There exists a technology that powers your house using an EV battery.
A Glimpse into the Future
Now that there are ways to store energy, the growing demand for electricity, and the reliance on renewables, carmakers, utilities, and regulators are exploring how to collaborate with this new technology.
In recent years, California has been experimenting with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems that could help to integrate EVs into the grid by turning them into power sources when they are not being used.
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What’s Happening?
The state has been testing this technology with utility companies such as Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE).
California has been making some of the US’s most progressive transportation policies to support its transition from gasoline-powered cars. California is planning to ban new gas-powered car sales by 2035, just in time for the wave of electric cars coming up in the market.
California passed a bill requiring the CPUC to make various improvements to vehicle-grid integration.
The California Energy Commission is funding several experiments to find out how to integrate EVs into the grid best. The goal is to figure out which charging method will be most efficient and cost-effective in the future.
They are experimenting with different methods of charging, including vehicle-to-grid systems (CVGS).
What is Vehicle-to-Grid?
Vehicle-to-grid is a system that can store and convert renewable energy into electricity. As a result, it can balance the power grid and ensure no electricity shortage.
V2G systems are being used in many countries, including China, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, and the UK. The primary concept behind these systems is that they can store excess renewable energy like solar or wind power during the day to be used at night when there is less demand for electricity.
The main benefits of V2G systems are that they help reduce emissions and increase the efficiency of renewable energy while also increasing reliability on the power grid.
Changing the Future of Clean Energy
Today, many countries invest in clean energy generation to reduce their carbon footprint. However, there’s a dire need for a highly efficient and reliable infrastructure to generate that energy.
California is one of the first states to implement a V2G program. The program allows vehicles to be powered by the grid instead of parked at home.
The V2G program is designed so that solar panels or other renewable sources can charge cars. This program intends to decrease dependence on fossil fuels and reduce pollution in the air.
V2G programs have been implemented in other states as well. Still, California’s experiment is unique because it has the potential to impact a more significant number of people than other state programs.
Key Takeaways
The following are some of the most necessary takeaways from California’s Vehicle-to-Grid experiment:
- The vehicles can be used to provide power when the electricity demand is high and the supply is low.
- Reduce the cost of running a power plant and help make it more efficient.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Decrease the cost of electricity bills.
Testing, Testing
The state is funding pilot programs to add EVs to their power grid, which allows drivers to preserve their battery life and travel needs without compromising the system’s overall efficiency.
The California Public Utilities Commission is well known for managing resources to ensure electricity won’t go out during peak hours. It’s expanding its ELRP program to include more EV participation.
Their program pays customers $2 per kWh for exporting energy from the vehicle’s battery, amounting to thousands of dollars in earnings annually depending on the type of EV and charger.
Combining the residential and commercial battery capacity available can help create an energy source for utilities to manage. ELRP is now enabled for this type of aggregation.
This summer could witness megawatt-scale participation from the recent aggregator subgroup of ELRP, according to VGIC estimates.
What’s Next?
Using an EV battery when you need backup power but ensuring that the electricity can be distributed safely across the grid is complicated. It takes time to learn about the conditions and precautions.
Independent systems operators (ISOs) manage the electrical control system for consumers and are required to fetch more energy from behind the meter (on your side) to the front of the meter on the grid’s side.
Most ISOs are looking to introduce new provisions that’ll allow more choices in the future, but there is no definitive timeline on when those changes might happen.
The Future is Now
The technology is very viable, and after resolving the technological hurdles, EVs could seamlessly supply energy to the grid.
California is undoubtedly living in the future, and if you’re looking to get a glimpse, Cox Contour TV offers incredible value and a diverse range of content. Pair it up with their speedy internet for the best results.