V2VNY: Advancing V2G Tech for Workplace EV Charging

Recently, the United Kingdom launched a new project called V2VNY, which mainly provides vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging for electric vehicles in the workplace, the project because of its low-cost technology is expected to expand after a successful pilot. The V2VNY project is testing the performance of AC (alternating current) V2G chargers in hopes of effectively reducing carbon emissions and energy costs. Compared with DC (direct current) chargers, this AC charger can bring more economic benefits in the workplace and home environment because of its smaller shape and lower installation cost.

According to a new report, the first chargers have been installed and put into operation, which project leaders say is a commercially viable cost saving method to reduce the load on the UK grid during peak hours.

The current power grid is actually not very efficient, because first, the cost is high, and then it is easy to cause waste. Part of the problem is caused by daily load demand fluctuations and the need to adjust the voltage and frequency of the grid. When grid demand exceeds the capacity of baseload power plants, peaking plants are put into operation because the grid itself does not have enough energy storage, and sometimes rotary backup is involved. When grid demand is low, electricity consumption is lower than the output of baseload power plants, so that unused energy is wasted. In addition, voltage and frequency regulation of the grid greatly increases the operating costs of the grid. Renewable energy systems (such as solar, wind, etc.) are being integrated into the power system in large numbers. Since the natural discontinuities of renewable energy can cause fluctuations in generation, there is an urgent need for compensation from other energy sources, such as battery energy storage systems, to smooth the natural variability of renewable energy, ensure the stability of grid frequency and suppress voltage rises caused by reverse power flows. The concept of V2G is proposed in response to the above problems, and its core idea is to use the energy storage of a large number of electric vehicles as a buffer for the grid and renewable energy. When the power grid load is too high, the electric vehicle will feed energy to the power grid. When the grid load is low, it is used to store the excess power generation of the grid to avoid waste. In this way, electric vehicle users can buy electricity from the grid when the price is low, and sell electricity to the grid when the grid price is high, so as to obtain a certain income.

In the past, V2G was mainly implemented in electric vehicles with CHAdeMO charging technology, such as the Nissan LEAF. However, with CHAdeMO about to be phased out of the market, most new electric vehicles are switching to CCS charging technology, which is also expected to support V2G by 2025.

The V2VNY project uses AC bidirectional charging technology, which synchronizes with the grid, is more efficient at low power, is more suitable for workplace or home use, and costs less.

Industry experts believe that V2G technology is an important way to store and give back renewable energy, helping to reduce the UK's reliance on fossil fuels and drive towards net zero emissions targets. With the increasing number of electric vehicles in the UK, the application prospect of V2G technology is increasingly broad.

Users participating in the V2VNY trial will receive a free V2G electric vehicle charger, which they will be able to keep after the project ends. At the same time, their fleets need to be equipped with electric vehicles that support AC V2X technology.

The project is led by Hangar 19 and carried out in partnership with CrowdCharge and DriveElectric. Among them, CrowdCharge has three years of successful experience in the home V2G field. Other partners include Electric Corby, Oxfordshire County Council, Grid Beyond and JLR, which provided the prototype electric vehicle for the trial.

The second phase of the V2VNY project is part of the V2X Innovation Programme, funded by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero Emissions (DESNZ) and implemented by Innovate UK. This innovation initiative is part of a larger flexibility innovation initiative aimed at advancing the net zero emissions goal.