V2G refers to vehicle-to-grid technology. It enables EVs to export their unused battery capacity back to the grid to fill gaps in renewable energy generation.
V2G depends on inteligent EV charging software to direct two-way charging and smart energy management to sense and respond to signals from the grid and track the flow of energy for billing and payment. Besides V2G, there are also V2H(using EV batteries to power homes), and V2B(vehicle-to-buiding).
Most vehicles remain parked most of the time, so V2G leverages that inactivity, enabling a two-way energy exchange between vehicle and grid. The energy from the EV batteries is available to the electric grid to serve peak needs, with the vehicles recharging during non-peak hours.
V2G can support ever-increasing demand while lowering operating costs. Vehicle-to-grid helps balance out electricity demand and avoid any unnecessary costs for building an electricity system. With V2G, the momentary electricity consumption spikes in the building can be balanced with the help of electric cars and no extra energy needs to be consumed from the grid.
V2G provides alternative energy sources for a range of applications with its flexibility. Although many energy companies are increasing their usage of renewable energy, such as solar and wind, those sources cannot consistently produce power 24/7 due to weather. The gaps can be supplemented with V2G-transmitted power.
Since V2G is still an emerging technology, the long-term effect of V2G activities on the EV’s battery life is unknown. Getting owners accpet the idea is another obstacle. People buy EVs to use for transportation, not to serve as grid assets. Utilities offering fiscal compensation for the “loan” of energy as well as reassurance that vehicles will be ready to drive when needed can help encourage participation.
Besides vehicle owners, other key players in the value chain are also critical to its future success. Vehicle and EV charger manufacturers need to provide hardware support for V2G. EV charging infrastructure operators need to adopt V2G standards like ISO 15118 protocol and invest in chargers with two-way transmission capabilities. Smart EV charging management software providers also need to support related standards.
-- Marcus Groll，A Charging Station Owner in UKRAINE
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