Hyundai Motor is set to expand the bidirectional charging capabilities of its vehicles based on the E-GMP platform

The Hyundai Motor Group plans to take an important step forward by expanding the capabilities of some of its models based on the E-GMP platform, which will no longer be exclusively passenger transport vehicles and will also become relevant elements of the energy system.

The implementation of V2X technology by the South Korean company will allow selected models that meet certain technical requirements to not only consume energy, but also store it so it can be returned to homes or even to the electricity grid in specific situations, such as during a widespread blackout or during periods of the day when electricity tariffs are highest.

Hyundai Motor is thus set to redefine the role played by the electric vehicle, no longer being merely a means of transport and becoming a key element of each country’s national electricity grid as well.

Strategy to be pursued by Hyundai Motor in its different markets

In South Korea, the country’s first Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) pilot project will begin this very month of December, before the end of the year. Owners of the Kia EV9 and of the upcoming Hyundai IONIQ 9 residing on Jeju Island will be able to charge their vehicles at times of the day when the electricity tariff is lowest, and then sell that energy stored in the vehicle’s battery pack when the price is higher.

The implementation of this technology will thus help balance Jeju’s electricity grid, which has a high penetration of renewables and suffers significant fluctuations. The project is backed by the Jeju provincial government, the utility KEPCO and Hyundai Engineering, and will serve as the basis for extending the service to the rest of the country in the more or less near future.

Likewise, in Europe the Netherlands will be the first market to enjoy a commercial V2G service, also before the end of this year 2025. Customers with bidirectional chargers compatible with some Kia and Hyundai models will be able to schedule charging during off-peak hours and return energy to the grid at times of maximum demand and high prices, reducing their bill and actively participating in the energy market.

In the United States, on the other hand, the South Korean company will allow its customers to enjoy the Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) function, which turns the electric car into a backup power source for the home. Kia already offers this capability on the EV9 since early 2025, while Hyundai will soon incorporate it into the IONIQ 9. Kia will also bring it to the EV6. Thanks to this technology, users will be able to store cheap energy and use it to power their home during peak consumption or supply outages.

“V2G services not only offer customers a new mobility experience linked to their energy life, but also position Hyundai and Kia as leaders in the sustainable mobility and energy future market.”