Princeton, N.J. and Newark, Del.: NRG Energy, Inc., together with the University of Delaware announced development of a system to will enable electric vehicle (EV) owners to sell electric storage services from the batteries of parked EVs to help stabilize the electricity grid. A company, eV2gSM, has been formed to commercialize the technology.
“As more electric vehicles hit the road and charging stations—such as those provided by NRG’s eVgoSM network in Texas—continue to proliferate, EV-to-grid technology is the next logical step in the electrification of our transportation network,” said Denise Wilson, President of NRG’s Alternative Energy Services. “Working in partnership with the University of Delaware, eV2g technology will for the first time offer a true two-way interface between EVs and the electric grid, resulting in cost savings to EV fleet operators and eventually other EV owners and consumers, and cleaner and more reliable electricity for everybody. It’s one more way EV owners can commit to a sustainable energy future and get paid for it at the same time.”
eV2g’s technology would allow EV owners to sell power from battery storage back to the electric grid while the EV is plugged in—at no risk or inconvenience to daily driving needs. The program will initially help EV fleet managers to get connected with eV2g, then individual EV owners in the future. Once enrolled and plugged in, eV2g allows EVs to communicate with the grid and lets grid operators take power from connected EVs during peak usage periods. EV owners can schedule in advance any times their vehicles need more charging than usual, as for a unusually long trip, and what minimum level of charge they want to maintain at all times. eV2g collects payment from the grid operator and pays EV owners for making their vehicles available.