Bi-Directional EV Charging in New Jersey: How It Works, How Much It Can Save, and Why It’s the Future of Backup Power — by PowersouceEV

At PowersouceEV, we hear the same question almost every week from homeowners, property managers, developers, and fleet operators across New Jersey:

“Should I install a generator, invest in a home battery backup, or can my EV actually power my house or building?”

Until recently, that question had a fairly predictable answer. If you wanted backup power, you bought a generator. If you wanted clean backup power and already had solar, you added a stationary battery. Your electric vehicle was simply transportation.

Today, that assumption is outdated.

Bi-directional EV charging is fundamentally changing how electricity flows, how resilience is designed, and how electric vehicles integrate into homes and commercial properties throughout New Jersey. Instead of electricity flowing in a single direction—from the grid into your vehicle—bi-directional charging allows power to move both ways. That means your EV is no longer just a load. It becomes an energy asset.

For New Jersey homeowners, this can mean reliable outage backup without the noise, fuel storage, and maintenance associated with generators. In many cases, it can also reduce or eliminate the need to purchase a separate stationary battery system, because your EV already contains a very large battery pack.

For commercial and multifamily properties, the opportunity expands further. Bi-directional charging opens the door to peak shaving strategies, reduced demand spikes, improved building resiliency, and eventual participation in grid programs designed to stabilize the electric system during high-demand events.

In this comprehensive guide, PowersouceEV will explain what bi-directional charging really means, how it works in real-world scenarios, how much energy an EV actually stores compared to a stationary battery, how costs compare to generators and traditional backup systems, what vehicles offer this capability today, how New Jersey incentive frameworks intersect with this technology, and where we believe this market is heading between now and 2030.

Understanding Bi-Directional Charging: Why the Acronyms Matter

Before discussing economics or installation considerations, it is important to understand the terminology. The acronyms used in this space are not marketing jargon; they reflect different levels of functionality and system integration.

Vehicle-to-Load, or V2L, is the simplest form. With V2L capability, your EV can power devices directly through built-in outlets or adapters. For example, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 includes V2L functionality that allows users to plug in tools, lighting, or appliances. This is extremely useful during emergencies, at job sites, or for recreational use. However, V2L does not integrate with your home’s electrical panel. It is essentially a large portable power source.

Vehicle-to-Home, or V2H, represents a much higher level of integration. In a V2H configuration, the EV connects to your home’s electrical system through dedicated equipment that includes transfer functionality and control hardware. During a power outage, the system automatically isolates the home from the grid and allows the EV battery to power selected circuits safely. This is the capability that most New Jersey homeowners are interested in when they ask whether their EV can power their house.

Vehicle-to-Building, or V2B, applies the same concept to commercial or multifamily properties. Instead of serving one residential panel, the EV or fleet of EVs can support prioritized building loads such as lobby lighting, security systems, networking infrastructure, garage ventilation, and other common-area systems.

Vehicle-to-Grid, or V2G, is the most advanced concept. In a V2G scenario, the EV can export electricity back to the utility grid during managed events, helping reduce peak demand and stabilize the system. Over time, this may allow vehicle owners to receive credits or compensation for participating in grid-support programs.

Standards are playing a critical role in enabling this ecosystem. The International Organization for Standardization has developed ISO 15118-20, which includes communication and control standards necessary for bidirectional power transfer. Interoperability will be key to making V2G scalable and practical.

Why New Jersey Is Positioned for Bi-Directional Adoption

New Jersey is uniquely positioned for bi-directional charging adoption due to a combination of electrification goals, storm-related outage risks, and evolving utility programs.

In early 2026, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced an Eco-Hub initiative focused on demonstrating grid benefits from bi-directional charging and related electrification infrastructure. That announcement signaled that the state is not viewing bidirectional capability as experimental. It is part of the broader grid modernization conversation.

From our perspective at PowersouceEV, this signals three important trends. First, resiliency is becoming central to electrification planning. Second, utility processes and interconnection pathways are likely to mature in the coming years. Third, early adopters—especially commercial and multifamily property owners—can benefit by designing infrastructure that is future-ready rather than retrofitting later at higher cost.

Real-World Scenario 1: Energy Shifting and Peak Reduction at Home

Many homeowners initially approach bi-directional charging as a backup power solution, but energy shifting is also part of the long-term value proposition.

Imagine a typical weekday in New Jersey. Electricity demand is relatively low overnight. It increases sharply in the morning as households wake up, run appliances, and use heating or cooling systems. Midday demand fluctuates, and then early evening often sees another spike as families cook dinner, run laundry, and use HVAC systems simultaneously.

In an energy-shifting configuration, your EV charges overnight when overall system demand is lower. During peak pricing or high-demand periods, the home can draw some of its energy from the vehicle battery instead of the grid. Later that night, the EV recharges.

At present, outage backup remains the most immediate and broadly useful value proposition in New Jersey. However, as rate structures evolve and utility programs mature, energy shifting may become increasingly attractive.

Real-World Scenario 2: Backup Power During Outages

For most New Jersey homeowners, resiliency is the primary motivation.

Storms, nor’easters, and summer heat events can cause outages that last from hours to multiple days. Traditionally, homeowners turned to standby generators. However, generators require fuel logistics, ongoing maintenance, and produce noise.

With a properly designed V2H system, an EV can provide automatic outage backup. When the grid goes down, a transfer device isolates the home. The EV supplies power to pre-selected circuits. When grid service returns, the system reconnects automatically.

For example, Tesla describes its Powershare ecosystem as enabling automatic home backup functionality with the Tesla Cybertruck, which references a battery capacity of approximately 123 kWh and up to 11.5 kW of continuous output under proper configuration.

At PowersouceEV, we almost always recommend designing backup around essential circuits rather than attempting whole-home backup. Essentials typically include refrigeration, select lighting, Wi-Fi and networking equipment, sump pumps, garage door openers, and boiler controls. By limiting the load, you extend runtime and reduce installation complexity.

The question we often ask homeowners is not whether they want to power everything, but whether they want stability, safety, and comfort during an outage. That distinction drives cost and system design.

Real-World Scenario 3: Solar Integration

New Jersey has strong residential solar adoption. Combining solar with bi-directional EV charging can create a highly resilient system.

During daylight hours, solar production serves home loads first. Excess energy can charge the EV battery. Later in the evening, stored energy can power household loads. During an outage, depending on system configuration and approvals, solar production may continue to replenish the EV battery while it powers essential circuits.

Integration details vary and must comply with utility and code requirements. At PowersouceEV, we advise starting with a solid backup design and layering optimization strategies afterward.

Real-World Scenario 4: Commercial Peak Shaving

Commercial buildings often face demand charges or peak demand concerns. In these environments, V2B can provide significant strategic value.

If EVs are parked during predictable windows, they can charge when building demand is low and discharge during peak demand periods to keep overall load below target thresholds. For properties with consistent usage patterns, this can smooth demand spikes.

Even if full V2B functionality is not enabled immediately, designing infrastructure that is bidirectional-ready can avoid expensive retrofits. Electrical rooms, conduit pathways, and panel capacity planning are long-term investments.

Utilities such as Public Service Enterprise Group and Jersey Central Power & Light offer make-ready incentive frameworks that can offset infrastructure costs, particularly for commercial and multifamily properties.

Comparing Energy Capacity: EV Batteries vs Stationary Backup Batteries

One of the most powerful ways to understand bi-directional charging is to compare energy capacity.

A typical stationary home battery designed for essential loads might provide around 13.5 kWh of storage. In contrast, many modern EVs store significantly more.

The Ford F-150 Lightning offers approximately 98 kWh in its standard range configuration and 131 kWh in its extended range configuration. The Kia EV9 provides battery options around 76.1 kWh and 99.8 kWh. The Tesla Cybertruck references roughly 123 kWh of capacity.

When compared against a 13.5 kWh baseline, these EV batteries can store five to ten times as much energy as a typical essential-load stationary battery system.

It is important to note that usable capacity during backup may be lower than total nameplate capacity due to reserve settings and battery management protections. Additionally, power output in kilowatts determines how many devices can run simultaneously. Nevertheless, the energy comparison highlights a central concept: if you already own a compatible EV, you already own a very large battery.

Cost Considerations: Generators, Stationary Batteries, and Bi-Directional Systems

Cost varies widely depending on service size, electrical panel condition, distance between panel and parking location, trenching requirements, and permitting.

Installed standby generators often range between $5,000 and $12,500 depending on size and installation complexity. They are well-suited for extended outages when fuel supply is available and for homeowners who require high continuous loads.

Stationary backup batteries, depending on configuration and tax credits, can approach or exceed $10,000 for essential-load capacity. They provide dedicated home storage regardless of whether a vehicle is present.

Bi-directional EV charging systems require a compatible EV, bidirectional charger and integration hardware, transfer functionality, and electrical work. Some manufacturers publish hardware pricing. For example, Ford has publicly listed its Home Integration System hardware at approximately $3,895 before installation. Installation costs vary significantly.

Bi-directional systems make the most sense when a homeowner already plans to purchase or owns a compatible EV and wants backup power without investing in a separate large stationary battery.

Vehicles Offering Bi-Directional Capability

True V2H capability in the United States is currently supported by select models and ecosystems. The Tesla Cybertruck, the Ford F-150 Lightning, and the Kia EV9 are among the vehicles offering V2H functionality when paired with compatible equipment. General Motors has also introduced V2H-capable solutions through its energy ecosystem.

Several vehicles offer V2L capability only, including the Hyundai IONIQ 6 and the Genesis GV60. While V2L is useful, homeowners seeking whole-home integration should prioritize V2H-compatible systems.

The Road Ahead: 2026–2030

Looking forward, we expect residential V2H adoption to accelerate first because backup power is an immediate and tangible benefit. Commercial and multifamily properties are likely to standardize bidirectional-ready infrastructure before enabling full V2B or V2G functionality. Fleets, with predictable schedules and centralized depots, may scale V2G participation earlier than individual homeowners.

New Jersey’s policy direction, combined with evolving standards and vehicle capabilities, suggests that bi-directional charging will become increasingly integrated into mainstream energy planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can an EV power a home in New Jersey?

The answer depends on the number of circuits supported, average load during the outage, usable battery capacity, and reserve settings. Essentials-only configurations dramatically extend runtime compared to whole-home setups.

Is bi-directional charging better than a generator?

Each solution addresses different priorities. Generators can operate indefinitely with fuel. Bi-directional EV systems are quieter, require less maintenance, and can evolve into bill savings and grid-support opportunities.

Do I need a critical loads panel?

In many cases, yes. A critical loads panel simplifies installation and ensures that only prioritized circuits are powered during outages.

What if I need to drive during an outage?

Most systems allow minimum reserve settings so the vehicle retains sufficient charge for mobility.

Ready to Evaluate Bi-Directional Charging in New Jersey?

If you are in New Jersey and considering bi-directional EV charging, PowersouceEV can help assess feasibility based on your service size, panel capacity, routing distance, desired backup scope, and utility territory.

Bi-directional charging is not just a feature of certain electric vehicles. It represents a shift in how homes and buildings interact with the electric grid. In a state focused on electrification and resiliency, that shift is already underway.