The Rising Wave of Electric Vehicles Could Ease Pressure on Strained Grids
While electric vehicles (EVs) could put additional strain on power grids, their potential as energy storage plants could actually help mitigate this issue.
Renewable energy, particularly wind and solar power, are increasingly popular options for electricity generation. However, they are also notoriously intermittent and don’t provide always-on, baseload electricity in the same way conventional power plants do. This intermittency presents a challenge for grid operators, especially as renewable energy’s share of electricity generation increases. In Europe, wind and solar together account for 28% of production.
As pressure grows to decarbonise power supplies to achieve climate targets, the demand for electricity is set to rise significantly. This is largely due to a shift away from gas or oil for heating buildings and petrol or diesel for driving cars. Instead, these sectors will need to be electrified, leading to increased electricity consumption. Electric vehicles play a major role in this expected surge in demand. Despite some backlash, EV sales are growing. Across Europe, they increased by 34% in the 12 months leading up to January 2025.
However, this shift towards EVs presents a problem. Charging these vehicles increases demand on already strained grids, especially during peak hours in the early evening. But one solution to this issue could lie in the vehicles themselves. The electricity stored in an EV battery can be exported back out, effectively turning the vehicle into an energy storage plant. This vehicle-to-grid (V2G) potential could be a game-changer for energy storage on a large scale.
Dr Femke Nijsse, senior lecturer in innovation, energy and climate at the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter, explains that a typical EV battery could power a house for three days. In fact, their capacity is up to 20 times that of typical home battery systems. With this in mind, a growing fleet of electric vehicles could provide a network of distributed energy storage plants to help balance the grid.
Potential for V2G technology doesn’t stop at cars currently in use. A 2023 study published in Nature Communications suggested that EV batteries could also be used for short-term grid storage once the vehicles reach their end-of-life stage. These repurposed batteries could function as mini storage plants.
However, there are several hurdles to overcome before this potential can be fully realised. First, the battery has to be capable of bi-directional charging, meaning it can both accept and export electricity. Second, the local electricity system needs to have the ability to send power back and forth in the right amounts and at the right times to balance the grid. Third, there needs to be a market mechanism in place that makes the process worthwhile for both EV owners and grid operators.
Despite these challenges, progress is being made in all three areas. Alex Schoch, head of flexibility at UK-based Octopus Energy, explains that the necessary technology for cars is already in development by major car manufacturers. Furthermore, the rise of rooftop solar means that the infrastructure for households to export to the grid is widely in place.
With the ability to reduce the total cost of EV ownership, provide grid balancing solutions, reduce energy system costs and accelerate renewable energy adoption, V2G technology could be the key to a harmonious relationship between EVs and renewable energy. As this new landscape takes shape, the benefits will become increasingly clear. Dr Nijsse suggests that as the grid becomes more efficient, more use can be made of renewables, leading to cheaper electricity and more attractive EVs. This sets in motion a virtuous cycle that’s just beginning to take effect.
Three ways to accelerate the V2G revolution
1. If you’re in the market for a new car, now could be the time to go electric.
2. Make sure to choose a model that supports V2G with its battery and charging technology.
3. Check if your electricity supplier offers a tariff that supports V2G. Consider switching if they do not.
