Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology marks a transformative phase in the intersection of Electric Vehicles and power grids. This cutting-edge system allows electric vehicles to not only draw energy from the grid for charging but also to feed stored energy in vehicle batteries back into the grid when needed. V2G, often associated with bidirectional charging, establishes a dynamic relationship where EVs serve as a decentralized energy resource, benefiting both grid stability and EV owners. Understanding V2G involves exploring its functions, advantages, uses, global acceptance, and challenges and evaluating India’s readiness for its integration into the energy framework. 

V2G Technology

The Vehicle-to-Grid or V2G is a technology wherein EVs supply stored electricity back to the power grid, particularly during peak hours to meet the heightened energy demands. This technology facilitates bi-directional charging allowing for both charging the EV’s battery and returning the stored energy from the EV’s battery to the power grid. Although bi-directional charging and V2G are often used interchangeably, a subtle distinction exists between them.   While bi-directional charging means two-way charging (charging and discharging), V2G technology only enables the energy to flow from the car’s battery back to the grid. 

Delving into the Working of V2G

V2G technology enables EVs to communicate with the grid to either draw electricity for charging or discharge excess energy back into the grid. During peak demand, these vehicles can supply stored energy, acting as a decentralized power source. Conversely, during off-peak hours, they charge when electricity is abundant. Implementing V2G technology requires the usage of smart technology, enabling an electric vehicle to sync with the electricity grid and inject power into the grid using a specialized bidirectional charger. These advanced devices, equipped with power converters, can either charge the EV’s battery or send power back to the grid as per instructions. Approval from the grid operator is essential to connect a bidirectional charger to an EV for supplying power to the grid. Remote management by the grid operator, controlling the injected energy, is facilitated through a Virtual Power Plant program (VPP).

Exploring the Underlying Benefits of V2G Technology

Vehicle-to-grid technology represents a pivotal shift in energy management, seamlessly synchronizing thousands of EVs to function as a decentralized energy system. This innovation operates by supplying power during peak demand and charging during low demand, effectively balancing the grid’s energy requirements. This orchestration, known as a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), leverages cloud-based software to control numerous battery systems, amalgamating them into a virtual large-scale generator or storage system. Unlike conventional power plants, VPPs integrate diverse energy resources like solar panels, batteries, and EVs, providing unparalleled flexibility and grid stability. V2G’s bidirectional energy flow supports grid stabilization, balancing supply and demand fluctuations, particularly during peak hours or emergencies. EVs equipped with V2G capability offer voltage support to ensure consistent grid stability. Furthermore, bidirectional chargers, beyond grid support, possess power inverters, enabling backup power in blackouts, emphasizing their dual functionality. Moreover, V2G facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources, allowing EVs to store surplus energy from renewables like solar or wind power and redistribute it as needed, significantly advancing environmental sustainability by curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

V2G As a Mainstream Technology for EV Adoption

Standardized protocols and regulatory support are fundamental to propelling V2G technology into the mainstream. These initiatives ensure interoperability among diverse vehicles and charging infrastructure while encouraging the integration of V2G through transparent tariff structures and regulations for grid access. Expanding V2G-compatible charging infrastructure in residential areas, public locations, and workplaces simplifies V2G participation for EV owners. Collaborations among stakeholders drive technological progress, while large-scale demonstration projects showcase the advantages of V2G, promoting broader acceptance. Ongoing research and development remain crucial in refining V2G technology, optimizing energy management, and ensuring grid stability. as it moves toward becoming a mainstream solution.

India’s Readiness for V2G 

V2G holds significant importance for India’s energy grid. India’s renewable energy capacity is set to grow to 500 GW by 2030, Concurrently, an estimated 40% of new vehicle sales in India are expected to be EVs. Segments like two/three e-wheelers will potentially witness over 75% EV adoption. This presents a substantial opportunity to leverage EV batteries in advancing V2G technology within India’s energy landscape.

While India demonstrates promising potential for adopting Vehicle-to-Grid technology, its preparedness relies on certain critical factors. The evolving EV infrastructure lays a foundation, yet the scarcity of bi-directional chargers, essential for V2G, necessitates swift deployment.  Regulatory frameworks must align with V2G integration, outlining grid access and incentivizing consumer participation. Strengthening the grid infrastructure becomes imperative, demanding adaptations to manage bidirectional energy flow effectively. Heightened public awareness about V2G benefits is essential, emphasizing its role in supporting the grid and promoting sustainability Comprehensive efforts including expanding infrastructure, regulatory clarity, grid enhancements, and awareness initiatives, are essential to drive India towards a successful integration of V2G.

Opportunities and Challenges to Look Forward to  

As EVs spend a significant portion of their lifetime parked, their inherent battery storage capacity positions them as an appealing and flexible solution for the power system. This unique characteristic equates to extensive storage capacity within the EV fleets, transforming these EVs into adaptable loads and decentralized storage units, bolstering flexibility for supporting power system operations. V2G is particularly significant in solar-based systems, as its synchronization with renewable energy sources can alleviate excess load impact and harness synergies between EVs and renewables. Smart EV charging reduces dependence on carbon-intensive fossil fuel plants to balance renewable energy. Moreover, V2G implementation could potentially reduce the necessity for investments in distribution grid infrastructure

However, there are a few challenges that India must overcome before tapping into the V2G potential. With an anticipated growth of EVs in smaller vehicle segments, aggregating these vehicles or their batteries into a storage network becomes a more intricate task. An effective mechanism to consolidate these smaller vehicles or their batteries holds the key to unlocking substantial potential. Additionally, establishing bidirectional charging stations, pivotal for an aggregated battery network to function as an energy storage system, poses a challenge. Without this critical infrastructure, EVs can solely receive energy without the ability to supply it back to the grid. V2G offers a solution for achieving zero carbon emissions in both energy and mobility, presenting India with an opportunity to achieve its goals not just by 2030, but well into the future.

Moving Ahead

V2G technology serves as a transformative link between electric vehicles and energy grids, holding the promise of bolstering grid stability and sustainability. Although India shows promise in preparing for V2G integration, it is crucial to address infrastructure challenges and promote regulatory alignment to propel this innovation toward a sustainable energy future.

Authored By
Mr. Raman Bhatia, Founder &  Managing Director
Servotech Power Systems Ltd.

This article was originally published in Saur Energy International

Read also: Everything You Need to Know about Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology

Smart charging technology manages the impact of electric vehicles on the energy system by strategically regulating their charging activities. EVs impact the energy system by increasing the electricity demand, potentially straining the grid and affecting energy prices. By continuously monitoring real-time grid conditions and considering EV user preferences, smart charging technology optimizes charging schedules, reducing peak load stress and supporting renewable energy integration. This proactive approach reduces strain on the grid during peak hours and enhances the integration of EVs into the energy ecosystem while simultaneously minimizing expenses and environmental consequences, facilitating a smoother transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy ecosystem. 

V2G Technology and the Grid

V2G Technology offers grid flexibility by enabling EVs to export their surplus battery capacity to the grid. This can help bridge gaps in renewable energy generation or offer assistance during peak demand periods. With most EV charging occurring overnight, V2G facilitates the use of more renewable energy during peak-off hours, ensuring that their batteries are fully charged for the next day. V2G also bolsters grid resilience, offers ancillary services, and creates income opportunities for EV owners. However, overcoming technical and regulatory barriers is crucial to realizing its potential in enhancing grid stability and sustainability. Additionally, the extensive capacity of EV batteries can also serve the grid effectively through vehicle-to-grid technology, enabling bidirectional energy flow. By integrating EVs into the grid as flexible energy storage units, they can deliver ancillary services, mitigate grid volatility, and facilitate load management, ultimately fostering a greener and more robust energy ecosystem.

EV Charging Landscape in India

 CCS 2 chargers have become the prevailing charging connector for electric four-wheelers, promoting interoperability in EV charging infrastructure. However, when it comes to electric two and three-wheelers, there is still a lack of standardized connectors. In terms of CPOs and CMS, the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) is being introduced as a payment interface, akin to the UPI in the financial sector, to facilitate seamless and convenient payment methods for EV charging. Charger manufacturers are mandated to adhere to Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) standards, with approval from organizations such as ICAT or ARAI serving as a standard requirement. Niti Ayog’s recommendations for EV charging infrastructure have significantly influenced national and state-level policies. State policies on EVSE have been updated regularly, moving from initial initiatives for EV infrastructure development to recent mandates in the form of Government Orders for all forthcoming projects.

Role of DLT ( Distributed Ledger Technology ) and DIH( Digital Integration Hub ) in the EV Industry

Technological Advancements like Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and Digital Integration Hub(DIH) are reshaping the EV industry by streamlining operations, enhancing transparency, and revolutionizing data management and exchange. DLT plays a vital role in securely recording all data related to EV charging and discharging, ensuring the integrity of information against malicious tampering. This technology also empowers EV users to monitor their vehicle’s status during power transactions and dispatching, enhancing transparency and trust in the process. DIH is an advanced application architecture that consolidates fragmented data from various backend record systems into low-latency, high-performance, and scalable data without unnecessary complexities in a cost-effective way. It can help with managing and monitoring the charging stations as well as optimize energy usage. Through the utilization of a Digital Integration Hub (DIH) with IoT integration, companies gain access to real-time status updates on their charging stations, facilitating rapid response to any offline issues that may arise.

Way Forward

 The EV industry is currently experiencing an exciting era of growth and India can expect several groundbreaking technological advancements and trends that will significantly amplify the impact of the EV charging ecosystem within the technological landscape. These include the emergence of sodium-ion batteries, the adoption of wireless EV charging, the deployment of electric roadways, the incorporation of EV charging lanes, and the design of overhead electric line systems specifically designed for electric buses and trucks.

Authored By
Mr. Raman Bhatia, Founder &  Managing Director
Servotech Power Systems Ltd.

This article was originally published in Manufacturing Today

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology marks a transformative phase in the convergence of Electric Vehicles and power grids. This innovative system allows electric vehicles to not only draw energy from the grid for charging but also to feed stored energy in vehicle batteries back into the grid when needed. V2G, often associated with bidirectional charging, creates a dynamic interplay where EVs act as a distributed energy resource, benefiting both grid stability and electric vehicle owners. This article provides a comprehensive overview of V2G technology, encompassing its functionalities, benefits, applications, global adoption status, challenges, and India’s readiness for its integration into the energy landscape.

What is Vehicle-to-grid Technology?

The vehicle-to-grid or V2G is a technology that involves EVs supplying electricity back to the power grid to meet the energy demands in peak hours. V2G technology powers bi-directional charging which makes it possible to charge the EV battery and take the energy stored in the battery of the EV and push it back to the power grid. While bi-directional charging and V2G are often used synonymously, there is a slight difference between the two. While bi-directional charging means two-way charging (charging and discharging), V2G technology only enables the flow of the energy from the car’s battery back to the grid. 

Benefits of V2G Technology

i) Virtual Power Plant: V2G technology synchronizes thousands of EVs, acting as a decentralized energy system. It supplies power during peak demand, charges during low demand, and balances the grid. This orchestration is known as a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). Unlike traditional power plants, VPPs use cloud-based software to control thousands of battery systems to create a virtual large-scale generator or storage system and to combine various energy resources like solar panels, batteries, and EVs. 

ii) Grid Stabilization: V2G facilitates bidirectional energy flow, allowing electric vehicles to supply stored energy back to the grid when needed. This capability helps stabilize the grid by balancing supply and demand fluctuations, especially during peak hours or in emergencies.

iii) Voltage Support: EVs equipped with V2G capability can provide voltage support to the grid, ensuring consistent and stable voltage levels.

iv) Backup Power: Bidirectional EV Chargers used to enable V2G are not only used to provide grid support. These powerful devices contain power inverters, and most new bidirectional chargers can also enable backup power in the event of a blackout or emergency. However, for a bidirectional inverter to power a house independently of the grid, it must first be isolated from the grid network, known as islanding.

v) Integration of Renewable Energy: V2G enables the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid. EVs can store excess energy generated from renewable sources like solar or wind power and supply it when needed, supporting a cleaner and more sustainable energy mix and reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing environmental sustainability. 

How does Vehicle-to-grid Technology Work?

V2G technology enables EVs to communicate with the grid to either draw electricity for charging or discharge excess energy back into the grid. During peak demand, these vehicles can supply stored energy, acting as a decentralized power source. Conversely, during off-peak hours, they charge when electricity is abundant. Implementing V2G technology requires the usage of smart technology, enabling an electric vehicle to sync with the electricity grid and inject power into the grid using a specialized bidirectional charger. These advanced devices, equipped with power converters, can either charge the EV’s battery or send power back to the grid as per instructions. Approval from the grid operator is essential to connect a bidirectional charger to an EV for supplying power to the grid. Remote management by the grid operator, controlling the injected energy, is facilitated through a Virtual Power Plant program (VPP).

Applications of V2G Technology  

1) Electric Vehicle Fleet Management: Businesses manage EV fleets efficiently by using V2G to schedule charging/discharging, reduce operational costs, and support sustainability initiatives.

2) Grid Ancillary Services: V2G technology supports grid ancillary services like voltage control, reactive power support, and grid reliability enhancement.

3) Smart Home Integration: EVs with V2G capability can power homes during peak hours, reducing household electricity costs and supporting residential energy management.

4) Intelligent Energy Trading: V2G facilitates energy trading between EVs and the grid or other EVs, fostering a dynamic market for energy exchange.

How Can V2G Become Mainstream for EV Adoption?

Establishing standardized protocols and regulatory support is fundamental to propelling V2G technology into the mainstream. These efforts ensure interoperability among diverse vehicles, and charging infrastructure, and incentivize V2G integration through clear tariff structures and grid access regulations. Scaling up of V2G-compatible charging infrastructure across homes, public spaces, and workplaces, simplifies V2G participation for EV owners. Collaborations among stakeholders foster technological advancement, while large-scale demonstration projects showcase V2G advantages, fostering wider adoption. Continuous Research and Development remain pivotal in refining V2G technology, optimizing energy management, and ensuring grid stability for its mainstream assimilation.

Is India Ready for Vehicle to Grid?

V2G is pivotal for India’s energy grid. India’s renewable energy capacity is set to grow to 500 GW by 2030, Over the same period, about 40% of new vehicle sales in India are expected to be EVs. Notably, segments like two/three e-wheelers may witness over 75% EV adoption, highlighting the substantial opportunity to utilize EV batteries in advancing V2G technology across India’s energy sector.

India showcases the potential for Vehicle-to-Grid technology adoption, yet its readiness hinges on pivotal factors. The evolving EV infrastructure lays the groundwork, but the scarcity of bi-directional chargers, essential for V2G, calls for accelerated deployment. Regulatory frameworks must align with V2G integration, outlining grid access and incentivizing participation for consumers. Strengthening the grid infrastructure becomes paramount, necessitating adaptations to manage bidirectional energy flow. Heightened public awareness about V2G benefits is essential, underlining its role in grid support and sustainability Comprehensive efforts encompassing infrastructure expansion, regulatory clarity, grid enhancements, and awareness campaigns are vital to propel India towards successful V2G integration.

Opportunities and Challenges

As EVs spend a significant portion of their lifetime parked, their inherent battery storage capacity positions them as an attractive and flexible solution for the power system. This unique characteristic creates vast storage capacity within the EV fleets. These EVs function as flexible loads and decentralized storage resources, providing additional flexibility to support power system operations. V2G is particularly significant in solar-based systems, when synced with renewable energy sources, V2G can minimize extra load impact on the power system and leverage synergies between EVs and renewables. Smart EV charging minimizes reliance on carbon-intensive fossil fuel plants to balance renewable energy.  Implementing V2G can also reduce the need for distribution grid investments. 

However, there are a few challenges that India must overcome before tapping into the V2G potential.  As the growth of EVs is set to increase in smaller vehicle segments, the amount of EVs needed to be aggregated to create a storage network is greater. A mechanism that brings together these small vehicles, or even just the batteries within them, can unlock massive potential. The other challenge is the creation of bidirectional charging stations that enable the aggregated network of batteries to work as an energy storage system. In the absence of this critical infrastructure, EVs can only receive energy and would not be able to send it back to the grid. V2G provides a solution for zero carbon emissions in energy and mobility and India must seize this opportunity to achieve the goals it has laid out for not just 2030, but beyond.

Conclusion

V2G technology offers a transformative bridge between electric vehicles and energy grids, promising enhanced grid stability and sustainability. While India’s readiness for V2G integration shows promise, addressing infrastructure challenges and fostering regulatory alignment is pivotal for propelling this innovation toward a sustainable energy future.