Living with an EV · 4 min read
What is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)?
Your EV spends most of its life parked. V2G lets that idle battery help power the grid — and potentially earn you money.
Could your parked EV help power the grid?
Electric vehicles spend most of their time parked. Vehicle-to-Grid technology aims to use some of that unused battery capacity to support homes and the wider electricity network.
A simple analogy
Imagine your EV battery is like a water tank. Normally, water only flows into the tank. V2G allows water to flow both ways — storing energy when available and releasing it when needed.
How does V2G work?
With compatible technology, electricity can flow both from the grid to your car and from your car back to the grid.
- ✓Supporting electricity demand at peak times
- ✓Helping balance the grid as more renewables come online
- ✓Potentially earning money through future energy schemes
Is V2G available today?
The technology exists, but widespread adoption requires compatible vehicles, compatible chargers, and energy suppliers offering V2G services. It is still relatively early days in the UK.
Did you know?
A typical EV battery can store enough electricity to power many household appliances for several hours.
Carautonomy tip
Your EV could become more than transport. In the future, it may become part of your home's energy system.