, Hyundai and Kia are adding bidirectional CCS support, though it depends on model and year.
• Type 2 AC: Standard for home wallbox charging, but AC bidirectional is technically and commercially much harder. Most V2H and V2G solutions today are DC-based.

Check your vehicle's handbook and the manufacturer's own compatibility page before assuming bidirectional support is present.

Which car brands currently offer V2G or V2H capability in the UK?

The honest answer is: the list is still short, and manufacturer support is uneven. Here is what is broadly established, though model-by-model and year-by-year detail changes fast.

• Nissan: The Leaf has been central to UK V2G trials via CHAdeMO. Check whether your model year and battery size are eligible for the specific trial or tariff you are looking at.
• Hyundai and Kia: Several models, including the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, EV6 and EV9, have been specified with bidirectional charging in certain markets. UK availability of V2H specifically depends on having a compatible home inverter unit and the right trim. V2L (vehicle-to-load) is more widely available on these platforms.
• MG: Some MG models have V2L capability, which is the simpler end of bidirectional technology.
• Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, Skoda, SEAT/CUPRA): The ID. family and related MEB-platform vehicles have been adding bidirectional capability progressively via software updates, though V2H and V2G require a compatible charger and may only be active in certain markets or firmware versions.
• Others: Support is expanding across the industry. BYD, Ford (with V2H on certain Mustang Mach-E variants in some markets) and others are in various stages of rollout. Always verify for the UK specifically.

Do you need a special charger at home for V2G or V2H?

Yes, a standard wallbox will not do it. Bidirectional home charging requires specialist hardware that can manage DC power flowing in both directions, which is substantially more complex than a one-way charger.

In the UK, products such as the Wallbox Quasar 2 (CHAdeMO) and units from Indra and a small number of other suppliers have been among the options designed for home V2G or V2H. These chargers currently cost significantly more than a standard wallbox, so check current pricing and availability with the manufacturer before committing. Installation may also require an upgraded home electricity supply or additional work, depending on your property.

For everyday smart charging at home, a regular EV charging cable or wallbox is all most drivers need. Bidirectional hardware is a step up in cost and complexity.

What energy tariffs support V2G in the UK?

V2G only generates value if you have a tariff that pays you for exporting power back to the grid. Standard electricity tariffs do not do this. You need a smart time-of-use export tariff.

Schemes such as Octopus Powerloop have been trialling exactly this, paying participating V2G users for grid export during high-demand periods. The commercial landscape for these tariffs is still developing, and availability, rates and eligibility criteria all change. Contact your energy supplier directly to ask what V2G-compatible tariffs they currently offer, and check whether your specific car and charger combination qualifies.

Without a supporting tariff, V2G becomes much harder to make financially worthwhile, since you are essentially using battery cycles without compensation.

Is V2H different from V2G, and which is easier to set up?

V2H (vehicle-to-home) powers your house from the car battery rather than exporting to the grid. In practical terms, this means running your home's circuits during a power cut or using cheap off-peak energy you have stored in the car to run appliances during expensive peak hours.

V2H is generally considered more achievable for most homeowners than full V2G because you are not dealing with grid export regulations. However, it still requires a compatible inverter unit and usually some electrical work to connect it properly. The car also needs to support the same bidirectional DC standard the inverter uses. Full-home V2H is different from V2L: V2L uses a simpler socket to run individual devices, while V2H integrates with your home's electrical circuits.

Should you buy a car now based on V2G or V2H potential?

It is worth factoring in, but be cautious about letting bidirectional capability be the deciding reason to buy a specific car. The technology and the tariff infrastructure around it are still maturing in the UK, and what is available or supported may change with software updates, regulation or your energy supplier's offering.

A sensible approach: if you are drawn to a car for other reasons (range, price, practicality) and it happens to support bidirectional charging, that is a useful bonus. If you are primarily attracted by the idea of earning money from grid export, research very carefully what the full cost of the compatible home charger, installation and tariff looks like before committing, and check the manufacturer's current roadmap for your specific model year.

Frequently asked questions

Which UK cars support V2G right now?

The most established UK V2G-capable car is the Nissan Leaf using CHAdeMO. Several Hyundai, Kia and Volkswagen Group models have bidirectional DC capability, though V2G specifically requires a compatible home charger and a supporting energy tariff. The list is growing, so check directly with the manufacturer for your model and year.

Can any EV export power back to the grid?

No. Only cars with bidirectional hardware and a compatible connector (typically CHAdeMO or CCS with bidirectional firmware) can export power. A standard EV can receive charge but cannot send it outward. Even cars that support V2L (powering devices) may not support full V2G or V2H without additional hardware.

Do I need a special charger for V2G at home?

Yes. A standard wallbox only charges in one direction. V2G and V2H require a specialist bidirectional charger that manages DC power flowing both ways. These are more expensive than a standard wallbox and installation is more involved. Check with suppliers such as Wallbox, Indra or others currently operating in the UK market for current options and pricing.

Is V2G available commercially in the UK yet?

It is at an early commercial stage. Trials have been running for several years, and some energy suppliers now offer V2G tariffs for eligible car and charger combinations. However, it is not yet widely available in the way that smart home charging is. Expect the market to develop further over the next few years.

How is V2H different from V2G?

V2H (vehicle-to-home) powers your house from the car battery, while V2G sends power outward to the national grid, usually via an energy supplier's export tariff. V2H does not require grid export approval, which makes it somewhat simpler to set up, but it still needs a compatible home inverter unit and electrical work beyond a standard wallbox installation.

Will more cars support V2G in the future?

Almost certainly. Major manufacturers including Volkswagen Group, Hyundai, Kia, Ford and others have signalled bidirectional roadmaps. The pace depends on regulatory frameworks, charger infrastructure and energy market development in the UK. Check the manufacturer's current roadmap and UK-specific announcements for the most accurate picture.

Bidirectional charging is one of the most interesting developments in EV technology, but it pays to go in with clear expectations: the compatible car list is still growing, the home charger options are limited and the tariff infrastructure is early. If you are thinking about your wider EV charging setup, browse our full range of charging cables for everyday home and on-the-go use, and check our guides for more on smart charging, off-peak tariffs and getting the most from your EV at home.