Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology could provide 38GW of flexible capacity to the grid by 2030 according to Octopus Energy, which is calling for drivers to sign up to the Powerloop V2G consortium launched earlier this week.
Having been awarded over £3 million by Innovate UK from a government funded competition in January, Powerloop brings together Octopus Electric Vehicles, Chargepoint Services, UK Power Networks, Open Energi, Navigant Consulting and the Energy Saving Trust, led by Octopus Energy.
Speaking this week of the potential for V2G in the UK’s future energy system, transport minister Jesse Norman said: “As the number of electric vehicles grows and their battery capabilities increase, there is a huge opportunity for them to make a significant contribution to a smart grid. These projects are at the cutting edge of their field.
“Just like the visionary designs of Brunel and Stephenson in transport, they could revolutionise the ways in which we store and manage electricity, both now and in the future.”
Powerloop sets out to find out how effective EVs are as a grid balancing mechanism in the face of rising numbers of EVs on UK roads; how drivers would like to interact with their EV charging system; and the technology to make it all possible.
Using National Grid’s estimates of up to 11 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, Octopus Energy suggests that if even half of those use V2G to power households during peak rather than draw from the grid, an additional 38GW of electricity supply becomes available.
To this end, the Octopus Powerloop bundle has been launched to entice drivers into delivering V2G capacity. Under the deal, which is only available to those within UKPN, they will gain:
- Lease agreement of a new Nissan Leaf
- A free V2G compatible charger
- 100% renewable energy for home and car
- A smart meter
- An app to control the cars charging profile, and minimum battery charge required
- Access to a dedicated Powerloop customer support line
- Up to £30 off their lease every month
Fiona Howarth, chief executive of Octopus Electric Vehicles, said: “Octopus Electric Vehicles and Octopus Energy is delighted to open the doors for registrations and help us unlock the potential stored in Electric Vehicles, and build the smart-grid of the future by delivering Vehicle to Grid to hundreds of households in the UK. We’re delighted to be working with this consortium of visionary companies, and proud to be backed by Innovate UK.”
