V2G

Vehicle-to-Grid(V2G) interactive solution in essence transforms EVs as mobile power storage units

Imagine a world where your electric vehicle not only transports you from point A to point B but also serves as a mobile power storage unit, seamlessly integrating with the power grid to optimize energy distribution. This is precisely what V2G technology promises – a symbiotic relationship between electric vehicles and the grid, enabled by forward-thinking policies.

V2G, short for Vehicle-to-Grid, represents the integration of "vehicle-to-grid", also known as bidirectional power conversion technology. It entails utilizing the electric vehicle as a energy storage system as a distributed energy storage system, capable of both meeting transportation needs and providing power to the grid through bidirectional charging infrastructure.

24-hour Simulation of a Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) System

During periods of low grid demand, EVs store electric power from grid by charging. Conversely, during times of high demand, charging operators aggregate electric vehicle battery resources through digital systems to establish a virtual power plant. This plant leverages V2G charging infrastructure to discharge electricity to the grid, thereby enhancing power system flexibility and reducing grid strain.

Similarly, there is B2G, or Battery-to-Grid, which involves utilizing fixed energy storage batteries for grid support. Both V2G and B2G enable reverse power flow, aimed at assisting the grid in managing peak loads and optimizing electric energy distribution and utilization.

V2G value in the short-term, mid term and long-term

For charge point operators, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology presents a compelling opportunity to enhance revenue streams and optimize resource utilization. By integrating V2G capabilities into their infrastructure, operators can offer additional services beyond traditional charging, such as grid balancing and energy trading. This diversification not only attracts more customers but also maximizes the value of existing assets by leveraging electric vehicles as flexible energy resources. Moreover, V2G deployments can help charge point operators contribute to grid stability and resilience, fostering partnerships with utilities and regulatory bodies. Overall, embracing V2G empowers charge point operators to play a pivotal role in the transition to a more sustainable and dynamic energy ecosystem while unlocking new avenues for growth and profitability.

V2G application

Electric vehicle users stand to gain from V2G as well. They can take advantage of low electricity prices to charge their vehicles and sell stored energy back to grid operators during periods of high demand, earning cash subsidies and lowering their overall ownership costs.

Illustratively, consider an electric car with a 100 kWh capacity. If the owner sells 50 kWh of electricity back to the grid, assuming peak-hour electricity prices of $1/kWh and off-peak prices of $0.3/kWh, the owner could potentially profit $35 per kWh each time.

Transforming conventional charging infrastructure into multifunctional hubs capable of accommodating V2G functionalities can be a solution

Despite detailed assessment of the current status and challenges facing V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) technology adoption. Some people in the industry underscore the disparity between its conceptual appeal and its practical implementation in the market.

Initially hailed as a promising innovation, V2G has yet to gain significant traction beyond theoretical discussions. While some charging infrastructure providers have introduced V2G as a conceptual offering, the actual deployment of V2G-enabled charging stations remains limited. Furthermore, the reluctance of electric vehicle owners to engage in discharging activities contributes to the disparity between conceptualization and real-world utilization.

UUGreenPower product General Manager Mr. Colby Cai considers three main obstacles affecting the widespread adoption of V2G technology. Firstly, the considerable upfront investment required for retrofitting existing charging infrastructure to support V2G functionality presents a formidable barrier. Secondly, Colby concerns that the grid's stability and efficiency arise from the unmanaged introduction of dispersed power surges. This highlights the critical need for sophisticated grid management solutions to mitigate potential disruptions.

UUGreenPower product general manager Colby Cai giving speech in DIDC 2023

Additionally, consumer perceptions pose a psychological barrier to V2G adoption. Many consumers perceive vehicles solely as modes of transportation, overlooking their potential as energy assets. Addressing this mindset shift requires concerted efforts to raise awareness and educate consumers about the role of electric vehicles in energy management.

Despite these challenges, people in the industry remain optimistic about V2G's future prospects. As the market matures and regulatory frameworks evolve, there is growing anticipation that V2G will become more seamlessly integrated into everyday operations. UUGreenPower believes that transforming conventional charging infrastructure into multifunctional hubs capable of accommodating V2G functionalities, energy storage, and grid integration represents a pivotal step toward realizing V2G's full potential. Ultimately, V2G holds the promise of revolutionizing energy management and grid optimization once technical, regulatory, and societal barriers are effectively addressed.

Will V2G be the Next Market Boom in EV Industry?

In the realm of V2G, strategic top-level planning is paramount. The formulation of policies, particularly those governing power trading systems, emerges as a critical avenue for addressing future challenges. Consequently, a national-level roadmap for the top-level design and commercialization of V2G is imperative.

Central to expediting commercialization efforts is the establishment of technical standards and robust testing and certification frameworks. Presently, a lack of standardized protocols for V2G operations persists, with national standards yet to be defined. While some group standards are under development, their implementation remains pending. Hence, the expedited formulation of pertinent standards is advocated by numerous experts.

Furthermore, experts suggest that policy support facilitating orderly charging practices could encourage widespread participation in V2G initiatives. Moreover, the establishment of relevant standards and top-level policy support is essential for facilitating large-scale interactions between vehicles and the grid, encompassing battery swapping stations and property management protocols.

Despite encountering obstacles such as policy complexities, standardization challenges, and the need for power market reforms, the inexorable ascent of V2G is anticipated. It is poised to emerge as a cornerstone of the energy storage landscape, potentially catalyzing a paradigm shift in the foreseeable future.

UUGreenPower 11kW V2G solution

In terms of V2G technology, UUGreenPower has been conducting R&D for many years and has reached the industry-leading level. At the Tokyo Smart Energy Week March, 2024 in Japan, UUGreenPower displayed an 11kW V2G module solution that supports charging and discharging in both directions. The module adopts UUGreenPower independent air duct technology, highly integratable design supports  IP65 high protection level whole charger integration.

UUGreenPower V2G in Smart Energy Week Tokyo