The electric vehicle as an energy hub: an introduction to V2X, V2G, V2H, and V2L
Are you thinking about installing a wallbox at home for your electric car?
Imagine your electric vehicle not only as a means of transportation but also as an energy storage unit or a type of power bank capable of supplying electricity to both your home and the power grid. Sounds futuristic? With emerging technologies such as V2X (Vehicle to X), electric vehicles are poised to become a smart and active component of our entire energy system. Here, we clarify what V2X really means, how its sub-technologies – V2G, V2H, and V2L – work, and how GARO’s charging solutions are already equipped to meet the demands of the future.
V2X – Vehicle to X
V2X, or Vehicle to X, is an umbrella term describing how electric vehicles can communicate with and deliver energy to various systems: homes, household appliances, the electricity grid, and more. The future potential of this technology is extensive, and the “X” in the term can essentially be interpreted as “anything.” This could involve supporting the grid during peak demand or supplying your home with energy from your car’s battery. In practice, it means the vehicle can act as an energy storage unit capable of sending electricity back to the grid, powering the property’s heating system, or even running appliances such as a washing machine.
V2X includes technologies like V2G (Vehicle to Grid), V2H (Vehicle to Home), and V2L (Vehicle to Load), where the electric vehicle functions as a mobile energy storage system that can both store and transfer energy. It is important to note, however, that the V2X standard in combination with AC charging of electric vehicles is still under development.
V2G – Vehicle to Grid
V2G allows electricity from the vehicle’s battery to be sent back to the power grid. In practice, this means that as a vehicle owner, you can contribute to stabilizing electricity supply in society and, in some cases, even earn income by selling electricity back to the grid. The technology relies on the car functioning as an energy storage unit that charges when electricity prices are low and returns energy to the grid when demand peaks.
V2H – Vehicle to Home
V2H operates on the same principle as V2G, with the key difference that the energy from the vehicle’s battery is used within the home rather than being returned to the grid. This allows, for example, charging the car when electricity prices are lowest during the day and then using the stored energy to power your household when prices are higher in the evening. The technology can also serve as backup power during outages. Unlike V2G, V2H is simpler because no electricity is sent back to the grid, eliminating the need for complex subscriptions or metering.
V2L – Vehicle to Load
V2L is another V2X technology that enables electric vehicles to supply electricity from the car’s battery to external devices or appliances. This turns the vehicle into a mobile power source capable of running electrical equipment that is not directly connected to the grid. The number of vehicles supporting V2L is growing rapidly. Some cars feature built-in 230V outlets, allowing standard household appliances to be plugged in directly. Others come with an adapter with a conventional socket on one end that connects to the car’s charging port.
Where does GARO stand?
At GARO, we are accustomed to following market standards and regulations. We closely monitor trends and developments within our market segments.
The GARO Entity is capable of communicating with compatible vehicles, laying the groundwork for future V2G functionality. However, standards are not yet fully developed and may require additional equipment to achieve complete functionality.
Full functionality will depend on forthcoming EU standards and local grid requirements, which are expected to be implemented gradually from 2026/2027. We follow the industry’s standardization processes to ensure that our products are ready when the market is.