Vehicle to grid technology innovations at EVS32

In this field, Vehicle-to Grid (V2G), which is currently being tested all over the world, is the most advanced technology. We take a closer look at this technology, which could accelerate the development of electric mobility. 

EVS32 is an event for the international electric mobility industry. Each Electric Vehicle Symposium brings together all the market's players and this year's event, EVS32, will take place in Lyon, which is home to many innovative companies in the sector. 

EVS32 will provide an opportunity to raise awareness about the key challenges that lie ahead concerning the use renewable energies and present the main innovations in the sector and their state of maturity, thanks to the presence of major manufacturers and public authorities. 

One of the key topics that everyone is talking about is V2G technology, already being tested by the Renault Group on fifteen of its prototype electric cars throughout Europe and by EDF, which has created a specific subsidiary working with a few pilot customers. This technology - which is being increasingly developed around the world, will be explained in detail at the Congress.

Until now, electric vehicles have had a battery with a one-way (uni-directional) charging system: G2V, or Grid To Vehicle. However, V2G is an even more efficient solution: in addition to just charging, it allows the energy stored in a vehicle's battery to be re-injected into the power grid.

"This two-way, reversible charging process makes it possible to modulate the charging and discharging of the vehicle's battery, according to the user's needs and the electricity supply available on the grid," explained Yasmine Assef, Director of the New Business Energy Programme, Renault Group.

In addition to the ‘conventional’ charging of a vehicle's battery, V2G makes it possible to inject electricity into the grid to meet requirements during peak consumption periods. The energy stored can also be used for the local needs of a house (V2H, Vehicle To Home) or even an entire building (V2B, Vehicle To Building). 

Hervé Rivoalen, Director of Strategic Marketing and Smart Charging at EDF, explained: “This smart charging system makes it possible to adapt an electric vehicle's battery charge to the constraints of the power grid as well as to other domestic needs, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, cooking or hot water. In addition, V2G is an excellent way of promoting low-carbon electricity produced by local renewable energies.”

Electric vehicles therefore become energy-storage buffer units, making it possible to better manage electricity requirements, especially at times when consumption is highest.

Since customers consume more economical, greener electricity by using their vehicles' batteries, they can also expect to reap certain economic benefits when they make the energy stored in their battery available to the grid. 

As regards managing supply while taking into account the needs of the battery owner, this aspect is also controlled to ensure that users can use their vehicle whenever they want, with total peace of mind.

"Vehicle owners who use this system declare their mobility requirements using an application. We guarantee their vehicle is charged for their personal needs and use algorithms to optimise battery use when the vehicle is parked and connected," added Rivoalen. 

While still in the test phase in some countries, the technology has already been launched by the Renault Group and EDF.

"A fleet of 15 bi-directional charging ZOEs will be deployed in Europe in 2019 to develop the Group's future two-way charging offers and prepare the market standards, with the help of its partners," said Renault group's Yasmine Assef. 

For its part, EDF explains that, for its business and local-authority customers: “We are now able to offer this system on models of V2G-compatible vehicles in France, the United Kingdom and Belgium,” thanks to its new subsidiary, whose name will be officially announced at EVS32.

The development of electric vehicles will reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector. This will help achieve the objectives set at the COP in Paris. 

If batteries are equipped with this two-way technology. "Using V2G would make it possible to lower ‘fuel’ costs even more for users and increase the proportion of renewable energies in the electricity mix," continued Rivoalen.

One of the remaining obstacles is the cost of this type of installation (between €5,000 and €10,000 for a bi-directional station) compared with €1,000 for a uni-directional station. This is why Renault has developed an embedded technology that only requires carrying out a simple modification to existing charging stations, at a reasonable cost.

Yasmine Assef, Renault Group, finished: "Two-way charging is being tested in several projects (electrical ecosystems or mobility services), across seven countries in collaboration with various partners, in order to prepare the Renault Group's future offer. The objective is twofold: firstly, to assess feasibility on a large scale and secondly to quantify the potential gains.”