From 1 January 2027, new charge points in the EU must support the ISO 15118-20 standard. The requirement comes from the EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). The standard paves the way for bidirectional charging. Here we explain what it means, what it doesn't mean yet, and which Easee products are ready: Easee Charge Max and Easee Charge Pro.
What is ISO 15118-20?
ISO 15118-20 is a standard for communication between an electric car and a charger. It makes it possible to use the car battery in two ways:
- V2H (Vehicle-to-Home): The car supplies power to your home, for example when electricity is expensive or during a power outage.
- V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid): The car sends power back to the grid and can help balance the load.
What is AFIR, and who does the requirement apply to?
AFIR (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation) is the EU regulation for alternative fuels infrastructure, including charge points for electric cars. The ISO 15118-20 requirement comes via AFIR. It applies to new and substantially upgraded charge points, both private and public.
- In the EU: The requirement applies from the new year, that is, 2027.
- In Norway: The requirement does not apply yet. AFIR must first be incorporated into the EEA Agreement. This may happen within the next couple of years.
- For car manufacturers: There is no equivalent deadline. A charger that meets the requirement therefore doesn't mean your car can return power.
Which Easee products are ready?
Two Easee products have the hardware needed:
- Easee Charge Max
- Easee Charge Pro
Both have:
- a power path that lets current flow both into and out of the car
- PLC communication that allows the charger and the car to negotiate according to ISO 15118
- control electronics and cloud connectivity for safety, logic and future grid signals
You don't need any extra modules or hardware upgrades. Easee calls this V2G-ready.
Does my charger support this?
It depends on which Easee charger you have.
- Easee Charge Max and Easee Charge Pro: Yes. Both have the hardware needed for bidirectional charging and communication according to ISO 15118. Easee has built this in since 2018.
- Other Easee models: Easee currently lists only Charge Max and Charge Pro as V2G-ready. If you have another model, we cannot confirm support for ISO 15118-20. You can find the model name on the charger or in the Easee app.
Note that "supports" here means the charger is technically prepared. Bidirectional charging only works once the car, the energy provider and the regulations are in place (see below).
Does Easee have chargers that meet the AFIR requirement?
Yes. Charge Max and Charge Pro are Easee's two chargers prepared for ISO 15118-20 and bidirectional charging. The requirement applies to new and substantially upgraded charge points. A charge point that is already installed is not automatically covered.
What does "V2G-ready" mean in practice?
"V2G-ready" means the charger is technically prepared. It does not mean bidirectional charging is available or switched on today. For it to work, three things must be in place:
- The car must support bidirectional charging. Only a few electric car models do today.
- The energy provider must offer a V2G service.
- National regulations must allow you to send power back to the grid.
Car manufacturers have also interpreted the standard differently. This means a car that supports bidirectional charging may not work with every charger. That applies regardless of charger brand. The industry does not expect full interoperability until closer to 2030.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to change anything in my electrical installation? Most likely, yes. Bidirectional charging requires an installation designed to export power, often with additional protective equipment. The grid operator must allow feed-in, and metering must be in place, as with solar panels. Always use a qualified electrician and follow local regulations.
Can I use bidirectional charging today? No, not as a regular customer in Europe. It depends on the car, the energy provider and the regulations.