Electric Vehicles Could Power Grids During Peak Demand

Electric vehicles could become temporary power sources for electricity grids.

European energy companies and researchers have tested the DriVe2X project, which allows parked EVs to return stored energy to the grid, helping manage electricity demand. This approach addresses structural challenges posed by increasing EV electricity consumption on existing grids.

The system relies on bidirectional charging technology designed to comply with the open communication standard ISO 15118-20, although widespread compatibility remains limited. Real-world trials took place at Porto Airport in Portugal and hotels on England’s Isle of Wight, where predictable energy demand patterns made them suitable test environments. Samuel Matias, R&D Project Manager at Portuguese energy company EDP, noted that while theoretically all EVs are bidirectional, actual compatibility is still restricted, and many manufacturers have yet to fully implement the standard, causing interoperability issues. Essentially, EVs can act as temporary batteries, supplying energy back during peak demand in such test scenarios.

Next steps involve tackling technical and regulatory barriers to extend this technology beyond hotels and airports to locations such as mobility hubs, apartment buildings, and single-family homes.

Though Montana was not part of the DriVe2X trials, the state’s dispersed population and rural infrastructure might present unique challenges and opportunities for bidirectional charging. Local businesses might potentially find value in integrating such systems to manage energy costs, especially where grid capacity is limited or during seasonal demand spikes.

V2G system sucks energy out of parked EVs to supply the grid
By https://newatlas.com/author/maryna-holovnova/, New Atlas