V2G Explained: How EVs Can Power Your Home And Grid

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) is a unique EV charging system that enables bidirectional energy flow between electric vehicles (EVs) and the electrical grid. 

Unlike conventional EV charging, where electricity flows unidirectionally from the grid to the vehicle, V2G allows EVs to not only draw power for charging but also supply stored energy back to the grid when needed. 

This converts EVs into dynamic energy storage units that are capable of supporting grid stability, managing peak loads, and integrating renewable energy sources. 

This tech typically involves bidirectional chargers, advanced communication protocols, and smart grid infrastructure to manage energy flow effectively.

Global Implementations of V2G 

V2G technology is being explored and implemented across various countries. There are differences in adoption, which are driven by infrastructure, policies, and energy market dynamics. 

In Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, V2G is gaining traction due to supportive government policies and a high penetration of EVs. The UK has over 50 per cent of the global V2G projects, with 131 projects and over 6,800 bidirectional charging points as of December 2023. 

In Germany, V2G technology shines through key projects. MeRegioMobil, led by Opel and EnBW, harnesses EV batteries to stabilise the grid. These initiatives balance wind power fluctuations, especially in northern Germany. 

In the US, utilities like Pacific Gas and Electric and Xcel Energy drive V2G pilots. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory supports these efforts with cutting-edge research. The SPIDERS Phase II program, under Burns and McDonnell, showcases V2G’s potential. It regulates grid frequency by pausing EV charging during drops. 

The US focuses on grid services like peak-to-valley arbitrage and demand response, supported by good government incentives for EV adoption and grid modernisation.

Japan, with Nissan leading through models like the Leaf and e-NV200, has outpaced others in V2G-compatible vehicles. China’s focus is on large-scale EV integration, with V2G seen as a tool to manage peak demand, which is projected to reach 600 GW by 2030.

Latest Advancements in V2G

Recent advancements in V2G technology are enhancing its feasibility and scalability:

Bidirectional Chargers: Development of single bidirectional AC-DC converters has reduced costs and improved efficiency compared to dual unidirectional chargers. These converters enable seamless energy flow between EVs and the grid.

Battery Technology: Advances in lithium-ion batteries, with efficiencies exceeding 90 per cent, and emerging solid-state and lithium-sulphur batteries promise higher energy density and durability, reducing concerns about battery degradation in V2G applications.

AI and Blockchain: Artificial intelligence optimises V2G scheduling and pricing, while blockchain enhances data security and transparency in energy transactions.

Standardisation: The ISO-15118 standard is being adopted by companies like Volkswagen to ensure interoperability between EVs and charging infrastructure.

V2G Implementation in India

In India, V2G implementation faces unique challenges due to the absence of dynamic pricing (electricity’s time-of-use) and heavy dependency on coal. 

Electricity rates in India are typically fixed, limiting the financial incentives for EV owners to participate in V2G by selling energy during peak demand. However, India’s EV sector is growing rapidly.

Still, India has taken initial steps toward V2G. In July 2025, the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) and ANERT launched South Asia’s first V2G pilot project in Kerala, marking a big milestone. This project aims to test V2G’s potential to stabilise the grid and integrate renewable energy. 

V2G in India could reduce peak load stress, lower transmission losses, and support renewable energy integration, addressing the grid’s coal dependency. It could also create economic opportunities for EV owners, particularly fleet operators, by enabling energy sales.

Overcoming challenges like fixed electricity rates and limited infrastructure requires dynamic pricing, smart grid expansion, and supportive policies. 

With India’s ambitious EV targets and growing renewable energy sector, V2G could play a big role in achieving a sustainable energy ecosystem.

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