Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer just symbols of environmental consciousness or futuristic design; they are fast becoming integral components of modern energy systems. Nowhere is this more relevant than in the United Arab Emirates, where the transition to a low-carbon economy is underway, supported by significant investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. Among the emerging innovations poised to transform the relationship between transportation and power generation is bi-directional charging, a technology that allows EVs not only to draw energy from the grid but also to supply it back when needed.
Bi-directional charging turns every EV into a potential mobile power source. EVs can inject stored energy back into the grid during periods of high electricity demand or when supplies from renewable generation sources dip, such as during cloudy days or after sunset. This process, often referred to as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), is just one application. Vehicles can also support domestic needs through Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) systems or even provide power to commercial properties via Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) solutions. In each case, the role of the EV shifts from a passive energy consumer to an active asset in grid resilience.
This added flexibility is especially valuable in a region like the UAE, where solar power forms a growing share of the energy mix. The intermittency of solar energy presents a challenge for grid operators, who must ensure a constant balance between electricity supply and demand. EVs equipped with bi-directional charging can help bridge these fluctuations. During daylight hours, when solar generation is high and demand may be lower, EVs can charge using clean energy. Later, as the sun sets and demand increases, particularly in the early evening, those same EVs can return stored power to the grid, reducing the need for fossil-fuel-based peaking plants.
The official launch of the UAE’s National Bi-Directional Charging Infrastructure was announced during EVIS Abu Dhabi 2025, marking a significant step in the country’s commitment to smart energy integration. This announcement reflects the UAE’s growing ambition to position electric vehicles as active components within its broader energy transition strategy. While the launch underscores the country’s dedication to advancing electric mobility, specific technical guidelines or operational frameworks associated with the bi-directional charging infrastructure have not been publicly detailed.
The opportunity is particularly compelling in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where transport electrification is being aligned with ambitious smart city initiatives.
Internationally, automotive and technology companies are aligning with this trend. Major automakers, including General Motors and Tesla, have announced that future EV models will come equipped with bi-directional capabilities as standard. This means that the number of grid-interactive vehicles globally will rise dramatically over the next five years, providing new tools for energy planners, particularly in regions with ambitious decarbonisation goals like the Gulf states.
However, realising the full potential of bi-directional charging requires more than just technology. A clear and coordinated approach to regulation, grid integration, and user incentives will be essential. Policies must address how energy discharged from EVs is measured and compensated, and infrastructure must be standardised to ensure interoperability across different vehicle brands and charger manufacturers.
Battery longevity is another frequently cited concern. Intuitively, regularly discharging a vehicle’s battery might seem to hasten its degradation. Yet studies suggest controlled cycling, especially when guided by intelligent energy management systems, can be optimised to preserve battery health or enhance it by maintaining ideal charge ranges.
The UAE’s energy ambitions, reflected in the Energy Strategy 2050 and the push for net-zero emissions by 2050, create a natural home for such innovation. With over 500 EV charging stations planned for installation by the end of 2025 and the increasing adoption of EVs across public and private fleets, the country is well-positioned to lead in deploying vehicle-grid integration technologies.
Bi-directional charging is not a silver bullet but a powerful complement to the UAE’s broader efforts in energy sustainability. It offers a way to maximise the value of vehicles on our roads and the renewable power generated by our sun. It represents a convergence of mobility and electricity that could reshape how we think about both.
As the UAE continues to pioneer energy innovation, empowering vehicles to act as energy assets may soon become a technical possibility and a national strategy.
By: Shane Moloney, a global energy expert and MD of Rockboro Project Management.