A common misconception among electric vehicle (EV) skeptics is that EVs strain the grid. This isn’t true because EVs typically charge at night during low-demand hours,  and in fact vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology can provide a significant benefit to the grid. V2G-capable EVs can dispatch stored energy back to the grid precisely when it's needed most, providing a valuable peak-shaving service that can reduce the need for costly capacity upgrades. Since most cars remain parked about 95% of the time and the average American drives just 37 miles per day, which is only up to about 15% of the range of most modern EVs, it makes sense to put those batteries to work. Especially in Connecticut, where electricity prices are among the highest in the nation, we should be seeking out ways to use our available capacity more efficiently.

 

Though V2G remains a nascent technology, thanks to a Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) Innovative Energy Solutions (IES) grant won by Bidirectional Energy, Connecticut Kia EV9 drivers will be getting their first taste of it. Bidirectional Energy has created a virtual power plant (VPP) platform that aggregates V2G-capable chargers and also enables vehicle-to-home technology (V2H — when the EV battery can send power to one’s home, which is especially useful during blackouts). 

 

Some worry that the repeated charging and discharging of the battery (“cycling”) involved in V2G could degrade the battery. However, research has shown the opposite: the main cause of battery degradation is parking at a high state of charge for a long time, and V2G prevents this, improving battery performance. The EV’s battery warranty will not be voided by using V2G.

 

The IES program offers an incentive of about $10K off of equipment and installation that is estimated to cost about $15K. This leaves customers responsible for about $5K, which is a low cost considering the benefits of a home backup system. Stationary home battery systems can cost three times that or more, while only offering a fraction of the backup power capacity as the much larger batteries in EVs do. A home battery will usually be able to power a home for 12-24 hours in a blackout, whereas a Kia EV9 battery can power a home for three days or more! Additionally, participants can earn ~$1350 in payments from the utilities for peak-shaving services throughout at least the first year of the program.

 

Due to various constraints with car manufacturers, the Kia EV9 is currently the only eligible EV model, although Bidirectional Energy hopes to announce more eligible models soon. Utility interconnections (which can take up to three months) are already underway for several Connecticut customers via Bidirectional Energy’s installer partner Treehouse, and some dealerships have been promoting the program. Bidirectional Energy’s hardware manufacturing partner is Wallbox. The program is first-come first-serve, with 60 spots available. For more info and to sign up, see here, and also check out this informative blog post from our colleagues at EV Club of CT.

 

Geremy Schulick is Deputy Director of Clean Transportation Communities of Southern CT.