Many EV chargers out there just charge your car. That’s it. Your electric vehicle pulls energy from the grid, and then it sits there until you drive it again. But what if that same charger could also send power back into your home? Or even back to the grid for energy trading?
That’s what the new Enphase IQ Bidirectional EV Charger promises to do.
At PSC Energy, we’ve been installing Enphase systems for years. We’re very interested in seeing what this new component can do, and we’re here today to walk you through it.
In this article, you’ll learn about the following:
- What Is Bidirectional DC EV Charging?
- What Makes the Enphase Bidirectional EV Charger Different?
- What Do You Need to Use the Enphase Bidirectional DC EV Charger?
- What You Need to Know Before You Buy the Enphase IQ Bidirectional DC EV Charger
- FAQ: Enphase IQ Bidirectional EV Charger
By the end of this article, you’ll learn what this charger is, what it can do, how it works, and whether or not it’s worth waiting for.
What Is Bidirectional DC EV Charging?
Most EV chargers work in one direction. They take energy from the grid or your solar panels and send it into your car battery.
A bidirectional charger allows power to flow in either direction. It can send power to your car and also draw power from it.
That power can then be sent into your home (this is called vehicle-to-home or V2H) or even sent back into the grid (called vehicle-to-grid or V2G).
This means your car’s battery can be used like a giant power bank. You can use it to run your house during a blackout or export power when the grid needs help. But your car needs to support this feature, and not all EVs do.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about charging EVs, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Much Solar (and Battery) Do You Need to Charge an EV in Australia?
Click here for a free solar quote.
What Makes the Enphase Bidirectional EV Charger Different?
The IQ Bidirectional EV Charger is a DC charger. That means it doesn’t rely on your car to do the power conversion. Instead, the charger itself handles all of that.
This is important because DC bidirectional chargers operate with greater power and precision. They also open smarter energy options without needing extra batteries or complicated setups.
Here’s what Enphase says the charger will include:
- Up to 11.5 kilowatts of bidirectional power. This is strong enough to charge your car fast and also run most homes during an outage.
- Full support for V2H and V2G.
- Works with 400V and 800V electric vehicles.
- Connects directly to your car’s DC port.
- Comes with a 7.6 metre charging cable and supports CCS1 or NACS plug types.
- Includes three built-in microinverters, enabling power conversion to occur within the charger.
- Built-in “black start” mode, so it can power up your home even when the grid is completely down.
- Has AI software that decides when to charge or discharge based on energy prices, solar forecasts, and grid conditions.
- Weighs less than 23 kg and is about the size of a carry-on suitcase.
- Works in temperatures from −30℃ to 55℃.
- Offers a 10-year warranty and replaceable parts, which is rare in the EV charger world.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about public charging stations, you might want to check out the following article titled, Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Guide 2024.
What Do You Need to Use the Enphase Bidirectional DC EV Charger?
To make the system work, you need to pair the charger with something called the IQ Meter Collar. This is a small device that handles the switch between your home and the grid. It’s what allows you to send power where it’s needed, whether that’s into your home during an outage or out to the grid when the price is right.
You don’t need solar panels or a home battery to use the charger’s main features. The EV can act as your energy backup on its own. But if you do have an Enphase battery, it can give you even more flexibility. That way, your house still has backup power even when your car isn’t plugged in.
The entire system will operate through the Enphase App, allowing you to control and monitor it from your phone.
What Cars Will the Enphase Bidirectional DC EV Charger Work With?
The charger will only support EVs that allow bidirectional power flow. That means the car itself must have the ability to send energy back out through the charging port. This is not a software switch.
If your car doesn’t support bidirectional charging, you won’t get V2H or V2G features. You can still use it as a regular high-powered DC charger that goes one way into the vehicle.
Currently, only a few cars offer this feature. That may change by 2026, when this charger is released, but it’s something you’ll need to double-check before making a purchase.
How Easy Is the Enphase Bidirectional DC EV Charger To Use?
Enphase says the charger will require no manual setup once it’s installed. It should automatically switch between charging your car, backing up your home, or exporting to the grid, depending on the situation.
The charger utilises AI to manage this process. It can communicate with your solar system, Enphase battery, and local utility as needed.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about bidirectional EV charging, you might want to check out the following article titled, Bidirectional EV Charging in Australia Explained: Your Guide to V2G, V2H, and V2L.
What You Need to Know Before You Buy the Enphase IQ Bidirectional DC EV Charger
Before you get too excited, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
- The charger won’t be available for a while.
- It may not work with every EV or home setup.
- It also won’t come cheap.
Below, you’ll find what we currently know about the expected price, release date, potential drawbacks, and who this charger is best suited for.
How Much Will It Cost?
Enphase has not yet released a price. However, based on what we know about their other products, it is likely to be expensive. The AC version of their charger once sold for over $2,000 in Australia, and that was without the bidirectional features unlocked.
It’s safe to expect that the IQ Bidirectional DC EV Charger will be a premium product. That doesn’t mean it’s overpriced, but it probably won’t be the budget option either.
When Will It Be Available?
Enphase says the charger will be available for sale in the second half of 2026. That means there is still a long wait. While they are building this for global markets, local availability may depend on factors such as certification, regional grid rules, and EV connector types.
Are There Any Downsides?
Yes. Here are the main limitations:
- It will only work with bidirectional EVs, and there aren’t many of those right now.
- You’ll need to install the IQ Meter Collar, which may or may not be approved in your country yet.
- It’s not available until 2026.
- The price is unknown, but it is likely to be high.
- You must stay within the Enphase ecosystem to get full value.
Still, for the right person, these trade-offs might be worth it.
Who Should Care About This Charger?
This charger is designed for individuals who want more control over their home energy usage. If you already have solar or are planning to install it, and if you drive a compatible EV, this product could give you more independence and peace of mind during outages.
It’s also a smart choice if you want to reduce your power bills over time by storing and using energy when it’s less expensive. Especially if you’re already in the Enphase ecosystem.
However, if your EV doesn’t support bidirectional charging or if you need a solution immediately, this may not be the best fit for you.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about IQ Batteries from Enphase, you might want to check out the following article titled, Pros and Cons of the Enphase IQ Battery 5P Solar Battery.
Final Thoughts on Enphase IQ Bidirectional DC EV Charger
The Enphase IQ Bidirectional EV Charger is not just another EV charger. It’s part of a bigger idea: turning your car into part of your home’s energy system. That’s powerful. But it also takes planning, money, and the correct setup.
If you care about energy resilience, backup power, and smart energy use, this charger might be something to watch closely.
As we stated in the introduction, we’ve installed Enphase products for years. They’re great systems, and we’re as curious as you are to see how they fit into the Enphase ecosystem.
You don’t need to make a decision today. The product won’t launch until 2026. There’s time to see if your EV will be compatible and whether the features are worth the investment. At PSC Energy, we’ll guide you through the process when the time comes and help you evaluate your options. It’s what we do.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about IQ Batteries, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Much Does an Enphase IQ Battery 5P Cost?
FAQ: Enphase IQ Bidirectional EV Charger
What is the Enphase IQ Bidirectional EV Charger?
The Enphase IQ Bidirectional EV Charger is a DC electric vehicle charger. It lets your EV battery power your home or send energy back to the grid. It also works as a regular high-powered charger. It is part of the Enphase energy ecosystem.
How does the Enphase bidirectional EV charger work?
The charger connects to your EV’s DC port and controls both charging and discharging. It pulls energy from the grid or your solar system to charge your car. It can also send energy from your EV back into your home or to the grid. It works with an IQ Meter Collar that handles power flow.
What is the difference between V2H and V2G?
V2H means Vehicle to Home. It lets your car battery power your home during a blackout or when energy prices are high. V2G means Vehicle to Grid. It lets your car battery send energy back to the grid when needed. Both features help save money and add energy flexibility.
Do I need solar panels to use the Enphase bidirectional charger?
No, you do not need solar panels to use the charger. It can still charge your EV and send power to your home or the grid. But adding solar panels and a battery can provide you with more energy control and backup options.
Does the Enphase bidirectional EV charger need a home battery?
No, it doesn’t require a battery to function. Your EV acts like a battery and can power your home independently. But if you add an Enphase battery, you can have backup power even when your EV is not plugged in.
Which electric vehicles work with the Enphase bidirectional EV charger?
The charger only works with EVs that support bidirectional charging. Most EVs today do not support this feature. You need to check with your car’s maker to see if it allows power to flow out of the battery through the charging port.
Can I use this charger if my EV is not bidirectional?
Yes, you can use it as a regular charger. But you will not get Vehicle to Home or Vehicle to Grid features. You can still charge your EV at high speed through the DC port.
How much power does the Enphase IQ Bidirectional DC EV Charger provide?
The Enphase IQ Bidirectional EV Charger provides up to 11.5 kilowatts of power. This is enough for fast EV charging or for powering most homes during a power outage.
What makes the Enphase IQ Bidirectional DC EV charger different from AC chargers?
AC bidirectional chargers rely on your EV to convert power. DC chargers like this one handle the conversion inside the charger. This makes DC charging faster, smarter, and more flexible in many cases.
What is the IQ Meter Collar, and why do I need it?
The IQ Meter Collar is a device that controls how power flows between your home, your EV, and the grid. You must install it to use the backup and grid-sharing features. It allows the system to switch between power sources automatically.
What is the “black start” feature?
The black start feature enables the charger to power up your home even during a total power outage. It utilises a small internal battery to initiate the system and establish a connection with the EV. This means your charger can still work when the grid is completely down.
Does the charger have smart features?
Yes, the charger includes AI-powered software. It looks at electricity prices, solar production, and grid demand. It then decides the best times to charge or discharge your EV.
How much does the Enphase IQ Bidirectional DC EV Charger cost?
Enphase has not yet announced a price. But similar Enphase products are usually premium-priced.
When will the Enphase IQ Bidirectional DC EV Charger be available?
Enphase says the charger will be ready in the second half of 2026. It will launch globally, but availability may vary by country. Local rules, EV standards, and certifications may affect when you can buy it.
Are there any downsides to the Enphase IQ Bidirectional EV Charger?
Yes. It only works with bidirectional EVs, which are still rare. It requires the IQ Meter Collar. It is not available until 2026. The price is unknown, but it is likely to be high. It also works best within the complete Enphase system.
Who should buy the Enphase IQ Bidirectional EV Charger?
This charger is a good fit for people who want more control over their home energy use. If you have or plan to install solar and a compatible EV, it could help lower bills and provide backup power. If you need a charger now or your EV is not bidirectional, this is not the best choice.
