A method and system for bidirectional charging in an electric vehicle include controlling a multi-phase machine in the electric vehicle. In response to determining that a direction of energy flow is from an electric grid to the electric vehicle, the method and system include operating a first set of phases in the multi-phase machine at a grid frequency of the electric grid and connecting the first set of phases in the multi-phase machine to the electric grid. In response to connecting the first set of phases in the multi-phase machine to the electric grid, the method and system include operating a second set of phases in the multi-phase machine, where the second set of phases in the multi-phase machine generates energy via electrical coupling to the first set of phases in the multi-phase machine. The method and system also include providing the energy generated by the second set of phases in the multi-phase machine to charge an energy source of the electric vehicle.