The electric vehicle chargers can power homes during outages or emergencies.
Electric vehicles promise to make transportation cleaner and greener. When powered by renewable energy, they offer an emissions-free way to travel across Canada. But could they do even more? Could an EV serve as a portable power source?
PointGuard has introduced a solar-powered bidirectional EV charger that can provide backup power when needed, adding a new level of energy resilience.
Standard EV Charging
One challenge with EV adoption is ensuring drivers have sufficient charging infrastructure. Currently, three levels of EV chargers are in use.
Level 1
Level 1 charging is the default option that comes with an EV purchase. It plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet without requiring additional wiring. However, it is quite slow—ideal for overnight charging at home but not for quick roadside stops.
Level 2
Level 2 chargers operate on a 240-volt outlet, which typically requires an electrician to install special wiring. They charge the vehicle six to eight times faster than Level 1 chargers and are often found at public charging stations. Nonetheless, it can still take a few hours to add the necessary range to an EV.
Level 3 Fast Charging
DC fast chargers can add between 160 and 400 kilometres of range in just 30 to 45 minutes. Brands such as Tesla’s Superchargers, EVgo, and Electrify America offer these super-fast chargers. Although they are generally too expensive for most home users, they are essential for building the charging infrastructure needed to support North America’s EV fleet.
How PointGuard’s Bidirectional Charging Works
Bidirectional charging allows an EV not only to draw power for charging but also to feed energy back into the grid. This technology enables EV owners to power their homes during outages, providing additional security.
PointGuard offers two products for home EV charging:
- The PointGuard EVAC Charger
This charger uses solar energy to power the EV, ensuring the entire process remains emissions-free. It is available in 7, 11, and 22 kW power ranges. - The PointGuard Home DC Charger
Combining a bidirectional fast-charging module with the Pointguard energy system, this model can charge directly from solar panels or batteries, delivering roughly 130 km of charge per hour.
Both products incorporate smart charging technology to manage charging schedules during off-peak hours, further optimising energy use.
Additionally, PointGuard is the first to demonstrate bidirectional charging successfully in a commercial setting, paving the way for broader adoption.
Benefits of Bidirectional Charging
With bidirectional charging, an EV can feed energy back to the grid, power a home, or even run large appliances like refrigerators. This capability not only enhances energy security but can also reduce energy bills. For example, during the day, EVs can send electricity back to the grid, while owners can recharge during off-peak hours when rates are lower. This flexibility can result in significant savings, especially during peak demand periods.
Vehicles Offering Bidirectional Charging
Not every EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. Currently, the following models offer this innovative feature:
- Nissan Leaf
Early models (2013 and later) offer proprietary bidirectional charging compatible only with the Fermata Energy charger, while 2024 models and beyond include V2X capability, allowing them to work with any compatible device. - Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia
Models from 2024 onward can power household appliances and provide backup power. Their onboard charging modules can also supply energy to electric bikes and camping gear. - Lucid Air
The RangeXChange feature enables this luxury vehicle to charge other electric cars. - Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning
Both are capable of powering an average Canadian home for up to three days.
EVs that Tested Compatible with the PointGuard DC Bi-directional EV Charger
| Brand | EV models | Protocol Version | Test Date | Country |
| Mercedes-Benz | EQB 350 | DIN70125 | Feb, 2025 | USA |
| Audi | A6 e-tron | DIN70125 | Feb, 2025 | Sweden |
| BMW | i3S | DIN70125 | Feb, 2025 | Sweden |
| Tesla | Model Y Performance | DIN70125 | Feb, 2025 | Sweden |
| Tesla | Model Y Dual (NMC) 2022 | DIN70125 | Feb, 2025 | Sweden |
| Tesla | Model Y SR (LFP) 2023 | DIN70125 | Feb, 2025 | Sweden |
| Hyundai | Ionic 5 2022 | DIN70125 | Feb, 2025 | Sweden |
| Citroën | eJumpy 2021 | DIN70125 | Feb, 2025 | Sweden |
| Rivian | R1T | DIN70125 | Feb, 2025 | USA |
| Ford | Lightning | ISO15118-2 | Feb, 2025 | Australia |
| Tesla | Model Y | DIN70121 | Nov, 2024 | Belgium |
| Tesla | Model Y | ISO15118-2 | Nov, 2024 | Germany |
| Volvo | EX30 | DIN70121 | Nov, 2024 | Belgium |
| KIA | EV6 | DIN70121 | Nov, 2024 | Belgium |
| VW | ID.5 | ISO15118-2 | Nov, 2024 | Belgium |
| Porsche | Taycan | ISO15118-2 | Dec, 2024 | Belgium |
| Hyundai | Ioniq 5 | ISO15118-2 | Dec, 2024 | UK |
| SAIC MAXUS | e Deliver 9 | DIN70121 | Dec, 2024 | UK |
| NIO | ET7 | GBT27930-2015 | July, 2024 | China |
| NIO | ET5 | GBT27930-2015 | July, 2024 | China |
| NIO | ET5T | GBT27930-2015 | July, 2024 | China |
| NIO | ES8 | GBT27930-2015 | July, 2024 | China |
| NIO | ES6 | GBT27930-2015 | July, 2024 | China |
| NIO | EC7 | GBT27930-2015 | July, 2024 | China |
| NIO | EC6 | GBT27930-2015 | July, 2024 | China |
| NIO | ES7 | GBT27930-2015 | July, 2024 | China |
| NIO | ET9 | GBT27930-2015 | July, 2024 | China |
PointGuard’s Bidirectional EV Charging
PointGuard’s breakthrough bidirectional charging technology promises to expand the energy grid and enhance power security for individual homeowners across Canada.
Solwel , a key distributor of advanced energy solutions, proudly announces the nationwide availability of PointGuard Energy products in Canada. Please contact us for more information on installing and deploying PointGuard products in Canada.