World EV Day: Why V2G Integration In Electric Vehicles Is Beneficial & Essential

V2G integration assists in load balancing, grid stability, demand response, mitigating intermittency issues, and integrating renewable energy, and much more.

By Kalyan C Korimerla

The integration of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) systems in electric vehicles (EVs) has the capability to transform EVs into dynamic energy storage systems that contribute significantly to a resilient and efficient grid. EVs are able to both draw power from and return excess energy to the grid, effectively acting as mobile power plants. This decentralisation and revolutionisation of energy management is further enhanced by the increasing number of EVs on the road, which creates a flexible storage network and improves the reliability of renewable energy sources.

V2G integration not only assists in load balancing, grid stability, demand response, mitigating intermittency issues, and integrating renewable energy, but it also provides EV owners with the opportunity to capitalise on their vehicles as transportation tools and mobile energy assets, thus creating an additional income stream. EV operators are now being incentivised by the utilities to charge their vehicles during periods of surplus power, thereby providing V2G systems with a clear economic advantage.

The utilisation of EVs in V2G systems can address the intermittency issues associated with renewable energy sources through effective energy storage, peak shaving, grid stabilisation, and dynamic demand response management. Moreover, EVs in V2G systems can offer ancillary services to the grid, such as frequency regulation and voltage support, by swiftly responding to grid imbalances and adjusting the power flow between the grid and the vehicles, thereby contributing to grid stability and reliability.

The integration of EVs into V2G systems employs several mechanisms and technologies. These include smart charging and discharging algorithms that consider the availability of renewable energy and grid stability. During periods of excess renewable energy generation, EV batteries are charged, and during high-demand periods or when renewable energy generation is low, they are discharged.

The bidirectional charging capability of EV batteries allows them to receive energy from the grid and return energy back to the grid. This flexibility enables the balancing of intermittent renewable energy supply, the absorption of excess energy, and the provision of power when renewable generation is low.

V2G systems can also connect with the power supply of homes, offices, and factories, allowing EV batteries to power these facilities during peak demand or grid outages. This integration optimises the utilisation of renewable energy and contributes to grid stability by reducing demand during critical periods.

Advanced energy management systems are employed to monitor and control the flow of energy between the grid, EVs, and renewable energy sources. These systems take into account various factors such as weather forecasts, grid demand, and EV charging/discharging behaviour in order to optimise the utilisation of renewable energy.

Real-time communication and control networks manage interactions between EVs, renewable energy sources, and the grid, enabling dynamic adjustments to charging/discharging rates based on grid conditions and renewable energy availability.

Furthermore, energy forecasting and predictive analytics techniques are utilised to mitigate intermittency issues. By analyzing historical and real-time data, these technologies accurately predict renewable energy availability, thereby enabling better planning and optimisation of EV charging/discharging schedules.

V2G systems offer grid-supportive services such as frequency regulation and peak shaving. This is made possible by EVs acting as distributed energy storage, injecting power into the grid when needed, thus improving grid stability and reducing the need for costly grid infrastructure upgrades.

In addition, V2G integration provides an opportunity for EV owners to earn revenue by participating in energy markets. Whether it is through selling excess energy back to the grid or providing ancillary services, EV owners can offset the cost of vehicle ownership and even generate a profit. This financial incentive has the potential to accelerate EV adoption rates and drive the commercial sector towards a rapid transition to electric mobility.

India, with its growing population and increasing energy needs, faces significant challenges in terms of energy sustainability and grid management. As the country seeks to transition towards a greener and more efficient future, it is vital to assess whether India is truly prepared for V2G integration. Stronger efforts in developing charging infrastructure, resolving grid stability concerns, and implementing favourable policies will pave the way for successful V2G integration in India.

By introducing V2G integration, not only can the energy and transportation sectors be revolutionized, but EVs can become essential components of an intelligent and sustainable energy ecosystem, going beyond being merely a mode of transportation.

(The author is the MD and Co-Promoter, Etrio)

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