The transportation sector accounts for 27% of global greenhouse gas emission (GHG) emissions. Electrifying transportation is the top priority of most nations to combat climate change.
Recent years have seen exponential growth in the sale of electric vehicles together with improved performance. The reason is the continuous technological advancements in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. V2G is also one of the latest innovations happening in the EV industry that allows users to contribute their vehicle’s energy to the grid.
What Is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)?
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) is a technology that empowers EV users to sell back unused power into the grid. V2G is a smart charging system that enables energy stored in the batteries of electric vehicles to be fed back into the grid and can help the grid supply electricity to save energy during peak hours. Additionally, it may provide backup power when weather-dependent renewable energy sources are unavailable. For instance, a solar-powered house cannot produce electricity at night, but an electric car might serve as a backup source of energy if required.
Why Should You Care About V2G?
Vehicle-to-grid helps to protect our planet’s environment by maintaining a balance in the energy system. V2G may aid in meeting the UN’s sustainable development goals, such as achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It may also bring an additional advantage to customers by possibly cutting the cost of owning an electric vehicle. An EV owner may resell excess electricity from their vehicle to offset their other expenditures.
Applications of V2G
Since V2G vehicles provide electric power to help balance grid loads, electric utility providers can manage the load efficiently. This concept is called peak shaving: sending power to the grid when demand is high. Peak shaving supports load balancing and keeping voltage and frequency stable. V2G services can be enabled by integrating them with smart electricity meters. Moreover, V2G also benefits third-party OEM manufacturers. For example, battery manufacturers have much better monitors over the life cycle, they can extend their life which will appeal to consumers as well.
Advantages of V2G
V2G technology comes with multiple benefits for different target markets, which are briefly described below:
- Consumers: End-users will surely get financial benefits in terms of electricity unit credits and tax benefits.
- Electricity Providers: Utility companies already get multiple benefits including peak shaving i.e. getting power from the vehicle during peak times and balancing the load.
- Eco-Friendly for Nature: V2G reduces pollution by increasing the use of renewable energy sources and minimizing the dependence on fossil fuel-based energy.
- For Buildings: With Dynamic Load Management (DLM), V2G helps enable EVs to charge anywhere, regardless of the surroundings, location, or building type.
Challenges in V2G Deployment
As with any new technology, V2G faces some challenges in its deployment which are briefly described below:
- Cost: The number one hurdle in the deployment of V2G is its cost. DC chargers already have a high price and their related equipment requires a large investment.
- EV Models: The non-availability of EV models that are capable of bi-directional charging hinders progress in this domain.
- Battery Life: Many consumers may be reluctant to utilize this V2G technology since EV batteries are a vital part of an EV and already comes with a limited charging cycle.
Conclusion
The technology used in the EV charging infrastructure will keep evolving with emerging solutions available for consumers. Innovations in the industry such as vehicle-to-grid technology and wireless charging are already available and being tested in pilot phases for feasibility. The implementation of V2G in real-life practical situations is not impossible; nevertheless, to advance the process more rapidly, the challenges that stand in the way of its implementation need to be effectively addressed.
