Bidirectional Charging: Three Myths Companies Need to Know Now
Why AC bidirectional charging is on the verge of a market breakthrough and why "BiDi Ready" alone is not enough
Dortmund, 29 June 2026 – Bidirectional charging is regarded as one of the key technologies driving both the mobility and energy transition. Yet many misconceptions still persist. Some believe, for example, that the technology is not yet ready for the market or that it can only be implemented using DC charging solutions. Compleo Charging Solutions addresses these assumptions and explains why companies should already be laying the groundwork for bidirectional charging today.
Myth no. 1: Bidirectional charging is still a long way off
While DC technology is already available today, standardisation for AC bidirectional charging is progressing rapidly. The decisive factor will be the seamless interaction between the vehicle, charging infrastructure, energy management system and the power grid. According to Compleo, the completion of standardisation and the introduction of new vehicle platforms announced by manufacturers will make 2027 a key milestone for the market readiness of AC bidirectional charging. By then, the seamless interaction of all components is expected to enable the widespread deployment of bidirectional applications.
Myth no. 2: "BiDi Ready" is enough
Not every product marketed as "BiDi Ready" is automatically suitable for all use cases, Compleo underlines. Companies looking to use bidirectional charging as a source of revenue should focus on certified and interoperable solutions. "BiDi Ready is not enough. The status of being 'BiDi Certified' provides certainty, particularly when different standards, grid requirements and protection concepts need to work together. Only then can Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) become a genuine grid-supporting solution," explains Dr Björn Dietrich, CEO of Compleo Charging Solutions. Particularly in the AC segment, there is currently a significant difference between solutions that are merely prepared ("Ready") and those that are actually certified, with certified solutions expected to become available from 2027 onwards.
Myth no. 3: Bidirectional charging will be driven by DC technology
According to Compleo, there are strong indications that AC-based bidirectional charging will shape the European market in the years ahead. One reason is the lower cost of charging hardware, as key power electronics are already integrated into the vehicle. Another is the growing commitment of vehicle manufacturers to implementing AC bidirectional charging. According to current market analyses, around 80 per cent of new vehicle platforms are expected to support bidirectional charging as early as 2027. In the long term, however, Compleo expects AC solutions to gain a significantly larger market share, reaching 75 per cent by 2035. They are regarded as more cost-effective and easier to scale for both residential and commercial applications.
Building on practical experience and bidirectional charging expertise
Compleo's assessment is not based solely on theoretical market analyses. Together with its parent company KOSTAL, the company has already participated in several research and field projects, including BDL, Unit-e² and, most recently, BDLnext alongside partners such as BMW and E.ON. The insights gained from these projects are being incorporated directly into the development of a modular AC bidirectional charging platform for residential and commercial applications.
Webinar: What companies need to know about bidirectional charging now
Compleo's experts will explain which regulatory developments are driving the market ramp-up of bidirectional charging, when the technology is expected to reach the mass market and which requirements companies should already consider today during the webinar "BiDi: What You Need to Know Now" on 16 July 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The webinar will focus on the regulatory framework and relevant standards, compare AC and DC technologies, and present interoperable solutions for future-proof infrastructure investments. The speakers will also use practical Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) use cases to demonstrate the opportunities bidirectional charging creates for businesses and private customers alike.
CTA: Register for the webinar now and learn how companies can plan for bidirectional charging with confidence.
About Compleo
Founded in 2009, Compleo is today part of the global KOSTAL Group. Compleo is one of Europe’s leading providers of innovation-driven AC charging technology for electric vehicles. Development and production take place in Germany and Europe. To shape the future of charging, Compleo is driving the development of a modular bidirectional AC platform – ranging from residential wallboxes to commercial charging stations – to smartly connect electric mobility and the energy transition. Compleo focuses on charging technology that is easy to use and compatible with other systems. Its customer base includes well-known charging point operators, electrical wholesalers, and more than 300 energy companies.
Learn more: compleo-charging.com/en
Press Contact
Katrin Osburg
presse@compleo-cs.com