A new service has been revealed that will allow electric vehicles owners to sell energy back to the UK’s electricity grid.
Created by DriveElectric, a provider of leased low-emission vehicles, the Vehicle to Grid service allows users to send energy from their vehicle’s batteries back to the power grid.
To use the service, a ‘V2G’ charger will be needed — costing between £8,000 and £9,500.
In return, those who provide electricity will be reimbursed. Earnings are estimated to be between £300 and £800 annually, depending on contribution levels.
EVs explained- What’s the difference between a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV? https://t.co/Z9ZCvnkQAf#WednesdayWisdom #EV #hybrid pic.twitter.com/CP3cBb8By0
— DriveElectric (@DriveElectricUK) September 20, 2017
That means the charger could take about 10 years to pay for itself, though DriveElectric notes “demand is likely to grow substantially due to more renewable generation”.
The system works by sending power delivered through a V2G charger to DriveElectric’s ‘CrowdCharge’ platform, which from there goes to the national grid. The platform was developed in conjunction with the University of Reading.
It’s hoped that this service will lead to less reliance on non-renewable energy sources during peak power demand times when it launches in Autumn 2018.
Mike Potter, managing director at DriveElectric, said: “It’s the first time this has ever been done in the UK.
“By enabling customers to sell energy back to the grid, becoming fully fledged and active participants in the UK energy market, we’re providing a financial incentive to choose the sustainable option.”
Similar projects have been discussed before. Honda first demonstrated the technology in 2013, while Nissan announced plans to launch a V2G service in 2016.
