“EVs have the potential to produce the exact same grid services as stationary storage systems for fleets or residential customers,” she said. “This is a great way for customers to provide valuable services to the grid while gaining revenue.”
V2G, Cumming pointed out, can lower or eliminate the cost to utilities of infrastructure upgrades, leading to reductions in electricity rates.
“Let’s call [utilities] electrification facilitators,” said Ben Clarin, a senior principal in electric transportation at Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). He explained that utilities essentially have two jobs: keep rates low and keep the grid reliable. This is done by managing peaks through V2G activities and active charging management, he said.