Electric cars compatible with V2G charging in the UK (2026)

V2G, V2H, and V2L: what is the difference?

The three terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe different levels of bidirectional capability. Understanding the distinction matters when choosing a car or charger.

V2L: vehicle-to-load

V2L is the simplest form of bidirectional capability. It allows you to power appliances directly from the car's battery via an adaptor, in the same way you would use a portable generator. No special charger is required; you just plug appliances into the car's V2L socket or adaptor.

V2L is the most widely available bidirectional feature. Many current EVs offer it, including the Hyundai IONIQ 6, Kia EV6, Kia Niro EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. It is useful for camping, outdoor events, or powering tools, but it does not interact with your home's electrical circuits or the national grid.

V2H: vehicle-to-home

V2H directs energy from the car's battery into your home's electrical circuits. This can power your home during a grid outage, reduce peak-time electricity imports, or use stored overnight cheap energy during the day. V2H requires a compatible bidirectional charger installed by a certified electrician, but the setup is simpler than V2G because the energy stays within your property and does not require G99 grid code certification.

For a full breakdown of V2H-capable models and compatible chargers, see our V2H compatible cars guide.

V2G: vehicle-to-grid

V2G goes one step further and sends energy back to the national grid. This means your car's battery can be used as a grid balancing asset, charging at times of low demand and low prices, then exporting when demand and prices peak. In practice, this happens automatically via a smart tariff and compatible hardware.

V2G requires G99 grid code certification, which means the car, the charger, and the installation must all be certified to the same standard. Nissan was the first manufacturer to achieve G99 AC V2G certification in the UK, paving the way for its forthcoming AC V2G charger. This certification requirement is why V2G is available on fewer models than V2H, and why compatible charger hardware is still relatively expensive.

V2G-compatible electric cars in the UK (2026)

The following models are confirmed or expected to support V2G in the UK market at the time of writing. Specifications and availability change, so verify all details on the manufacturer's UK website and with a certified installer before purchasing.

Not V2G compatible: Tesla

All current Tesla models, including the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X, do not support V2G or V2H. Tesla has not announced UK plans for bidirectional charging. If V2G capability is important to your buying decision, Tesla is not currently an option.

V2L only (not full V2G or V2H)

The following models support V2L (powering appliances from the car) but do not offer full V2H or V2G capability: Hyundai IONIQ 6, Kia EV6, Kia Niro EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. V2L is useful for certain applications but does not allow you to power your home circuits or export to the grid.

V2G-compatible chargers in the UK

Choosing the right charger is just as important as choosing the right car. V2G requires a bidirectional charger that is certified to G99 grid code standards. The following options are available in the UK at the time of writing.

Wallbox Quasar 2

The Wallbox Quasar 2 is a DC bidirectional charger with a maximum output of 11.5 kW. It supports CCS2 and is compatible with V2H and V2G operation. Installed cost is approximately £6,100, though this varies by installer and property. It is one of the most widely cited V2G-capable chargers in the UK and is the recommended option for the Kia EV9 in bidirectional configurations. Verify current pricing with a certified installer before purchasing, as costs vary.

Zaptec Go 2

The Zaptec Go 2 is an AC bidirectional charger that launched in the UK in September 2025. It is ISO 15118-20 compliant, supports up to 22 kW on a three-phase supply, and is OTA-updatable for future protocol support. For most domestic properties with single-phase supply, the practical output is 7 kW. The AC approach makes installation simpler and potentially less expensive than DC bidirectional units. Verify current pricing and installer availability via Zaptec's UK website.

Indra Smart Pro

The Indra Smart Pro is a UK-manufactured bidirectional charger with a V2H focus. It is designed for domestic installation and is MCS-certified, which is relevant if you want to stack Smart Export Guarantee payments alongside V2H savings. Pricing is available on request from Indra directly.

Enphase IQ Bidirectional

The Enphase IQ Bidirectional charger is designed specifically for solar PV integration and is compatible with V2H operation. It uses a microinverter architecture and supports Black Start capability, meaning it can restart the home's solar and storage system following a grid outage without an external power source. Well-suited to homes with existing Enphase solar installations.

Nissan Energy AC charger (coming 2026)

Nissan has announced an AC V2G charger expected to launch in 2026, targeted at a price point comparable to a standard home wallbox. This would significantly reduce the hardware barrier to V2G for Nissan Leaf owners and, potentially, other compatible vehicles. Verify availability and pricing on the Nissan UK website when announced.

The Octopus Power Pack: V2G in practice

The Octopus Power Pack is the UK's most accessible V2G route for homeowners today. It works by automatically charging your car when grid electricity is cheapest (typically overnight) and exporting energy during peak demand, when grid prices are highest. The process is managed automatically via smart tariff software, without requiring manual intervention.

At the time of writing, the Octopus Power Pack is available for eligible customers with a compatible vehicle and charger. The BYD Dolphin V2G variant is offered as a bundle at approximately £300 per month, which includes the vehicle, charger, and tariff management. Check current pricing and eligibility directly with Octopus Electric Vehicles, as bundle prices change.

V2G export earnings depend on the spread between off-peak import rates and peak export rates. Suppliers including Octopus, OVO, and E.ON are paying approximately 15p per kWh for Smart Export Guarantee surplus exports at the time of writing. Verify current rates directly with your supplier, as these change regularly.

To stack SEG and V2H payments, MCS-certified hardware is required. Confirm certification with your installer before purchasing.

What does V2G mean for your running costs?

V2G offers two financial benefits: earning from exporting to the grid during peak demand, and reducing import costs by using stored cheap overnight energy during the day. Combined with a solar installation, a V2H/V2G-capable EV can cover a meaningful portion of a home's energy needs.

However, the economics are not straightforward. Bidirectional charger hardware currently costs between approximately £3,700 and £6,000 or above for DC units. Payback periods at current export rates are long for most households. The AC V2G charger options (Zaptec Go 2, forthcoming Nissan charger) aim to bring hardware costs closer to a standard wallbox, which would improve the payback calculation considerably.

If you are planning a solar installation alongside a new EV, choosing a V2G-capable vehicle from the outset gives you the infrastructure to benefit fully once more affordable bidirectional chargers are widely available. For more on solar and EV charging compatibility, see our guide to electric cars compatible with solar charging.

Is V2G right for you?

V2G suits you if:

• You are planning to buy a compatible new EV in 2026 (Kia EV2, Renault 5 E-Tech, VW ID with 77 kWh battery and OTA update)
• You have solar panels and want to maximise self-consumption by storing surplus generation in the car battery
• You are comfortable with the current hardware investment in exchange for long-term running cost benefits
• You are interested in an Octopus Power Pack arrangement and are happy to use a BYD Dolphin or compatible Nissan model

V2G is less suitable if:

• You drive a Tesla (no V2G or V2H support currently)
• You want to keep upfront hardware costs low for now (consider V2L-capable models as a lower-cost alternative)
• You do not regularly charge at home overnight (V2G requires consistent home charging to be effective)

Frequently asked questions