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A new vehicle-to-grid (V2G) electric vehicle (EV) charging trial is underway, utilizing cost-effective AC technology to explore its potential for reducing carbon emissions and energy costs. The V2VNY project aims to make V2G more accessible by replacing conventional direct current (DC) chargers with alternating current (AC) chargers, which are less expensive and more efficient at lower power levels. The trial could accelerate the UK’s transition to net-zero emissions.
Key Highlights
- AC V2G chargers are more affordable compared to DC alternatives.
- V2VNY project focuses on reducing emissions and energy costs through vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) charging.
- Fleet owners and EV drivers can save money by using AC chargers during low-cost electricity periods and sending energy back during peak times.
- The trial is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and runs through March 2025.
The V2VNY project is testing how AC V2G charging technology can provide a commercially viable solution for workplace and domestic settings. This new approach allows electric vehicles to both receive and supply energy, providing a potential way for fleet owners and businesses to lower energy costs by charging during off-peak hours and sending electricity back to the grid at peak times when energy prices are higher.
The project is also examining V2X charging, which allows energy from EVs to be used to power buildings or other vehicles, expanding the versatility of electric vehicles as part of an energy network. This is seen as an important step in utilizing the growing number of EVs—over one million in the UK—to support the national grid and facilitate renewable energy storage.
Until recently, V2G charging was only possible with vehicles using CHAdeMO DC technology, such as the Nissan LEAF. However, most newer EVs use CCS technology, which will soon support V2G. The V2VNY trial uses AC bi-directional charging, which is more suitable for low-power applications and offers significant cost advantages.
The V2VNY trial provides participants with free AC V2G chargers, which they can keep after the project concludes. The trial is open to participants with compatible vehicles that support AC V2X technology. The project is being led by Hangar 19, in partnership with CrowdCharge, DriveElectric, Electric Corby, Oxfordshire County Council, Grid Beyond, and JLR, who are supplying prototype electric vehicles.
Mike Potter, CEO of CrowdCharge, commented: “The UK has a huge and largely untapped battery storage capability in the form of over one million electric vehicles that spend most of their time parked up. Using this resource can help reduce the load on electricity networks at peak times, as well as lowering costs and carbon.”
The V2VNY Phase 2 project is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), delivered by Innovate UK as part of the V2X Innovation Programme. The trial began in September 2024 and will run until March 2025.
For more information, visit: CrowdCharge V2VNY Project.
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