Study to explore if EVs can power homes

Dr Tracy Ross, of the School of Design and Creative Arts, is part of the ‘Vehicle to Energy Communities’ (VECTORS) project, funded by Innovate UK, that is exploring how energy from EV batteries could be pushed back to the power grid through ‘bi-directional’ charging.

The project will also explore if drivers could use this type of charging to store excess energy produced by solar panels on their home in their EV batteries.

This could lead to further energy being passed back to the grid and provide consumers with individual and community-based money-saving incentives.

Many research projects have focused on vehicle-to-grid (V2G) concepts, but the VECTORS project – led by British smart-tech company SMPnet – looks to expand the potential of bi-directional charging technologies through a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) approach, with a specific focus on the domestic setting.

V2X technology aims to use data communication, optimisation, and control technology to charge the EV battery when electricity demand is low, and release power back to the grid when the demand is high.

Innovative ideas such as this can only be successful in the market if they take into account end-user needs.

Dr Ross, an expert in people-centred design of transport service innovations, is leading the VECTORS research strand focused on consumer engagement and is speaking directly with homeowners to better understand their requirements.

She commented: “The vehicle-to-home concept that VECTORS is working on would make the most of electric vehicles by seeing them as ‘floating batteries’.

“As it is such a new concept for people to understand, it is crucial to gain homeowners views at an early stage so that the final system is designed to meet their needs, eradicate any concerns, and ensure they get the best experience out of it.

“The wider societal benefits of balancing the grid and making more use of renewable sources won’t be achieved if uptake is low.”

Dr Ross added: “It is exciting to be involved in such future-looking concepts. End-users’ experiences are the driving force behind our research and our role is to understand these and translate them for the technical partners so that users are at the heart of system development.”

The project ends in August 2023. The consortium partners are SMPnet (lead), EDF Energy R&D Centre, Loughborough University, Oxfordshire County Council, Urbanomy UK and dcbel.

Anastasios Rousis, SMPnet CEO, said: “Unlocking and expanding the flexibility potential of electric vehicles (EVs) using bi-directional charging solutions could offer significant possibilities for the role of EVs in the decarbonisation of the UK energy system.

“VECTORS is a highly innovative, collaborative research project bringing together world-class expertise across technology, market design, local government, EV manufacture and academic research.

“Given the exciting potential the project offers, we are delighted to be leading the research and look forward to delivering meaningful results as we proceed.”