Shifting into V2G: How 2024 turned the EV into a power plant

2024 has been notable for the power sector in many ways. One particularly noteworthy trend is how the electric vehicle went from a passive electric asset into a grid-stabilising 'power plant'.

Here's five ways vehicle-to-grid (V2G) made leaps in the year of 2024:

Utrecht to launch first large-scale V2G car-sharing service in Europe

In November, Renault Group, We Drive Solar, MyWheels and the Dutch City of Utrecht joined forces to launch the first large-scale car-sharing service in Europe that utilises V2G tech.

The initiative aims to facilitate the large-scale availability of electric shared mobility while offering an innovative way to balance the city’s electric grid through bi-directional charging technology.

Automaker majors launch ChargeScape: A V2G-focused joint venture

BMW, Ford and Honda in September began operations of ChargeScape, a joint venture focused on the integration of EVs into the power grid in the US.

ChargeScape’s software technology wirelessly connects to EVs and, working with participating utilities, manages the flow of electrons in line with real-time grid conditions.

State Grid Jiangsu tests bus-based V2G as policy pushes integration

China's State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power in August launched a V2G interaction test with local bus operators to pool more resources for the flexible operation of the power grid.

The test, conducted in collaboration with local bus operators, saw V2G conducted in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, to pool more resources for the flexible operation of the power grid.

V2G backs up Australia’s grid during extreme weather emergency

In July, the Australian Naitonal University released research showing that, during a major storm in Victoria, a fleet of EVs was able to feed power back into the grid via a V2G system.

According to Dr Bjorn Sturmberg (pictured right), a senior research fellow with ANU, it’s the first time in the world this type of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) response to an emergency has been demonstrated.

Octopus Energy launches first V2G tariff in the UK

Octopus Energy in February launched the UK’s first mass-market V2G tariff, called Octopus Power Pack. The tariff uses V2G technology and Octopus Energy’s tech platform Kraken to balance charging and discharging when it’s best for the grid.

According to the company, the tariff works as a bolt-on that separates charging from the rest of the home and runs alongside each customer’s regular import tariff. Customers can also stack the benefits of payments for solar generation on top of this.