New project tests AC workplace charging to cut energy costs.

A groundbreaking project is currently underway, paving the way for the future of vehicle-to-grid workplace charging using innovative AC technology. The V2VNY project aims to revolutionise energy usage by exploring the effectiveness of reducing carbon emissions and cutting energy costs through the use of AC (alternating current) V2G chargers.

The installation of the first V2G chargers marks the commencement of the V2VNY trial, which is set to showcase how fleet owners, businesses, and EV drivers can save money while significantly reducing the strain on the electricity grid during peak times.

Vehicle-to-grid charging allows electric vehicles to draw power from the grid and return excess electricity. By charging EVs during off-peak hours and redistributing electricity back to the grid during peak times, users can enjoy substantial savings on energy costs.

Moreover, the V2VNY project is not limited to vehicle-to-grid charging alone. It also explores transferring energy from EVs to buildings and other vehicles as part of the innovative V2X (vehicle-to-everything) concept.

In the past, V2G technology was only viable with EVs equipped with CHAdeMO (DC) charging technology, such as the Nissan Leaf. However, with the widespread adoption of CCS (DC) charging technology in most modern EVs, standards are being developed to enable CCS compatibility with V2G systems by 2025.

What sets the V2VNY trial apart is its use of AC bi-directional charging technology, allowing the charger to synchronise with the grid seamlessly. The AC solution is not only more efficient at lower power levels but also more cost-effective for workplace and domestic V2G applications, making chargers more accessible to a broader audience.

Industry experts view V2G as a crucial method for storing renewable energy and redistributing it to the grid during peak periods, reducing the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels and accelerating the country’s transition to a net-zero future.

With over one million electric vehicles currently on UK roads and this number steadily increasing, these EVs represent a growing fleet of mobile battery storage units, poised to transform energy consumption patterns.

The V2VNY project, spearheaded by Hangar 19 in collaboration with CrowdCharge and DriveElectric, aims to leverage the untapped potential of electric vehicle batteries. CrowdCharge brings years of experience in implementing V2G solutions in homes, yielding impressive results.

Partners in the project include Electric Corby, Oxfordshire County Council, Grid Beyond, and JLR, which is providing prototype electric vehicles for the trial. Participating fleets receive a complimentary V2G EV charger, compatible with electric vehicles featuring AC V2X technology like the Genesis GV60, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, Kia EV6 and EV9, as well as MG4 and MG5, among others.

Mike Potter, CEO of CrowdCharge, emphasised the vast potential of utilizing electric vehicles as a significant battery storage resource, stating, “This project will trial how the latest EVs can be used as mini power plants to benefit businesses, electricity operators, and the country as a whole.”

The V2VNY Phase 2 project, a part of the V2X Innovation Programme, is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and delivered by Innovate UK. This initiative is made possible through the up to £65m Flexibility Innovation Programme, a part of the £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio.

For further information on this groundbreaking project, visit the link provided here.