Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)

What is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)?

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) is a technology that enables compatible electric vehicles to both draw electricity from the grid for charging and send stored electricity back to the grid when required. It uses bidirectional charging to allow an EV battery to function as a flexible energy resource in addition to powering the vehicle.

In simple terms, Vehicle-to-Grid refers to the two-way flow of electricity between an EV and the power grid.

Importance of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)

The importance of V2G technology lies in its potential to make EV batteries part of a more flexible and responsive electricity system. Connected EVs can supply stored energy during periods of high demand and absorb surplus electricity when demand is lower. This can support grid balancing, help integrate variable renewable energy, and create opportunities for participating EV owners or fleet operators to benefit from grid services, depending on the applicable programme and tariff structure.

Uses of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)

Common uses of V2G technology include:

• Supplying stored electricity from EV batteries to the grid during periods of high demand
• Supporting grid balancing and frequency regulation
• Storing surplus electricity generated from renewable sources for later use
• Managing electricity demand by charging during lower-demand periods and discharging when required
• Supporting energy management for commercial EV fleets
• Providing backup or local energy support where the vehicle, charging system and electricity setup support bidirectional power flow

Examples of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)

Some practical examples of V2G include:

• An EV charges during a period of lower electricity demand and supplies some stored energy back to the grid during peak demand.
• An electric bus fleet provides grid services while its vehicles are parked between operating schedules.
• EVs absorb surplus solar generation during the day and return stored electricity when grid demand rises.
• A utility coordinates a group of V2G-enabled EVs as a distributed energy resource to help balance local electricity demand.
• A commercial fleet participates in a V2G programme while vehicles are parked and available for grid services.