Author: Marceau Nio

Long confined to its role as a means of transport, the electric car is becoming more emancipated. It can now also power a house, an appliance or even help to stabilise the electricity grid. The reason: the rise of a still little-known but promising technology – bi-directional charging. An innovation that could well turn every electric car into an active link in our energy transition.

A two-way flow of energy

Today, recharging an electric vehicle is a simple, one-way process: plug in, recharge, unplug.

But with bi-directional charging, a new dynamic is taking shape. Energy no longer flows only from the grid to the car, but can also circulate from the car to the grid, the home or a third-party device.

Technically, everything hinges on the bi-directional inverter, integrated either in the charging point or directly in the vehicle. This component converts direct current (DC) from the battery into alternating current (AC), ready to be fed into a domestic system or the public grid.

Communication between the vehicle and the infrastructure is via the ISO 15118 protocol, and an intelligent management system(EMS) automatically controls energy flows according to needs and tariff periods.

Three concrete uses, three complementary functions

The technology currently has three main applications:

– V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid): the vehicle returns electricity to the grid to help manage peak consumption or integrate renewable energies.
– V2H (Vehicle-to-Home): the battery supplies electricity directly to a home, optimising consumption according to the time of day or any power cuts.
– V2L (Vehicle-to-Load): the car becomes a portable battery, capable of powering an external device via a simple 220 V socket.

Some models already offer this feature, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 and the MG4, allowing you to plug in a computer, a construction tool or a fridge when camping, for example.

A technology that is still costly, but on the way to democratisation

For the time being, access to two-way charging remains the preserve of a niche market.

A two-way bollard currently costs between €3,000 and €5,000, excluding installation costs. A substantial investment, but one that is set to fall as the technology becomes more widespread.

A number of public aid schemes are being studied to support this transition and encourage both private individuals and local authorities to invest.

A reservoir of energy in motion

The energy potential of this technology is considerable.

A car with a 60 kWh battery (the current standard) can power a household for 2 to 3 days in the event of a power cut. If 1 million vehicles each injected 10 kWh, this would represent 10 GWh that could be mobilised instantly: the equivalent of the output of several power stations for several hours.

So we can imagine a future in which cars, far from being passive consumers, become mobile energy reservoirs, playing an active part in managing the grid.

Which vehicles are compatible with two-way charging?

Not all electric vehicles are yet capable of supplying energy externally. Three conditions must be met:

1. An on-board charger capable of operating in reverse mode;
   
2. A BMS(Battery Management System) compatible with controlled discharge;
   
3. A communication protocol such as ISO 15118 or CHAdeMO (in the case of the Nissan Leaf).
   

Several manufacturers have already incorporated this technology into their current or future models:

– Nissan Leaf, pioneer via CHAdeMO ;
– Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID. Buzz;
– Renault Scénic E-Tech (2024);
– And soon Tesla, with its new V4 Superchargers, designed for V2G.

A technology under development in several regions of the world

France is no exception. EDF, Enedis, Renault and Stellantis are piloting several experiments with the support of local authorities.

Other countries are making rapid progress in this area:

– Japan: a pioneer with Nissan, which is deploying its vehicles in post-disaster scenarios;
– Netherlands: experimentation on the scale of entire neighbourhoods;
– United States (California): school fleets and public services being tested;
– Germany: integration of EVs in virtual power plants managed by energy companies.

Fast-growing technology players

In addition to manufacturers, specialist companies are developing innovative solutions:

– Nuvve (United States): world leader in V2G, particularly for fleets;
– Wallbox (Spain): its Quasar 2 residential terminal enables V2H/V2G in the home;
– The Mobility House (Germany): a pioneer in intelligent energy management;
– In France, start-ups such as Mobilize Power Solutions and Ijenko are positioning themselves in this niche.

Towards a network player car

Two-way charging is redefining the role of the car in our daily lives.

It is no longer just a mobility tool, but a piece of the energy puzzle. It makes it possible to make the most of stored energy, optimise self-consumption, deal with unforeseen circumstances and, above all, support an increasingly busy electricity grid.

In the future, plugging in your car won’t just mean “filling up”. It could also mean “giving back to the system”. And making a silent contribution to the energy balance of tomorrow.

If electromobility is now taking centre stage, it’s not just a passing fad, but one of the pillars of an ongoing global transition. Reducing emissions, energy independence, industrial recovery: there are many issues at stake, and the solutions offered by electric vehicles go far beyond a simple change of engine. So why electromobility? Let’s find out.

Ecological issues: less CO₂, but not without impact!

Road transport accounts for 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing combustion-powered vehicles with electric vehicles, powered by increasingly low-carbon energy, will have a direct impact on this major source of pollution.

To measure the positive impact of these vehicles on the ecosystem, the entire life cycle of an electric vehicle must be taken into account. According to the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), an electric vehicle emits on average three times less CO₂ than a combustion-powered vehicle over its entire life cycle, provided that the electricity used comes from renewable sources.

Another major advantage is the absence of local emissions. Zero tailpipe emissions means fewer fine particles, less nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and less noise pollution. According to the WHO, air pollution causes more than 300,000 premature deaths every year in Europe, with a significant proportion linked to transport. In cities, this would translate directly into better air quality, with clear benefits for public health.

But the environmental picture is not all rosy. Batteries, the heart of electric vehicles, pose real environmental challenges. They take a lot of energy to produce and rely on the extraction of materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, the extraction processes for which raise questions. Fortunately, recycling processes, while still in their infancy, are promising. Today, French start-ups are able to recycle 90-95% of a battery.

Energy challenges: moving away from oil and embracing flexibility

Electromobility is also a strategy for independence. By 2025, the European Union will be importing over 90% of its oil.

Powering a car with electricity is a way of freeing ourselves from this dependence and regaining a form of energy sovereignty, especially if we rely on local, low-carbon sources of electricity: solar, wind and nuclear.

But we need to think ahead. The increase in the number of electric vehicles will drive up demand for electricity. If this demand is met by carbon-based energies, the gains could be cancelled out. That’s why European leaders in recharging (such as Spark Alliance) are offering electric vehicle drivers the chance to use 100% renewable energy.

Economic stakes: a new industry… but risks to manage

As well as being good for the environment, electromobility represents a major economic opportunity for manufacturers. New sectors are being created: batteries, charging stations, on-board software, connected services, etc. In Europe, “gigafactories” are being created, and investment is running into billions – enough to enable new players to gain a foothold in an automotive sector that has historically been difficult to access.

From the user’s point of view, the cost of ownership is often more advantageous than for internal combustion over the long term: maintenance is considerably reduced, recharging costs less than filling up, and the government offers ecological bonuses. The brakes on access are beginning to fall, thanks in particular to the development of the second-hand market for electric vehicles.

But this transformation is not without its upheavals. The traditional automotive industry involves hundreds of thousands of jobs, particularly on assembly lines, in garages and with subcontractors. The retraining of skills is a major social challenge, to enable all these women and men to continue a suitable professional activity. In February 2025, the European Commission adopted the Clean Industrial Deal. This pact aims to support the transition of industrial sectors to low-carbon technologies, with a strong emphasis on electric mobility. It promises to create 500,000 new jobs in electromobility by 2030.

Electromobility represents a major step towards a more sustainable and independent future. While the environmental and economic challenges are many, the benefits for public health, energy independence and industrial recovery are undeniable. It is crucial that we continue to innovate and invest in sustainable solutions to maximise these benefits.

As electric mobility gains ground, the question of recharging infrastructure becomes central. Recharging your vehicle should no longer be a constraint, but a formality, accessible throughout the country.

France currently has more than 163,000 charging points open to the public, spread across all its regions. Behind this figure lies a genuine transition effort, led by both public and private players to support the growth of electric vehicles.

This map, published by the Association nationale pour le développement de la mobilité électrique (AVERE), shows the number of charging points open to the public, region by region. Its role is to inform users about the current momentum, driven by a shared desire to guarantee fair access to recharging and to support motorists in this transition.

As part of this energy transition, the government has set a target of 200,000 charging points by 2026, and 400,000 by 2030, including at least 50,000 fast-charging points. This is a major ambition, designed to meet the growing demand for infrastructure for electric vehicles.

There are countless electric cars on the road, electric charging points and adverts promoting ‘cleaner’ mobility. Electromobility is no longer an emerging trend; it has become an everyday reality that is established throughout the world.

But behind this term with its technical meaning lies a real upheaval. Electromobility isn’t just about replacing an internal combustion engine with an electric battery, it’s about transforming an entire ecosystem: from historic carmakers to innovative start-ups and equipment manufacturers, let’s take a look at the pillars of global electromobility.

Car manufacturers: the global battle rages on

For more than a decade, a number of manufacturers have been leading the way in electric cars. Tesla, of course, remains the symbol of this revolution. With its innovative models, the Californian firm has shaken up the established order and forced the giants of the sector to adapt. With almost 1.8 million electric vehicles sold in 2024, Tesla remains the best-selling brand in the world.

But this dominance could waver, as Chinese manufacturers continue to play a major role in the sale of 100% electric vehicles: BYD (1,764,992 vehicles sold in 2024), GEELY, SGMW, NIO and Xpeng, among others, account for 28% of the market and make China the world’s leading market. This is because China produces on a large scale and now exports to Europe. The Middle Kingdom is banking on an integrated industrial strategy, backed by massive state support.

To stay in the race on a global scale, European manufacturers are reinventing themselves. Nissan and Renault have been pioneers since 2010, when the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoé enabled thousands of drivers to switch to electric cars. Today, the majority of European car market leaders such as Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Stellantis are stepping up their efforts to electrify their ranges, with initiatives to offer affordable models at around €25,000.

Equipment manufacturers: the craftsmen of electromobility

Behind every electric car are specialist suppliers who design the key components: batteries, motors, electronic management systems and recharging stations. These equipment manufacturers play a fundamental role in this ecosystem.

CATL (China), LG Energy Solution (South Korea) and Panasonic (Japan) dominate the global lithium-ion battery market. Between them, they power millions of electric cars. In Europe, things are much more laborious. Although companies like ACC (backed by the PSA Group, Total and Mercedes-Benz) and Verkor are emerging, Europeans are still unable to compete with the Asian giants.

In addition to batteries, other essential components, such as driving assistance systems and engines, are developed by renowned equipment manufacturers such as Valeo, Bosch and Continental.

The recharging station sector, essential to all electric mobility, is booming. Tesla is one of the market leaders with its Superchargers, but competition is intensifying. Atlante, IONITY, Electra and Fastned recently joined forces to form the Spark Alliance, with a clear objective: to become the largest ultra-fast charging network. This is a strong sign that the Old Continent is gaining ground in this field.

Start-ups: innovation for tomorrow’s mobility

Start-ups play a key role in innovation in electric mobility. In France, Gireve facilitates the interoperability of charging points, while Qovoltis offers intelligent charging solutions.

Internationally, a number of projects aimed at improving the comfort of motorists are emerging. These include StoreDot, which is developing ultra-fast-charging batteries that can go from 0 to 80% in just 5 minutes, and Pulsetrain, a German start-up that designs integrated systems for electric vehicles that extend battery life by up to 80%.

These start-ups are providing practical solutions to the technical and user challenges of electric mobility. From intelligent recharging to battery optimisation, they are already shaping the car of tomorrow.

In 2025, electromobility is no longer a gamble on the future; it’s a global race that’s well under way. Tesla retains its benchmark status, Chinese manufacturers dominate large-scale production, and Europe is playing the innovation card: industrial alliances and disruptive start-ups to stay in the race.

Behind this transformation, an entire ecosystem is mobilising, with a common objective: to create more sustainable, intelligent and accessible mobility. And one thing is certain: the shift to electric vehicles has only just begun.

Over the last few years, the term electromobility has become part of our conversations, in the media, but also – and above all – on our roads. But what exactly does it mean? In addition to the electric cars we see on the road more and more, electromobility refers to a profound change in the way we think about travel, placing electricity at the heart of sustainable mobility. Let’s take a closer look at the history, principles and prospects of this silent revolution.

An idea over 100 years old

Contrary to what you might think, electromobility is not a recent idea. At the end of the 19th century, electric vehicles were already competing with steam and petrol cars. The first vehicle in history to break the symbolic 100 km/h barrier was designed in 1899 by Belgian engineer Camille Jenatzy. Known as the Jamais Contente, this car was powered by electricity.

At the time, electric vehicles were appreciated for their silence and ease of use. In the United States, they even accounted for a third of the car market between 1900 and 1910.

However, during the 20th century, the rise of internal combustion engines – which were cheaper to produce and had greater range thanks to cheap oil – pushed electromobility into the background. It was only at the turn of the 21st century, in the face of climate change and the need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, that electric mobility
is making a comeback.

The foundations of electromobility

Electromobility encompasses all transport solutions using electrical energy. This includes not only cars, but also bicycles, scooters, electric buses and even some regional trains.

More broadly, electromobility is based on a complete ecosystem: intelligent charging stations, low-carbon electricity networks, optimised energy management, integration of renewable energies, etc. The principle is simple: replace fossil fuels with electricity to power our journeys.
our journeys.

But behind this apparent simplicity lies a major technological transformation, far more profound than a simple change of fuel. It involves rethinking mobility as a whole, incorporating concepts of energy efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions and respect for the environment.

Why electromobility is the way forward

● Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
According to the French Environment and Energy Management Agency
(ADEME), an electric vehicle emits on average three times less CO2 than a combustion vehicle over its entire life cycle, provided that the electricity used comes from renewable sources.

● Reduced noise pollution
Electric vehicles are almost silent, offering greater driving comfort for users and a quieter environment for local residents. This silence is gradually transforming the soundscape of our cities.

● Energy independence
By diversifying our energy sources and encouraging the local production
(solar, wind, hydro), countries can reduce their dependence on oil imports.
reduce their dependence on imported oil.

● Efficient and responsible batteries
Technological advances in lithium-ion batteries have also played a key role in this renaissance. They enable vehicles to achieve much greater ranges, and contrary to popular belief these batteries are 95% recyclable.

● An expanding recharging network
In recent years, recharging electric vehicles has become more accessible.
become more accessible. Numerous innovative projects have been launched at all levels to democratise and improve charging infrastructure.

Towards an electromobile future

Today, electromobility is an essential pillar of the energy transition. It is more than just a technological development; it represents a genuine change in society.

Tomorrow’s mobility will be smoother, cleaner and smarter. By adopting electromobility on a massive scale, we are helping to build more breathable cities, preserve our natural resources and shape responsible mobility for future generations.

Electric cars, charging points, state-of-the-art batteries:
electromobility is everywhere. But not all countries are moving at the same pace: which are the most committed to this revolution? Between industrial strategies, public policies and technological innovations, the battle for electromobility is being fought on a global scale.

China, the locomotive of electromobility

It’s hard to compete with China. The Middle Kingdom has not only theorised electromobility, it has industrialised it at lightning speed. Since the early 2000s, the Chinese government has invested heavily in this technology, with massive subsidies, quotas imposed on manufacturers and support for local companies such as BYD, NIO and CATL.

The result: with a market share of almost 28%, China is the world leader in electric vehicles. What’s more, the country already has more than 13 million charging points and is exporting cars, batteries and charging points to Europe on a massive scale. We’re no longer talking about a local market, but a global industrial powerhouse.

Europe: ambitious… but heterogeneous

In Europe, electromobility is making great strides, driven by clear objectives: an end to sales of new combustion-powered cars by 2035, increasingly strict CO2 standards, purchase subsidies and the deployment of charging stations across the continent. Europe also stands out for its innovation ecosystem, particularly in recharging infrastructure (Spark Alliance) and batteries (Verkor, ACC).

But behind these ambitions lie very different realities:

● Norway is the all-round champion: over 90% of new cars are electric.

● France, Germany and the Netherlands are making steady progress, with a growing network of charging points and increasingly accessible vehicles.

● Other European countries, such as Italy and Spain, are still lagging behind, held back by the cost of electric vehicles.
held back by the cost of vehicles or the lack of infrastructure.

For the European Union, the battle is not over. The Old Continent remains dependent on Asia for some of its components, and there are still major differences between countries. To catch up, Europe is counting on its start-ups and industrial innovation.

United States: Tesla in the lead, but mixed fortunes

When it comes to electromobility, the United States is often associated with Tesla, the powerhouse of the global market. But beyond Elon Musk’s company, the country is lagging behind in a number of areas. Although the adoption of electric vehicles is growing (around 15% of sales), it is still held back by a network of charging points that is still inadequate, particularly outside the major cities.

With the election of Joe Biden in 2020, the situation has changed. The government introduced a number of key measures, including purchase subsidies, support for local battery manufacturing and a target of 50% electric vehicles by 2030.

But the US territory is vast, and the States are uneven in their commitments: while California is pushing hard, other States such as Wyoming remain cautious. What’s more, competition between manufacturers is still dominated by Tesla, in the absence of a genuine made-in-the-USA alternative… for the time being.

Electromobility is no longer an option: it’s a global trend. And basically, everyone is moving in the same direction. What’s changing is the method: China is imposing itself, Europe is supervising and innovating, and the United States is relying on its leader. But one thing is certain: the race is on, and more and more countries are getting involved in this battle, which will be won not just by the number of cars sold, but also by batteries, charging stations, innovation and the ability to involve an entire population in this change.