February 13, 2025
Bidirectional charging: ARI Motors electric cars as mobile power storage?
In times of rising energy costs and the expiry of feed-in tariffs for solar systems, the question of how best to use surplus solar power is becoming increasingly pressing. One possible solution: electric cars as mobile electricity storage units. ARI Motors in particular offers interesting options for bidirectional charging with its vehicles.
Why electric cars are so popular as electricity storage units
Electric cars have powerful batteries that can be used not only for propulsion, but also to feed electricity back into the household grid or even the public grid. This principle is known as bidirectional charging. It offers a sustainable way to reduce electricity costs and stabilize the energy supply at the same time.
Instead of buying an expensive, stationary electricity storage unit, why not use your electric car when it is not being driven around the clock anyway? This way, your vehicle can be used twice.
But what does bidirectional charging actually mean for your household? Let's take a closer look at the two electric vans from ARI Motors: the ARI 1710 and the compact ARI 458.
ARI 1710: Large transporter for tradesmen and logistics
The ARI 1710 is an electric van with a battery capacity of up to 100 kWh. It is ideal for tradespeople and logistics companies that require longer ranges and additional transport capacity. At the same time, the battery can be used as a mobile storage unit to feed electricity into the household grid.
When the van is not in use, the house can easily be supplied from the energy fed into the battery. Assuming an average consumption of 5.5 kilowatt hours per day, a two-person household can theoretically be supplied with electricity for up to 18 days using the ARI 1710's 100 kWh battery.
ARI 458: Small e-transporter for the local area
The ARI 458 has a 20 kWh LiFePo4 battery and is perfect for short trips in the city and smaller deliveries. With a range of around 250 kilometers, it is a practical solution for everyday transport tasks. Even when not in use, it can serve as a compact power storage unit.
A two-person household with a consumption of 5.5 kilowatt hours per day can theoretically be supplied with electricity for up to 3 days with the ARI 458's 20 kWh battery.
Bidirectional charging: Vehicle 2 Grid (V2G) and Vehicle 2 Load (V2L)
The following technologies are used to enable electric cars to function as mobile power storage units:
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Vehicle 2 Grid (V2G) makes it possible to feed electricity from the electric car back into the public power grid. This helps to balance load peaks and stabilize the power grid. Find out more about V2G here.
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Vehicle 2 Load (V2L) allows electrical devices to be connected directly to the car and operated - for example on camping trips or during power outages. Find out more about V2L here.
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Vehicle 2 Home (V2H) makes it possible to feed electricity from the electric car directly into the household grid. This allows the car to be used as an emergency power source or to optimize self-consumption. This saves energy costs and increases independence from the power grid.
Is bidirectional charging even possible?
Before planning bidirectional charging, you should clarify whether it is even possible in your own grid area. Not every energy supplier currently allows electricity from electric cars to be fed back into the grid. In addition, the technical requirements such as a compatible wallbox and a suitable electric car must be met. An early inquiry to the municipal utility company or energy supplier will provide information on whether and under what conditions bidirectional charging can be implemented.
Conclusion: The future of mobile electricity storage is electric
Whether for private households, small businesses or outdoor enthusiasts - electric cars from ARI Motors offer sustainable and future-oriented energy solutions. Models such as the ARI 1710 and the ARI 458 are not only efficient means of transportation, but also mobile power storage units for a wide range of applications. Thanks to technologies such as Vehicle 2 Home (V2H), you can use your electric car as a flexible energy source for your home. This reduces energy costs, increases independence and stabilizes the power grid.
Bidirectional charging is an exciting technology that is becoming increasingly relevant and opens up new possibilities for the electromobility of tomorrow.
