V2GB – Vehicle to Grid Britain

"There is increasing concern as to whether electricity infrastructures, from generation to distribution, will be able to support the widespread deployment of electric vehicles. EV charging loads are unprecedented, and early UK trials showed that widespread _uncontrolled_ EV charging could double peak loads on distribution networks (CLNR). As more car companies announce plans to focus on EV drivetrains, the ramping up of this charging load could be very rapid indeed, challenging the stability and security of the electricity grid. This could require costly upgrades to networks, that will ultimately be passed on to customers and could become a roadblock for selling EVs.

Controllable/dispatchable charging is an important first step but there are far greater market opportunities available if the full potential of the EV fleet is realised via Vehicle to Grid technology. The energy storage capacity of a future EV fleet would represent an energy asset of national significance. Studies by partners on this project have shown how EVs can stabilise grids, delay infrastructure investments, increase the deployment of variable Renewable Energy technologies on grids, reduce curtailment, lower grid carbon emissions, and provide low cost energy for driving, all without interrupting the service provided to the driver. The system flexibility provided by Vehicle to Grid (V2G) is vital to achieving these outcomes.

As of today, there remain significant gaps in knowledge on potential V2G markets and revenue streams, competition with other technologies, driver behaviour and response to V2G, and commercial arrangements and legislative constraints. This feasibility study will address these knowledge gaps by:

- Provide much needed insights on V2G markets and revenues longer term --focussing on derisking the sector by identifying the drivers for future markets (such as the deployment of Renewable energy technologies and reduction in grid inertia) and value (including competition from other sources of flexibility)

- Deep dive to identify and derisk the early market opportunities which provide nascent V2G sector the opportunity to learn by doing while generating sustainable revenues.

- A critical review of configurations of value chains and business models to identify those which perform well across dimensions including policy and regulation; market structures, and customer benefit.

- Show how a sustainable V2G sector can sustainably build up from early demonstration projects to playing a vital role as a flexibility provider in a more efficient and decarbonised energy system."