The Promise of V2G Technology: Electric Vehicles as Grid Resources

Imagine a world where your car not only takes you from A to B but also helps stabilize the power grid, acting as a mobile energy storage unit. Sounds like something straight out of the future, doesn't it? The main idea behind vehicle to grid technology (V2G) is that EVs can act as mobile energy storage units, allowing them to not only draw power from the grid or solar to charge their batteries, but also to discharge power back into the grid to help in emergencies. The grid went down for 2 weeks in Texas during Storm Uri in February 2021. When another storm comes, having V2G could save lives. This blog post looks at what V2G can offer and suggests solutions for the drawbacks to V2G. 

Four Key Aspects Of V2G Technology, From Grid Stabilization To Regulations

Grid stabilization: EVs can help stabilize the grid by providing power during emergencies such as severe storms. My family lost power for a week during Storm Uri. EVs could saves lives through the use of V2G.

Energy storage: EVs can store excess energy generated from renewable sources during times of low demand and release it back into the grid during peak times. This can help balance the variability of renewable energy production, making it more reliable and easier to integrate into the grid.

Infrastructure: Implementing V2G technology requires the development of smart charging infrastructure that can communicate with the grid and manage the flow of energy between EVs and the grid. This includes the development of bidirectional chargers, which can both charge and discharge an EV's battery.

Policy and regulation: Governments and regulatory bodies need to remove hurdles and build up policies and regulations that support the adoption of V2G technology. This may involve setting standards for communication protocols, pricing mechanisms, and incentives for EV owners to participate in V2G programs.

Are There Any EVs that Currently Have V2G Technology?

The short answer is no. V2G is a technology that is in development and currently not available to the general population. Tesla and other EVs currently do not offer V2G technology. Tesla has not officially announced any plans to implement V2G capabilities in their vehicles. However, given the growing interest in V2G technology and the company's focus on sustainable energy solutions, it is not entirely out of the question that Tesla may consider implementing V2G capabilities in the future. 

While there are several electric vehicle manufacturers experimenting with V2G technology, the closest thing available now is vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology. Keep in mind that for V2G to work, vehicle owners may have to pay for the hardware and software to make their vehicles function in that capacity. 

Nissan: In Japan, Nissan has researched the use of their Leaf vehicles to provide emergency power to buildings during power outages. In the UK, the Electric Nation project has used the Leaf to demonstrate V2G capabilities in balancing the grid. Nissan is working on “V2X” to include vehicle-to-home (V2H), vehicle-to-building (V2B) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging. V2X will allow an EV battery to discharge power into another source – such as a home, a business or even the electric grid – then recoup that power later by recharging off the grid. 

Kia: In May 2023, Kia introduced a suite of smart technologies for the EV9 called Kia Connect, Kia Charge, and Kia Smart Charging. V1G (Automated Unidirectional Smart Charging), V2H/B (Vehicle-to-Home/Vehicle-to-Building), and V2G. There are no specific examples of its use in everyday or crisis situations, as this technology is in the prototype phase.

Ford and Vehicle to Home (V2H) Technology

One of the features of the F-150 Lightning is its ability to function as a backup power source for homes during power outages. With the Ford Intelligent Backup Power system and the Ford Charge Station Pro, the truck can provide up to 9.6 kW of power to a home, keeping essential appliances running in an emergency.

While the Ford F-150 Lightning does not currently support V2G technology, it can provide power to a home in the event of an outage. Ford has not announced any plans to introduce V2G technology in the F-150 Lightning, but as the technology evolves and becomes more widespread, it is possible that future models may support this feature.

My Take

I think V2G technology has the potential to help manage our energy resources and one day we may all be able to turn our EVs into mobile energy storage units, contributing to grid stabilization and get paid for it. Realistically, the widespread adoption of V2G technology will require development of new infrastructure, policies, and regulations, as well as continued research and development in the field to reduce costs to the consumer. Perhaps V2H is the first step to this future?