Owning an Electric Vehicle (EV) means possessing a mobile energy storage system, thanks to its battery that fuels its operation. The idea of utilizing this stored energy to power other household devices, essentially turning the EV into a reverse power source during electricity outages, is gaining traction. With EVs storing approximately 70 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity, equivalent to powering a home for over two days, the concept seems plausible.
This concept is not mere speculation; it is already becoming a reality with the integration of bidirectional charging features in EVs. Notably, vehicles like Ford’s F150 in the United States are being used to power homes during electricity grid failures.
Considering the potential on a larger scale, envision millions of EVs connected to the main electricity grid. Since EVs spend a significant portion of their lifetimes parked and idle, their stored power could be a gamechanger. Through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, these EVs could contribute to renewable energy efforts, especially in countries like India, where a substantial part of power supply still relies on coal.
India aims to achieve 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030, requiring the integration of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity into the existing power network, necessitating substantial investments. Leveraging EVs for this purpose could offer an alternative, allowing charging during sunny periods with subsequent energy contribution to the grid during peak demand, reducing the need for expensive traditional renewable energy storage systems.
Despite potential benefits, there are considerations. The upfront cost of implementing V2G charging systems is high, posing a challenge for household adoption. However, governments or private electricity companies could potentially set up these systems at strategic locations like office parking spaces. Additionally, concerns about the impact on EV battery lifespan due to increased charging and discharging cycles through V2G participation have been raised by researchers, making it a factor to be addressed.
While the idea of EVs contributing to the grid is in its early stages, the potential for EV owners to earn money from utility companies through V2G participation, as demonstrated in the UK trials, adds an intriguing dimension to this evolving landscape. As the world strives towards a renewable energy transition, exploring these possibilities could shape a sustainable and innovative future.