Vehicle-to-grid technology (V2G) allows an electric vehicle (EV) charger to not only charge a vehicle, but also take energy from the vehicle. With the number of electric vehicles growing, we have the potential to access enormous amounts of energy storage capability. Having electric vehicles as battery storage will allow us to better manage the UK’s energy and could be one of the best ways of storing excess renewable energy.
In 2018, the UK Government and Innovate UK funded a series of demonstrator projects that tested the commercial, technical, and operational viability of V2G technology and how it can benefit both the electricity grid, as well as consumers. Powerloop was the project developed to test the feasibility of domestic V2G, which was delivered by a consortium of partners, led by Octopus Energy and Octopus Electric Vehicles.
Energy Saving Trust’s role in Powerloop was to gain insight into the 135 customers driving and charging habits, and their perceptions of V2G functionality. We did this via a series of customer surveys before, during and after the trial. From these insights we developed best practice recommendations for future product and service providers to help them develop fit-for-purpose solutions with V2G technology.
Some of our key insights are included in the Powerloop Vehicle-to-Grid best practice guide below. You can also find more information on the Octopus Powerloop website and Innovate UK project page.