V2G: Vehicle-to-Grid

Bi-directional power interfaces are finally maturing and getting standardized. On a personal device level this has been possible thanks to USB-C ports supporting USB-PD (Power Delivery) technology. I can use my phone to charge my earbuds. Newer phones can do this even without cables, offering reverse wireless charging.

The thing with energy is that there are times when it is fully abundant (a phone at home) and there are times when it is very scarce (a long hike-through trip). And it is very similar on the grid level. Thanks to wind and photovoltaic power there are times when we almost don't need any traditional power plants. But then there are periods (say chilly but windless winter evening) when we are hungry for any kilowatt produced by polluting coal plants.

The grid-level solution is around the corner thanks to the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies. 

In Germany Nissan has teamed up with Fraunhofer and Bosh for the pilot i-rEzEPT project. A Nissan Leaf serves as a larga capacity storage for local photovoltaic system and can give the electricity back to local home appliances or even to the grid.

The latest Hyundai Ioniq 5's 800-volt charging system does not consume electricity one way only. It too can give it back when needed thanks to V2G.

In the US Ford has equipped the F-150 Lightning with an 80A bidirectional power interface. During the Great Texas Blackout it kept many households warm and functional, but also nad go beyond emergencies to supply energy during high-price peak periods and recharge during off-peak low-price hours.

Suddenly it turns out electric vehicles (EVs) will be able to help offload stressed national energy grid systems, an effect which might initially sound counterintuitive to many. 

PS. Unfortunately Tesla, despite supposedly having the bidirectional power hardware ready, does not offer this functionality, trying to push their standalone powerwall product instead. This is really disappointing when companies prioritize their business benefits despite being able to help the Planet...