Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology and its Advantages

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology enables electric vehicles to return stored energy to the power grid, supporting energy efficiency, grid stability, and renewable energy integration.

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Context: Recently, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and IIT Bombay have initiated a pilot project to explore the implementation of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology in Kerala.

About Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology is a system where electric vehicles (EVs) can not only consume electricity from the grid but also send it back when needed.
EVs act as decentralised mobile energy storage units.
V2G enables two-way energy flow:
- G2V (Grid to Vehicle) – charging the EV.
- V2G (Vehicle to Grid) – discharging electricity from the EV back to the grid.

Advantages of V2G Technology

Grid Stability: It helps to balance supply and demand, especially with intermittent renewable energy sources.
Enhanced Use of Renewable Energy: It stores excess solar/wind energy during low demand & Discharges it when renewable generation is low or demand is high.
Reduced Peak Load Stress: EVs can supply energy during peak demand hours, reducing stress on generation and distribution systems.
Emergency Backup Power: EVs can serve as emergency power sources during outages or disasters.
Economic Benefits for EV Owners: EV owners can earn money or credits by selling power back to the grid.