Thanks to V2G (for “Vehicle-to-Grid”), another use of the electric car is now possible. This function allows a vehicle to inject energy stored in its battery into the network and to support it during consumption peaks. What are the V2G compatible cars in Europe? Why invest in this technology? The point.
V2G compatible cars: the list
More and more manufacturers are integrating this technology into their electric cars. At present, Vehicles compatible with V2G are:
- the Citroën C0 (after 2017);
- the Peugeot iOn (after 2017);
- the Citroën C0 (after 2017).
Other vehicles are V2G compatible, but only in Chademo. These include:
- the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (hybrid);
- the Mitsubishi iMiEV;
- the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV;
- the Nissan Leaf;
- the Nissan e-NV200.
This Japanese fast-charging technology is on the verge of extinction for two reasons. On the one hand, V2G is losing its interest in fast charging. To be interesting, this function is especially suitable for a vehicle that is stationary for several hours. On the other hand, Europe has defined the Combo CCS as a fast charging standard, to the detriment of Chademo.
What is V2G for in concrete terms?
Like a portable battery that allows you to recharge your phone from anywhere, the battery in a V2G car can return some of its energy to an electrical network. But why is it so important? Here are the benefits of this technology.
For the electrical network
On an electrical network, production must be constantly balanced with consumption. In fast charging, the maximum charging power of an electric car is 100 times the power of a vehicle charging at 3.5 kW on a domestic outlet.
The deployment of electric cars brings new challenges. In the future, charging may cause power spikes in the electrical network. Solutions such as V2G make it possible to rebalance it without erasing electricity consumption.
A million cars sending 1 kW onto the grid is roughly equivalent to the power of a nuclear reactor. By making it possible to send large quantities of energy to the network, V2G makes it possible to create a kind of virtual power plant. With the recent supply problems, this solution is all the more interesting.
For individuals
To better understand the benefits of V2G, here is a common scenario: to get around, a driver uses energy stored in the battery of his electric car. If the energy still contains energy at home, he can use it to power the electronic devices in his home. During the night, the battery is recharged when electricity rates are at their lowest.
For businesses
If individuals have contracts with fixed rates (peak hours, off-peak hours), businesses can take out contracts allowing them to buy electricity instantly. They pay per kWh at a given time, which varies according to demand. As a result, there are no fixed electricity rates. In this way, kWh can be resold more or less expensive depending on market tension. On wholesale markets, MWh can reach up to €1,000.
By supplying electricity to the grid, it is possible to reimburse part of its consumption. For this to be profitable, electricity must be distributed at the best time.
Also to read: When the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) electric car powers your grid
How do I charge a V2G vehicle?
To charge a V2G electric car, you must have a compatible charging station. Indeed, a “conventional” terminal can only inject electricity in one direction (from the charging point to the car).
Smart and connected, the wallbox Qovoltis is equipped with an electric meter bidirectional compatible with V2G technology. It allows you to control the charging of your vehicle in real time while minimizing its impact on the electrical network. Our charging station integrates network rebalancing functions to:
- single-family homes;
- condominiums;
- businesses;
- public or private car parks.
Are you an individual ready to benefit from the V2H? The Qovoltis wallbox assesses your household's consumption in real time. It then adapts the charging power of your vehicle according to the remaining power available. Thanks to the Qometer installed in the electrical panel, your home network is never overloaded. Any risk of disjunction is thus avoided!
Sources: EDF, New energy.
