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https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1121467
INTRO: Electric vehicles (EVs) could do more for our environment than simply replace gasoline. Publishing in the Cell Press journal Joule on April 2, a new assessment of EV charging strategies suggests that EVs could serve as a vast network of mobile batteries, storing excess energy and feeding it back into the grid when demand surges. This approach could ease grid strain, cut emissions, and create revenue—but only if gradually paired with timely grid upgrades.
“People have debated whether electric vehicles are truly green and sustainable because much of our electricity still comes from fossil fuels,” says senior author and energy engineer Ziyou Song of the University of Michigan. “At the same time, the grid is struggling to absorb intermittent and unpredictable renewable energy sources like solar and wind.”
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology—software that allows charging stations to communicate with the grid—bridges both challenges, allowing EVs to both draw power and send it back when needed. This two-way energy flow contrasts with current charging systems, where electricity flows only from the grid to the vehicle. However, critics question the feasibility of large-scale V2G deployment and the high upfront costs of the necessary infrastructure.
To assess the real-world potential of V2G, researchers examined the San Francisco Bay Area under different grid scenarios. They projected EV ownership and solar energy adoption, mapped when and where vehicles would charge, and evaluated the cost-effectiveness of upgrading the grid proactively versus in phases.
“I was surprised by the results,” says Song. “The optimal solution is to upgrade the power system as soon as possible.” (MORE - details)
INTRO: Electric vehicles (EVs) could do more for our environment than simply replace gasoline. Publishing in the Cell Press journal Joule on April 2, a new assessment of EV charging strategies suggests that EVs could serve as a vast network of mobile batteries, storing excess energy and feeding it back into the grid when demand surges. This approach could ease grid strain, cut emissions, and create revenue—but only if gradually paired with timely grid upgrades.
“People have debated whether electric vehicles are truly green and sustainable because much of our electricity still comes from fossil fuels,” says senior author and energy engineer Ziyou Song of the University of Michigan. “At the same time, the grid is struggling to absorb intermittent and unpredictable renewable energy sources like solar and wind.”
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology—software that allows charging stations to communicate with the grid—bridges both challenges, allowing EVs to both draw power and send it back when needed. This two-way energy flow contrasts with current charging systems, where electricity flows only from the grid to the vehicle. However, critics question the feasibility of large-scale V2G deployment and the high upfront costs of the necessary infrastructure.
To assess the real-world potential of V2G, researchers examined the San Francisco Bay Area under different grid scenarios. They projected EV ownership and solar energy adoption, mapped when and where vehicles would charge, and evaluated the cost-effectiveness of upgrading the grid proactively versus in phases.
“I was surprised by the results,” says Song. “The optimal solution is to upgrade the power system as soon as possible.” (MORE - details)