Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is gaining attention as a solution to the concerns surrounding the capacity of the national grid and distribution network operators to handle the increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road. V2G allows EVs to give back power to the grid, buildings, or other vehicles during peak times when demand is high. This technology is becoming more widely known, especially with the introduction of newer EVs equipped with “bi-directional charging.”
To further explore the potential of V2G, a new trial called V2VNY (Vehicle 2 Volume eNergy Yield) is being conducted. This trial is inviting businesses looking to make their fleets more environmentally friendly to participate. Hangar 19, a sustainable transport specialist, is leading the project in collaboration with software specialist CrowdCharge and DriveElectric, an electric vehicle leasing company.
Participating businesses must have a minimum of two EVs from a list of models made by Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, or MG. The selection is based on the presence of V2G capabilities and vehicle-to-load functionality, which allows appliances to be plugged into the AC socket of the EV. Additionally, the chosen vehicles must be compatible with the CrowdCharge software.
The V2VNY charging system is designed for EVs that are plugged in for longer periods, allowing ample time for energy sharing in both directions. For example, if a car is plugged in throughout the day, it can provide power to the grid during peak demand and have its battery recharged as needed. The project is also exploring the possibility of using V2G technology across different locations, enabling drivers to buy cheap off-peak energy at home and sell it back to the grid at a higher rate.
CrowdCharge prioritizes the needs of individuals over the grid, ensuring that drivers are not left without sufficient charge at any time. Users can manually set daily mileage allowances through a smartphone app or choose to let the software’s artificial intelligence function determine the appropriate allowance based on their daily travel patterns. The software provides a schedule to avoid any surprises, and longer trips can be scheduled in a calendar to ensure the EV is always fully charged.
The charging system can accommodate two cars simultaneously and can allocate priority to one car over the other if necessary. It also allows for the sharing of charge between the batteries of the two vehicles.
V2G technology has been undergoing trials for several years, with the Electric Nation project being one notable example. In this project, one hundred Nissan Leaf owners participated to assess the impact of V2G when a larger number of EVs are on the streets in the future. These trials have contributed to the maturation of V2G technology and its potential to revolutionize the way we use and distribute energy.
Overall, V2G technology holds promise for addressing concerns about the capacity of the national grid and DNOs to handle increasing EV numbers. By utilizing the power stored in EV batteries during peak times, V2G can help balance the grid and reduce strain on the energy infrastructure. The V2VNY trial, along with previous projects, is paving the way for a greener and more efficient future of transportation and energy distribution.