V2G – What is it, and should we use it?


V2G – What is it, and should we use it?

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is a relatively new concept that refers to the bi-directional flow of electricity between electric vehicles (EVs) and the power grid. V2G enables EVs to act as a mobile storage system for excess renewable energy and can potentially revolutionize the way we generate, store, and distribute energy. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of V2G technology and why it could benefit society.

V2G technology has the potential to solve some of the most pressing issues facing the energy sector today. One of the biggest challenges of renewable energy is the issue of intermittency. Solar and wind power can’t be produced at a constant rate, and energy storage is needed to address the gaps between supply and demand. V2G technology can be used to store excess renewable energy during periods of low demand and release it back into the grid during times of high demand.

V2G bidirectional charging diagram

V2G bidirectional charging diagram

By enabling EVs to act as mobile storage units, V2G technology can also help reduce the need for expensive stationary battery systems. This could make renewable energy more affordable and accessible to households and businesses. Moreover, V2G technology can also reduce the need for traditional peaker power plants, which are used to meet sudden spikes in demand. Peaker plants are typically powered by fossil fuels and are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. By using V2G technology to meet peak demand, we can reduce our reliance on peaker plants and transition towards a more sustainable energy system.

Another benefit of V2G technology is that it can provide a reliable source of backup power in the event of an outage. During power outages, EVs can be used to power homes and critical infrastructure such as hospitals and emergency services. This could be particularly beneficial in areas prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes.

In addition to the benefits for the energy sector, V2G technology could also benefit society in other ways. By providing an additional revenue stream for EV owners, V2G technology could help make EVs more affordable and accessible to a wider range of consumers. Moreover, by encouraging the adoption of EVs, V2G technology could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, leading to significant health benefits.

In conclusion, V2G technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate, store, and distribute energy. By enabling EVs to act as mobile storage units, V2G technology can help address some of the most pressing issues facing the energy sector today, including the issue of intermittency and the need for expensive stationary battery systems. Furthermore, V2G technology could benefit society in other ways, including providing a reliable source of backup power and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.