Electric Cars: Vehicle-To-Grid (V2G) Technology: The Basics

---

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Instagram

---

Electric Cars: The Basics

---

For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

---

Sign up to the newsletter

---

V2G is an innovative technology that enables the National Grid to use energy stored in electric cars during times of increased demand. In effect, each EV has the potential to contribute power back to the grid via the vehicle-to-grid technology at times of increased demand, also sometimes referred to as Demand Side Response.

---

Why Should An EV Owner Bother About V2G? What is V2G?

---

V2G is a technology that allows for bidirectional energy flow, enabling energy stored in EV batteries to be pushed back to the electricity grid. The essential idea is to modulate the charging and discharging of EV batteries in accordance with the users’ needs and the demands of the grid.

When responding to the requirements of the grid, EVs could charge to their maximum level or change their rate of
charging when the supply is high and subsequently, EV batteries could inject electricity back to the grid during peaks in consumption or in response to grid demands thereby serving as temporary energy storage units. V2G also offers scope for incorporating a greater share of intermittent renewable energy (RE) in the grid by allowing EVs to act as decentralised storage units during periods which are conducive for increased RE production (source: OLA mobility institute).

The V2G technology offers owners of electric cars the opportunity to charge an EV battery at off-peak rates and sell the power at times of increased demand, usually peak hours. Off-peak rates have lower tariffs while peak rates have higher tariffs resulting in cost efficiencies for EV owners i.e. making you cash!

---

Is Vehicle-To-Grid Technology Tried And Tested?

---

In general, it is still at early stages, with a number of companies announcing developing V2G technology for EV’s. In December 2018, OVO Energy installed the first vehicle-grid-charger in a customers home. OVO had announced its V2G charging solution in April 2018 and is also involved with the UK government £30 million V2G competition, which also includes the Nissan Leaf, the first electric car with V2G technology. In India, a number of stakeholders are assessing the potential of V2G technology and electric vehicles (EVs), as India aim to become a global leader in zero-emission electric driving.

---

To Who Will I Sell The Power From My EV Battery?

---

An EV owner will be able to sell the power to the National Grid (for the specific country) or to another aggregator, utility or supplier.

---

Do I Have To Be At Any Specific Location Close To The Grid To Take Advantage Of V2G?

---

No. You can take advantage of V2G sitting in the comfort of your home enjoying a cup of tea, whilst your EV parked in the garage evacuates the power to the grid. You will need to install a V2G charger that allows bi-directional charging. If the V2G charger is also installed in your workplace, then you could also sell electricity while your car is parked at work.

---

Apart From Cost Savings, Are There Any Other Advantages Of V2G Technology?

---

Yes. By allowing the grid to balance demand and supply using the power in EV’s, the grid is less dependent on sourcing power from other generators of electricity to include coal fired power plants. This will inevitably result in a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Another significant benefit is that the scaling of V2G services will reduce the financial impact and operational burden on the national grid to upgrade its systems to meet the impending increase in EV adoption.

---

Quasar: The First Bidirectional Charger For Home Use

---

Innovation at the leading edge, the Quasar home EV charger is set to revolutionise electric car charging with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability. The electric car battery can be used to power your electric car and your home. Quasar is the lightest and smallest DC charger of its kind. The Quasar electric car charging station is not currently available in India.

---

Key Features And Specifications

---

Key Features	Quasar Home EV Charging (7.4kW)
Model:	Quasar
Charger:	DC
Connector Type:	CHAdeMO
Dimensions:	350x350x150mm (without cable)
Weight:	15.5 kg (without cable)/ 22 kg (with cable)
Cable length:	5m
Maximum Output:	7.4 kW (1P)
Protection Rating:	IP54 / IK08
Connectivity:	Wi-Fi / Ethernet / Bluetooth / 3G/4G Connection
User Identification:	Face Recognition / Wallbox App / RFID
User Interface:	Gesture Sensor / Wallbox App
Charging Status Info:	RGB LED / Screen information

---

Does e-zoomed Have A View On V2G?

---

Yes, we do. We believe in the long term, the overall impact of V2G implementation will be very positive for a number of stakeholders, in particular, the EV owner. However, much more clarity is needed on the cost of implementation of V2G for the EV owner and the validation of the financial benefits to the EV driver. We also believe there needs to be further clarity on any negative impact on battery life and performance (i.e. increased battery degradation) from the bi-directional and increased cycles of the EV battery.

---

While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

---

Related articles

---