Vehicle to Grid (V2G) is shorthand for what is more accurately called bidirectional charging. Bidirectional charging is the two-way flow of energy: from grid to vehicle or vehicle to grid.
This means that EVs can draw power from the energy network but can also send power back to the grid when needed. This turns EVs into miniature, moving power stations and offers a look at the potential benefits EVs can deliver in the future.
As renewable generation has come to make up a greater share of the energy mix, the network is increasingly being flooded with clean, low-cost electricity. EVs can be used to store this power, sending it back to the grid when its needed, when demand is higher for example. EVs can effectively act as stationary batteries at these times, offering grid and price stability. In the near future when EVs and V2G technology become the standard, Drax EV customers can benefit from this in two ways.
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How can Vehicle to Grid benefit me or my business?
Historically, fleet vehicles have generated revenue only while operational. What V2G technology offers, in principle, is the opportunity for fleets to generate revenue in their downtime, as well as their operational hours.
Most cars, including business fleets, are unused for 12 or more hours each day. V2G technology means you can charge your fleet when energy prices are low, either overnight or when there is lots of renewable energy on the network.
When the grid is under stress from high demand, your bidirectional charger can send power back to the network. This can help to reduce the carbon intensity of the network by providing stored renewable energy instead of relying on fossil fuels.
In principle, businesses could also potentially generate additional revenue through providing grid stability services.
When you choose Drax as your EV partner, they will help you at every step of the way. They will optimise your charging scheduling so you can charge your fleet at the best time for the lowest cost. They’ll also help you to explore the commercial viability of V2G in providing stability system services to the grid.
They have recently installed a V2G charger at their Ipswich office to help them develop their understanding of the operational and technical feasibility of these technologies and indeed their benefits.
Their Ipswich office with LED lighting, solar panels, battery storage and an EV capable of bi-directional charging, is what they expect the average commercial property to look like within the next 10 to 15 years.
By trialing these technologies in tandem, they are beginning to understand how they can work together. And everything that they learn on the way will help them to understand and support their customers now and in the future. To find out more about our electric vehicle solutions, contact their EV team today – EV Contact Form | Drax
