A pioneering project in the UK, called V2VNY, is underway to explore the potential of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology in workplace charging settings.
This project is investigating the use of more affordable AC (alternating current) chargers, which could greatly lower the cost of V2G charging for EV drivers as well as businesses, as opposed to DC (direct current) options.
V2G technology enables electric vehicles (EVs) to release their stored energy back into the grid during peak demand periods, offering an effective way to lower energy costs and decrease carbon emissions.
The V2VNY project aims to showcase the commercial potential of V2G, making it a more viable option for businesses, fleet owners, EV drivers alike.
Installations of the first AC V2G chargers have now been completed under the trial.
This innovative approach could potentially transform the future of energy management, integrating EVs into the electricity grid and promoting sustainable energy practices.
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging enables EVs to both draw power from the grid and return it. By charging during off-peak hours when electricity prices are lower and supplying energy back to the grid during peak demand times, fleet and building owners can achieve significant savings on their electricity costs.
The V2VNY project is also investigating energy transfer from EVs to buildings and other vehicles under its Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) initiative.
So far, V2G charging has been limited to EVs equipped with CHAdeMO (DC) technology, such as in Nissan LEAF.
Nearly all of the latest EVs now utilise CCS (DC) charging technology instead of CHAdeMO. Standards are in place to ensure that CCS technology will be compatible with V2G by 2025.
However, the V2VNY trial is utilising AC bi-directional charging technology instead of DC, with the innovative charger synchronised to the grid.
Since the AC solution is more efficient at low power levels, it is better suited for V2G applications in workplace and domestic environments.
The V2VNY project is spearheaded by Hangar 19 in collaboration with CrowdCharge and DriveElectric.
Other project partners include Electric Corby, Oxfordshire County Council, GridBeyond, and JLR, which is supplying prototype electric vehicles for the trial.
Funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and delivered by Innovate UK, the V2VNY Phase 2 project is a component of the V2X Innovation Programme.
This innovation programme is part of the Flexibility Innovation Programme, which has a funding allocation of up to £65m from the £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio.
