Vehicle-To-Grid Technology (V2G)

What is Vehicle-To-Grid?

What is vehicle-to-grid technology? Owning and operating an electric vehicle is often associated with outdated infrastructure and unforeseen costs. One of the most common questions posed to Wattcharger by EV drivers is "How much will a home EV charger cost?" Despite the fact that there were 81% more EVs on Irish roads in 2022 than the previous year, affordability remains the primary concern among EV users.

A new technological tool known as vehicle-to-grid technology "V2G" is now proving to be a valuable resource that can help EV owners save money and even earn some. V2G technology routes electricity in an opposite direction, utilizing the EV battery as a storage facility for energy. This means that excess energy generated from wind or solar solutions can be stored in the battery, making V2G technology an exciting prospect.

What are the Benefits of V2G?

Essentially, V2G technology enables owners to amass excess energy in their electric cars, which can then be used to power their homes during peak demand, or even sold back to the national power grid as renewable energy. At the center of this scheme is the bi-directional charger, an innovative device with the potential to power neighborhoods, cities, or even countries if implemented correctly. According to a recent EV research paper from the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, "substantial capital investment, as much as several billion dollars, can be avoided if EVs are used in lieu of stationary storage."

Is Vehicle-To-Grid Technology Being Adopted?

Despite being in its nascent stage, several EV manufacturers have already begun making the necessary alterations. Mitsubishi, Ford, and Nissan have all announced vehicle-to-grid adjustments. For example, the Ford F-150 Lightning comes equipped with an 80-amp charger capable of storing up to 131 kWh, while Hyundai Ioniq 5 models with this feature have already proven capable of powering home applications and televisions.

The future of vehicle-to-grid technology is, at worst, convenient and, at best, revolutionary. As both consumers and governments have scrambled to keep energy costs down over the past few months, vehicle-to-grid has the potential to unleash an enormous amount of excess energy. Countries like the Netherlands have led the way, installing 500 bi-directional chargers throughout their country. The nation, with a population of 17 million, predicts that 1.5 million vehicles using the vehicle-to-grid technology in the Netherlands would be sufficient to completely balance their national electrical grid.

To learn more about V2G technology, check out Virta’s in-depth resource here. 

If you're interested in purchasing an EV charger or want to learn more about energy storage please don't hesitate to contact WattCharger through the portal below for a free quote. These are exciting times, and we're here to help you stay ahead.