Articles tagged with "vehicle-to-grid"
Mercedes ELF Tests Future EV Charging Solutions - CleanTechnica
Mercedes is actively advancing future electric vehicle (EV) charging technologies through its Experimental Lade Fahrzeug (ELF) electric van, which serves as a mobile testing platform for a variety of cutting-edge charging solutions. The ELF supports multiple charging standards, including CCS (Combined Charging System) high-power charging and MCS (Megawatt Charging System) designed for heavy-duty trucks, as well as wireless charging. It also experiments with both AC and DC vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies. Mercedes emphasizes that efficient, intelligent, and sustainable charging is crucial to the broader goal of responsible electric mobility, and the ELF embodies this vision by integrating ultra-fast, bi-directional, solar, inductive, and conductive charging within a holistic framework. The ELF van is pushing the boundaries of charging power, aiming to increase CCS charging speeds from the current typical maximum of 350-400 kW up to 900 kW, potentially enabling a full charge in about 10 minutes. It also tests components such as cables
electric-vehiclesEV-chargingenergy-storagevehicle-to-gridwireless-chargingrenewable-energyelectric-mobility7 biggest challenges EV charging infrastructure must overcome
The article outlines seven critical challenges facing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure as the world transitions to electrified transportation. A primary issue is the limited capacity of electrical grids to handle the surging demand from EV charging, which could increase U.S. electricity consumption from 0.2% today to 23% by 2050. This strain risks voltage fluctuations and outages during peak hours. Solutions include battery storage systems that shift energy use to off-peak times and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, which allows EVs to feed power back into the grid, potentially reducing costly grid upgrades. Another major challenge is the uneven geographic distribution of charging stations, with rural and less affluent areas underserved compared to urban centers, hindering nationwide EV adoption. Efforts to address this include government programs targeting rural deployment and mobile charging units as temporary solutions. Additionally, the lack of standardized charging connectors creates compatibility problems, confusing consumers and limiting infrastructure use. The industry is moving toward common standards like the North
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-charging-infrastructuregrid-capacitybattery-storagevehicle-to-gridcharging-standardsKia EV4 Review (Video) - CleanTechnica
The Kia EV4 is Kia’s first fully electric C-segment hatchback, available in two battery options: a standard 58.3 kWh pack offering about 273 miles of range (WLTP) and a long-range 81.4 kWh pack with approximately 391 miles. It features a 400-volt architecture enabling fast charging from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes. Notably, the EV4 supports vehicle-to-home, vehicle-to-grid, and vehicle-to-load functionalities, capabilities not common in all EVs. Pricing in the UK starts at about £34,000 for the standard version and £39,000 for the long-range, with eligibility for government grants on the standard model. Reviewer Robert from Everything Electric Cars praised the EV4 for its excellent build quality, spacious interior, and competitive range, suggesting it as a strong alternative to models like the Tesla Model Y. He highlighted the environmental benefits of fully electric vehicles, emphasizing their role in reducing
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyvehicle-to-gridregenerative-brakingclean-energyEV-chargingHow parked electric vehicles could stabilize the US power grid
The article explores the transformative potential of turning parked electric vehicles (EVs) into distributed energy resources to stabilize the US power grid. With millions of EVs equipped with large batteries sitting idle for much of the day, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology can enable bidirectional charging—allowing these parked cars to send electricity back to the grid during peak demand periods. This approach could reduce reliance on costly and polluting peaker plants, which utilities currently activate to meet spikes in electricity use, especially during heat waves and increased home and data center energy consumption. As EV adoption accelerates rapidly, traditional grid planning methods, which rely on predictable, centralized power generation, are becoming obsolete due to the variable and decentralized nature of EV charging. V2G technology leverages sophisticated power electronics and real-time control software to safely manage the flow of energy both to and from EV batteries. Unlike conventional one-way chargers, bidirectional chargers act as power converters controlled digitally to balance voltage, current, and thermal conditions
energyelectric-vehiclesvehicle-to-gridpower-grid-stabilizationrenewable-energybattery-storagegrid-modernizationNissan turns EVs into electricity plant to support Silicon Valley need
Nissan has launched a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) pilot program in partnership with ChargeScape to help address Silicon Valley’s increasing electricity demand, driven largely by the rapid growth of AI data centers. The pilot, supported by the California Energy Commission’s Demand Side Grid Support program and operating within Silicon Valley Power’s utility territory, uses energy stored in Nissan EV batteries to supply power back to the grid during peak demand periods. Fermata Energy’s bidirectional chargers manage this energy discharge, while ChargeScape coordinates with market partner Leap to optimize power delivery and support data center loads. This initiative is part of a broader California Virtual Power Plant effort aimed at integrating EVs into the power grid. The program not only aims to stabilize the strained grid but also provides financial incentives to participating EV drivers, rewarding them for contributing to grid reliability. Silicon Valley Power, a publicly owned utility known for its lower electricity rates and comprehensive infrastructure management, benefits from this innovative approach to meet surging energy needs. Key stakeholders
energyelectric-vehiclesvehicle-to-gridV2Gsmart-gridrenewable-energygrid-stabilitySmart(er) EV Charging Could Slash Utility Costs By $30 Billion
A recent study by EV charging management firm ev.energy, in partnership with The Brattle Group, reveals that advanced smart EV charging programs in the US could reduce utility costs by $30 billion by 2035. This translates to roughly a 10% reduction in electricity rates for all ratepayers, regardless of EV ownership. The report highlights that EVs, with their large batteries, can function as distributed energy storage assets, allowing utilities to strategically manage charging and discharging to avoid costly grid upgrades. Actively managed EV charging can save utilities between $145 and $575 annually per enrolled vehicle, while bidirectional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging can more than double those savings to over $1,300 per vehicle each year. The study underscores the broader economic benefits of EV adoption beyond just environmental impacts. It challenges the notion that EVs are luxury items by noting that transportation costs consume a significant portion of income for lower-income households, and that EVs offer long-term total cost of ownership
energyelectric-vehiclessmart-chargingutility-costsvehicle-to-gridenergy-storagegrid-managementThe Mobility House Energizes V2G Charging System for Fremont Unified School District’s Electric School Bus Fleet - CleanTechnica
The Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) has successfully implemented a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging system for its electric school bus fleet, marking the first phase of a project supported by The Mobility House and partners including the World Resources Institute and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). This system uses six bidirectional chargers managed by The Mobility House’s ChargePilot® platform, which optimizes charging schedules and enables the buses to discharge energy back to the grid during PG&E’s Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP). This approach not only supports grid resilience during peak demand events but also helps the district reduce charging costs and improve operational efficiency. The V2G technology leverages the large batteries and predictable schedules of electric school buses to provide clean, reliable energy to the community while maintaining vehicle readiness for daily routes. The project, funded by the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program, exemplifies innovation in clean energy and electrified transportation. The Mobility House continues to expand its V2G and vehicle-grid
energyelectric-vehiclesvehicle-to-gridV2Gsmart-charginggrid-resilienceclean-energyCleanTechnica Exclusive: Interview With Andy Karetsky, CEO of Skycharger - CleanTechnica
Skycharger, a leading developer of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, recently secured a lease to build a 24-port ultra-fast charging hub at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Featuring 400 kW chargers designed to rapidly power large batteries, the hub aims to reduce driver wait times at one of the busiest airports in the U.S. This project supports California’s broader efforts to electrify transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly targeting ride-hailing services under the state's Clean Miles Standard Program. Over its first decade, the hub is projected to avoid more than 200,000 tons of CO₂ emissions, aligning with SFO’s net-zero carbon goals. Additionally, Skycharger is expanding its footprint with a $10 million California Energy Commission grant to develop a 70-port electric truck charging hub at the Port of San Diego. In an exclusive interview with CleanTechnica, Skycharger CEO Andy Karetsky emphasized the company’s focus on practical, customer-centric innovations that enhance the real-world
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-charging-infrastructurerenewable-energyvehicle-to-gridfleet-electrificationsustainable-transportationLarge-Scale V2G Systems Coming To Utrecht & Sweden - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the implementation and challenges of large-scale vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, focusing on recent developments in Utrecht, Netherlands, and plans in Sweden. V2G technology enables electric vehicles (EVs) to both draw electricity from and feed electricity back into the grid, effectively turning EV batteries into distributed energy storage. This system can help balance renewable energy supply fluctuations without utilities needing to install dedicated grid-scale batteries, while EV owners receive compensation. However, managing V2G is complex due to the need for coordination among diverse stakeholders—drivers, renewable energy suppliers, charging networks, and utilities—and the variability in EV models, battery management systems, and renewable energy availability. Utrecht has become Europe’s first city to implement a large-scale V2G system, called “Utrecht Energized,” through a collaboration involving Renault Group, We Drive Solar, and the carsharing service MyWheels. The initiative has installed 50 bidirectional chargers and integrated 50 Renault 5 E-Tech
energyvehicle-to-gridelectric-vehiclesrenewable-energysmart-gridbidirectional-chargingbattery-storageThe All-New Nissan LEAF Maximizes the EV Experience with Lifestyle Enhancing Tech - CleanTechnica
The all-new third-generation Nissan LEAF, unveiled in June 2025, introduces advanced technology designed to enhance the electric vehicle (EV) ownership experience and support everyday driving. A key feature is its intelligent route planner integrated with Google Automotive Services, which helps alleviate range anxiety by easily locating charging stations along routes. The LEAF also offers rapid charging capabilities, adding up to 250 km of range in just 14 minutes under optimal conditions, and supports North American Charging Standard (NACS) with Plug and Charge functionality in the U.S., streamlining the charging process. Beyond convenience, the LEAF incorporates smart battery management that adjusts cooling based on route conditions to optimize energy use, especially during demanding drives or fast charging in hot weather. It also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) connections, enabling owners to power devices up to 1500 watts for outdoor activities, and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality in markets like Japan, allowing the vehicle to supply electricity back to
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-chargingbattery-technologyvehicle-to-gridrenewable-energysmart-chargingNew EV charging platform enhances vehicle-grid communication in US
EV-chargingvehicle-to-gridelectric-mobilityenergy-distributionsmart-chargersclean-technologybidirectional-charging